US computer-aided design technology group Autodesk has signed an agreement with the Dubai Future Foundation to support a $100m 3D printing investment fund.

The investment fund, which Autodesk calls Spark, aims to catalyse innovation and accelerate 3D printing start-ups globally including in the Middle East region.

Start-ups and businesses who qualify for the fund will be also granted access to Autodesk’s marketing and software development capabilities.

The agreement aims to speed up the establishment of a regional 3D printing market, where 3D-printed products will cater to the demands of vertical sectors that include manufacturing, construction, medical and consumer products, among others.

The fund can be seen as a major victory for Dubai’s 3D-printing strategy and its vision to become a global “test bed” for innovation.

For Autodesk, the collaboration highlights its keenness to achieve early success along with start-ups who might otherwise potentially disrupt its industry.

Start-ups with limited funding and market access are given a platform by an established player like Autodesk, which in turn accelerates the pace in which it could bring new solutions to its existing and new clients globally.

Dubai meanwhile is assured of playing a key role in the development of a niche and nascent market, attracting more innovation that is related to 3D printing; while its industries and businesses will be among the first to benefit from the efficiencies created by the new technology.

As in any sector, there are risks of failing and not every start-up who qualifies for the Spark and other funds that are made available through the Dubai Future Foundation will be successful.

The Dubai Future Accelerators in itself has a fund of AED1bn ($272m) allocated for ongoing and future innovation projects and initiatives.

Paul Smith, advisor to Dubai Future Accelerators programme, says Dubai is entering the market with a very open mind, adding that it is the first time ever that a government is providing unprecedented access to such funding and initiatives.

“We are working with the most advanced companies that are eager to exploring technologies that will address problems over the next 20 years,” he said.