Novenda Technologies, an innovator in multi-material 3D printing for dental products, has raised $6.1 million in funding to advance its manufacturing capabilities. This development highlights the growing digital transformation in the dental industry. It is estimated that billions globally face dental health issues, spurred by rising sugar consumption and health care costs. With the backing of venture capitalists, Novenda seeks to enhance manufacturing efficiency and make dental care more accessible through its innovative approach.
A 2019 inception saw Novenda Technologies bring together founders Klaas Wiertzema, Petra Doelman, and Joost Anne Veerman, responding to industry needs through extensive consultation with dental professionals. Initial installations in 2021 marked a critical phase as the company pursued successful test prints. Subsequent milestones included a proof of concept in 2023, signifying a transformative leap for multi-material printing capabilities. In comparison to other 3D printing approaches, Novenda’s technology demonstrates a streamlined production process, reducing manual assembly and enhancing precision. The company’s historical strides underscore the current potential of their funded expansion.
Is the Dental Industry Ready for Technological Change?
Novenda Technologies aims to significantly impact dental manufacturing as global oral health issues persist. The company’s solution, offering multi-material production, can potentially ease the pressure on dental labs. Development of these technologies followed rigorous market analysis and input from industry stakeholders, ensuring alignment with practitioners’ needs.
The company’s advanced platform integrates multiple materials to fabricate items like nightguards and dentures, bypassing the challenges of traditional assembly. This capability is augmented by an efficient production system, which promises to reduce dependency on scarce and expensive dental technicians.
How Will the New Fundings Be Utilized?
Novenda intends to direct its new capital into expanding their 3D printing platform’s reach to additional applications beyond current dental products. Immediate efforts are centered on scaling operations in major dental labs across Europe and the US, aiming to optimize production throughput and streamline manual processes.
Nuno Carvalho, Investment Director at KBC Focus Fund, remarked, “At KBC Focus Fund, we invest in deeptech companies that push the boundaries of innovation, and Novenda is a prime example of this. Their groundbreaking multi-material jetting technology has the potential to transform the dental industry by enabling cost-effective, high-quality production of dental products with minimal waste and post-processing.”
Understanding the need for a robust operational framework, Novenda’s CEO highlights the importance of building a dedicated team to realize the company’s mission. The emphasis is on a supportive culture fostering innovation, aiming to deliver reliable and user-friendly products.
“Having an idea for disruptive technology is just the beginning,” says CEO Wiertzema, “Realising this vision requires the right people, the right drive, and the right team spirit.”
In bridging technological advancements with market needs, Novenda is poised to redefine manufacturing standards in the dental industry. The company’s proprietary LD100 printer, requiring the exclusive use of Novenda materials, promises consistent quality and creates a sustainable revenue model. Insights suggest that if successfully implemented, such technology holds potential for broader application areas, providing cost-effective and scalable solutions across different sectors. As Novenda seeks further expansion, the broader implications of their work could herald significant operational shifts within both dental and broader manufacturing domains.
