Norwegian start-up 3D Knitting & Technology AS has won the Newcomer Award at this year’s IDC Awards for its groundbreaking 3D knitting technology, which reduces overproduction and environmental impact. The young company received NOK 50,000 in prize money from sponsor Sparebanken Møre.

The IDC Awards honours industrial design from the region that not only creates aesthetic, functional and clear products, but that also solves real problems and contributes to a better world. The awards reward the best in industrial design, from products and graphics to buildings and engineering, and shines a spotlight on how design affects and shapes everyday life.

3D Knitting & Technology AS is a start-up company established in 2018 in picturesque Sykkylven, in Norway. The company was established with the aim to supply high technology and know-how in 3D-knitting. The company’s 3D-knit products are made without seams on Shima Seiki flat knitting-machines, offering benefits not found in any other types of garments. The company is supported by local company Amatec and shareholders such as leading furniture maker Ekornes and Flakk Management. Due to the possibilities for more sustainable production both Innovation Norway and Sparebanken Møre have granted support to the start-up company.

3D Knitting & Technology is a national centre for competence, demonstration, and training/support within 3D knitting.  Its objective is to inspire innovation and share knowledge, whilst making new technology available in such a way that it gives Norwegian companies competitive advantages. With Shima Seiki’s APEX4 design system and 3D knitting it is possible to increase efficiency and at the same time focus on the environment and sustainability.

Other winners this year’s IDC Awards were as follows:

The Sustainability Award - Exotek for the development of the Exoquad, a fully electric off-road vehicle that combines mobility with environmental and social sustainability.

International hit of the year - Glamox for its innovative lighting products that set new standards for sustainability and technology.

Team of the Year - Aidency for its interdisciplinary collaboration and impressive ability to navigate complex regulations in the healthcare sector.

Industrial Design Company of the Year - RUFO for innovative, modular solutions that set new standards for design, functionality and sustainability in equipment management.

This year's Honorary Award: - Peter Opsvik (1939-2024) recognised for his iconic Tripp Trapp chair that has shaped generations and lifted Norwegian industrial design to an international level with a focus on quality, creativity and social responsibility, and the award was received by his son Tor Opsvik who is now the head of peter opsvik as that continues his design legacy.

3dknitting.no

www.idcnorway.com