Addressing the limitations of current technologies
Current 3D printing methods can produce highly complex objects, but they still have limitations in demanding applications. For example, producing bioimplants with locally controlled porosity can be slow and expensive or in many cases impossible. Typically methods build objects layer by layer, not printing volumetrically also within the object. The range of biocompatible materials that can be printed is also limited.
Acouprint addresses these challenges with a new technology that uses AI-controlled ultrasound fields. It enables an entire object to be formed directly into its final shape. The method has the potential to make 3D printing more efficient across a range of industries and expand the variety of materials that can be printed. It could, for example, enable the production of patient-specific bone and cartilage implants designed to interact with the human body.
Built on decades of fundamental research
The Acouprint innovation is based on decades of ultrasound research at the Department of Physics at the University of Helsinki. The research groups have also worked closely with companies, helping to advance the technology towards commercialisation.
At the heart of Acouprint are AI-controlled ultrasound fields. The fields are precisely focused inside the printing material, where their energy melts the material at selected points. This makes it possible to produce complex and porous structures.
The key IP has been protected. The team has also demonstrated that cells can survive and proliferate in biological structures produced using Acouprint. The team is now developing the pilot device, which will be tested and further developed together with partners.
Aiming for major efficiency gains
Interviews with healthcare professionals and surgeons have identified a need for new and more efficient solutions for treating injuries. Acouprint technology has clear potential to address this need.
The technology that can be used to produce patient-specific bioimplants efficiently can also significantly reduce healthcare costs. Currently, such implants are usually made manually using the patient’s own tissue, which is a process that consumes extensively expert personnel resources.
The Acouprint team estimates that the method could improve 3D printing efficiency by more than 90%. Beyond healthcare, the solution also has potential across other industries. One possible application, for example, is the production of filters for environmental technologies.
The Acouprint team estimates that the method could improve 3D printing efficiency by more than 90%. Beyond healthcare, the solution also has potential across other industries. One possible application, for example, is the production of filters for environmental technologies.
Commercial potential – targeting the growing 3D bioprinting market
Acouprint is primarily targeting the healthcare and biotechnology markets as well as related sectors. The global 3D bioprinting market, for example,
Future plans
Acouprint has received Research to Business funding from Business Finland to support the commercialisation of the innovation. During 2027, the eight-member team aims to raise funding to begin scaling towards production phase, obtaining the necessary medical device approvals, and building partnerships to bring the technology to market. The most suitable route to market will depend on the specific sectors in which the technology is applied.
Summary
Acouprint is developing a new type of 3D printing technology that uses AI-controlled ultrasound fields to produce three-dimensional objects. The method could speed up the printing of demanding structures and enable the use of a wider range of materials. Particularly promising applications can be found in healthcare and biotechnology, where Acouprint could in the future enable the production of patient-specific bone and cartilage implants.
Join the collaboration
The University of Helsinki's commercialisation projects offer opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of industries and technology domains. We are interested in connecting with industry partners, investors, funding organisations, and potential customers to explore co-development, validation, piloting, licensing, venture creation, and other pathways to market.
Contact us
Petri Sirviö
Commercial Lead
Martin Weber
Technology Lead
Ari Salmi
Professor, Department of Physics (PI)