📋 Tender Overview
Grant agreement ID: 101311640
DOI
10.3030/101311640
EC signature date
9 July 2026
Start date
1 February 2027
End date
31 January 2031
Objective
TEAM aims to establish an excellence hub in vat photopolymerization 3D printing. Three major objectives are pursued: 1) to train a new generation of researchers with high scientific expertise and strong awareness of industrial and societal challenges, 2) to make significant progress in the synthesis of photoinitiators truly suited for vat photopolymerization, and 3) to explore new frontiers in materials science by developing alternative chemistries to those commonly used.
3D printing via vat photopolymerization is a Key Enabling Technology, producing high-quality objects with minimal post-processing and limited human efforts. Parts are fabricated rapidly, which may have direct applications (e.g. dental materials, cosmetics) or can be used for prototyping in visual testing, market approval or even medical research. However, the effectiveness of most photoinitiators used to prompt the photopolymerization reaction are questionable. In addition, the resins used are mainly based on acrylate chemistry, which exhibits many limitations. Finally, there is a low level of structuring within this sector at the European level, and there is a lack of high-level university training available to educate students on the scientific, industrial, and societal challenges of this field.
The TEAM project aims to tackle these challenges through 14 PhD projects focused on the next generations of photoinitiators and resins. These projects are supported by universities which are leaders in this field. TEAM benefits from the support of European companies offering the most advanced technologies in this area, some of which are unique in the world. Through a dual approach, namely concept-driven development and technology-driven development, all researchers will combine their knowledge, ambitions, and needs to develop solutions that meet both high scientific aspirations and significant industrial demands, thereby strengthening Europe’s human capital base in 3D printing research and innovation.
