3DC selected for Korea's TIPS program for 3D-printed catalyst technology
What's the deal? South Korean startup 3DC has been selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups'Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → TIPSDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → program, a private investment-led technology startup support scheme. The company develops catalyst carriers and exhaust gas reduction modules using 3D printing-based microlattice manufacturing. It was discovered and backed by the Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center, which also recommended it as a TIPS operator.
What's the endgame? 3DC combines large-area DLP 3D printing with metal hollowing technology to build catalyst carriers with greater heat resistance and durability. Its method coats metal onto a polymer microlattice structure, then removes the inner core.
What's next? The company's first target market is exhaust gas reduction devices for emergency generators. After refining the technology, it plans to expand into industrial exhaust treatment, air purification, and water treatment.
Why now? The selection links 3DC's early-stage investment to government R&D support over the next two years, funding work on mass production and commercialisation. Notably, TIPS selection does not confirm commercial performance or completed mass production; the project remains a development and validation stage.
What they're saying: "We highly value 3DC's challenge of connecting unique laboratory technology to real industrial value," said Noh Chung-sik, chief executive officer of the Gyeongnam Creative Economy Innovation Center. The centre matched the startup with a dedicated evaluator to support business model refinement, R&D planning, and presentation coaching.
The signal: 3D printing is moving beyond prototyping into functional parts for the environment and energy sectors. By pairing additive manufacturing with metal materials, startups like 3DC are redesigning the structure and performance of catalysts used in exhaust treatment.
Read more: venturesquare.net
Image credit: David Jackmanson
