The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is moving its National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM) into a second phase to accelerate India’s 3D printing industry. Announced as NSAM 2.0, this expansion aims to deepen India’s capabilities in additive manufacturing (AM), a digital engineering technology that builds objects layer by layer from computer-controlled designs rather than cutting them from solid material. The initiative is part of India’s broader push toward self-reliance in advanced manufacturing.
Key facts
- NSAM launched by MeitY in February 2022 as the foundational national policy
- Over 154,000 individuals trained in AM skills since NSAM launch
- 56 AM start-ups supported under the strategy
- 65 India-specific AM technologies developed to date
- Global AM machines market projected to reach USD 149 billion by 2035
- AM-electronics supply chain expected to grow from USD 18 billion to USD 112 billion
- Seven specialised Development and Deployment Centres established nationwide
- Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) receive Rs 20 lakh grants each to introduce 3D printing at school level
- ESTIC-2026 conclave scheduled for 27–29 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
What is additive manufacturing and how does it work
Additive manufacturing is a form of digital engineering that converts computer-designed models into physical objects. The process begins with a digital design created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, which is then converted into a Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file. Slicing software divides this model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers, with instructions sent to the AM machine. The machine then builds the object layer by layer, fusing successive material layers together until the final three-dimensional shape is complete. This approach differs from traditional subtractive manufacturing, which removes material from a solid block.
Additive manufacturing materials include thermoplastic polymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate and polylactic acid; metals including titanium, stainless steel and precious metals; ceramics like zirconia and alumina; and emerging biomaterials for medical applications. Over 40 different AM processes now exist at commercial or research stages.
NSAM 2.0: the next phase
NSAM 2.0 represents a scaling-up of India’s additive manufacturing ambitions. The expanded strategy prioritises accelerating intellectual property generation, integrating digital technologies across the AM network, and developing globally competitive technologies for commercialisation. It aims to make AM machines and materials more affordable through cluster development and to strengthen India’s electronics-grade AM value chain. The phase also plans to expand the AM start-up ecosystem, provide dedicated support to Indian defence applications, and launch sustainable development programmes. International cooperation through standards, joint research and technology partnerships is another focus area.
Current applications across Indian sectors
Additive manufacturing has moved beyond laboratories into critical economic sectors. In space and aerospace, IIT Madras-incubated start-up Agnikul Cosmos launched Agnibaan-SOrTeD in May 2024, featuring a single-piece, AM-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine, demonstrating how AM enables complex indigenous hardware development. The Indian Army inaugurated its first AM-printed two-story dwelling unit in Ahmedabad in just 12 weeks and has since extended the technology to precast defences in operational areas including Ladakh. In healthcare, start-ups like OsteoForge are developing silk-based implants, while the Technology Development Board supports AM-printed bone grafts using indigenous bioceramic materials customised to patient anatomy. India’s network of AM centres is building indigenous electronics-grade manufacturing capacity, with successful demonstrations of AM-printed batteries, antennas, varistors and capacitors. The Indian Institute of Science has demonstrated a globally first Photonic Integrated Circuit using AM printing. For construction, the Kelvin 6K Pro on-site 3D printer has built 2,500 square foot homes in under 30 days using low-carbon geopolymer material, with potential for 30 percent lower material and logistics costs and 90 percent lower emissions compared with cement-based construction.
Original NSAM targets and progress
The 2022 strategy set time-bound national targets aligned with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. NSAM aims to capture 5 percent of the global additive manufacturing market and add nearly one billion US dollars to India’s GDP. It targets developing 50 India-specific AM technologies, nurturing 100 new AM start-ups, developing 500 new products, training one lakh skilled workers, and building AM capabilities across 10 existing and emerging manufacturing sectors. Progress over four years shows 154,000 individuals trained, 56 start-ups supported, and 65 India-specific technologies developed across materials, machines, design software and printed products.
Building AM skills from school level
The Government is nurturing 3D printing capabilities through Atal Tinkering Labs, which serve students from Grade VI to Grade XII. Each ATL receives a Rs 20 lakh grant to establish innovation workspaces of 1,200–1,500 square feet equipped with 3D printers, robotics kits and Internet of Things devices. This early exposure aims to build India’s future AM workforce from the classroom.
National platforms for coordination
The National Additive Manufacturing Symposium (NAMS), organised by MeitY, serves as a coordinating platform bringing together policymakers, scientists, industry, start-ups and academia. The second edition held on 13 March 2026 in New Delhi included memorandums of understanding for ecosystem partnerships, new product launches and panel discussions on NSAM 2.0, defence adoption and MeitY-supported research centres. ESTIC-2026, the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave, will be held from 27–29 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to advance emerging technology frontiers including additive manufacturing and catalyse strategic collaborations for India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
What this means for you
For students and job seekers, expanded AM training opportunities and growing start-up support suggest emerging career pathways in a high-growth sector. For defence personnel and construction workers, AM adoption may change work practices and safety protocols. For healthcare patients, indigenous AM-printed implants and customised bone grafts could reduce costs and improve treatment. For manufacturers and entrepreneurs, NSAM 2.0 offers financing, technology access and sectoral support for AM-based businesses. For those in aerospace and electronics, indigenous AM capabilities reduce dependence on imports.