Formnext Asia Shenzhen and key partners build collaborative AM ecosystem for GBA
Upcoming fair seeing strong momentum with an 80% increase in exhibitors from the additive manufacturing sector compared to last year
Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2025 is preparing for a landmark edition with a renewed emphasis on the additive manufacturing (AM) value chain. Announced at a press conference, the organiser revealed that the 2025 fair will refine its focus to better address the needs of the rapidly evolving Greater Bay Area (GBA) market. This includes a more detailed approach to key elements like equipment, materials, software, and post-processing technologies, aligning the event closely with the global Formnext brand. The refined strategy will be supported by new partner-led pavilions and content-rich fringe programming designed to serve industry professionals and stakeholders across Asia.
GBA as a global AM hub
The GBA is rapidly emerging as a global leader in AM, with a sophisticated industrial ecosystem and abundant technical talent. It is being positioned as a core growth hub not only for China but for Asia as a whole. This momentum is reflected in the sharp rise in exhibitor participation. The fair has already seen an 80 percent increase in AM exhibitors over the previous year. Leading international brands, including BLT, Farsoon, HBD, and HP, have confirmed their participation. The event is also attracting new exhibitors from France, Germany, Singapore, Spain, and the United States, complemented by buyer delegations from Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Explaining the wider vision behind the event, Mr Richard Li, Chairman of Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, stated: “China has become one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for additive manufacturing, and with its combination of sophisticated industrial infrastructure and deep pool of technical expertise, the Greater Bay Area holds a distinct advantage in leading the sector’s development. On this foundation, we have established an international platform for the industry to showcase its latest advancements, foster business connections, and exchange expert knowledge, thereby unlocking the full industrial capabilities of additive manufacturing in the region. Looking ahead, our mission is to connect global innovation with the industrial power found here, shortening the path from concept to commercial application. We are dedicated to building a more open, collaborative and innovative AM ecosystem for all of Asia.”
Guangdong Province, the heart of the GBA, plays a vital role in China’s AM sector. As of 2024, it boasts more than 400 enterprises operating within the additive manufacturing space, with a collective market value of RMB 13 billion (USD 1.8 billion). The province supports a well-structured value chain across several cities. Guangzhou leads in R&D and startup incubation, while Shenzhen focuses on AM equipment and services. Dongguan and Foshan handle large-scale production. Zhongshan, meanwhile, is advancing in the creation of custom medical devices. This distribution of expertise creates a highly integrated and scalable industrial base.
The success of Guangdong’s AM ecosystem is closely tied to government-supported public-private partnerships. Universities and research institutions are working directly with industry players, which is further bolstered by initiatives such as the provincial Laser and Additive Manufacturing Industry Cluster Action Plan. According to Liu Yihua, Chairman of the Guangdong Mechanical Engineering Society, this deliberate approach has fostered deep technological integration. As a co-organiser of the fair’s fringe events, the Society aims to promote the practical application of laser-based AM technologies through expert-led forums and dialogues.
HKPC’s role
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the fair’s newly appointed technical partner, will play a key role in the upcoming edition. It will feature a pavilion highlighting advanced materials and showcasing applications of AM across emerging sectors. A major component of HKPC’s participation is the debut of the HKPC-HP 3D Printing Technology Centre, which is notable for being the first research facility in Asia equipped with HP’s advanced polymer and metal platforms. The pavilion will provide insights into real-world applications and offer regional businesses tools to unlock new development opportunities.
HKPC is also contributing to the “China Additive Manufacturing Go-Global Special Seminar.” At this event, it will unveil “The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre,” a support hub designed to assist companies in aligning with international standards, managing IP protection, meeting regulatory requirements, and localising products for global markets. Edmond Lai, HKPC’s Chief Digital Officer and CEO for Mainland Business, emphasized that with nearly 30 years of experience in additive manufacturing, HKPC is uniquely positioned to support businesses from R&D through to commercialisation. The council’s full-chain capability strengthens Asia’s competitive edge in advanced manufacturing.
Hong Kong will also have a prominent presence at the fair, reinforcing its role as the international bridge for the GBA. With deep experience in supply chain management, global compliance, and precision engineering, Hong Kong’s firms are well-positioned to support cross-border manufacturing and innovation. These capabilities, combined with its mature trade infrastructure, make Hong Kong an essential contributor to the region’s AM development.
The Hong Kong 3D Printing Association will present a pavilion featuring technologies from over 20 member companies. In addition to product showcases, the Association will organise business-to-business matchmaking sessions, designed to connect suppliers with buyers and technology developers. Alex Ng, Vice Chairman of the association, said that the goal is to strengthen Hong Kong’s integration with the rest of the GBA and enhance its linkages to Southeast Asia. By doing so, the association aims to help local companies grow regionally and increase their international market share.
Laser-sharp focus on global AM growth
The 2nd Laser and Additive Manufacturing Forum, held during the fair, is a flagship event co-organised by the Society, its Additive Manufacturing Branch, and Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt. This forum will feature 18 in-depth presentations, covering subjects such as the industrial application of laser technologies, patent law and IP protection, strategies for entering overseas markets, and the protection of rights in international jurisdictions. These sessions will provide invaluable insight for both industry veterans and newcomers seeking to expand their footprint.
In addition to the forum, the fair’s fringe programme is tailored to key application industries within the Greater Bay Area. These include new energy vehicles, 3C electronics, footwear, tooling, and scalable 3D print farms. Each session is tailored to meet the specific needs of these sectors, offering case studies, innovation showcases, and thought leadership that can directly inform business decisions and drive technology adoption.
The broader mission of Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2025 is to create an enabling environment where regional strengths meet global ambitions. The event aspires to accelerate the commercialisation of AM technologies by bridging innovation with industrial scale. With a strategic blend of international and local expertise, Formnext Asia Shenzhen is positioned to become the leading AM platform in the region.
China’s additive manufacturing industry is projected to reach over RMB 63 billion (USD 8.8 billion) by 2025. This growth highlights the significant opportunities for manufacturers, researchers, and technology developers who are prepared to embrace change and innovation. The Greater Bay Area, with its powerful blend of infrastructure, talent, and policy support, is set to be at the forefront of this transformation.
