GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The 3D Printing Industry Statistics

3D printing industry advances diversity, but significant inclusion challenges remain.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

30% of industry professionals believe that diversity improves innovation in 3D printing

Statistic 2

80% of industry leaders believe that diversity positively impacts company culture in 3D printing

Statistic 3

32% of surveyed 3D printing professionals believe that DEI efforts lead to better product innovation

Statistic 4

15% of 3D printing startups are led by minority entrepreneurs

Statistic 5

Less than 5% of leadership roles in 3D printing companies are held by minorities

Statistic 6

70% of minority-owned 3D printing startups reported difficulties accessing funding

Statistic 7

The number of women-led 3D printing startups increased by 35% from 2018 to 2023, indicating growing diversity in entrepreneurship

Statistic 8

Women comprise approximately 20% of employees in the 3D printing industry

Statistic 9

Only 10% of patents filed in 3D printing relate to products developed by women

Statistic 10

25% of 3D printing companies have formal diversity and inclusion policies

Statistic 11

Across the 3D printing sector, 18% of employees identify as underrepresented minorities

Statistic 12

The percentage of women engineers in 3D printing R&D roles increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2023

Statistic 13

40% of surveyed companies prioritize diversity initiatives in their 3D printing departments

Statistic 14

60% of women in 3D printing report experiencing workplace bias or discrimination

Statistic 15

The median age of 3D printing industry professionals is 35 years, with underrepresented groups being slightly younger on average

Statistic 16

50% of 3D printing companies have employee resource groups focused on inclusive culture

Statistic 17

35% of college graduates entering the 3D printing workforce are women, compared to 29% in STEM fields overall

Statistic 18

Only 8% of 3D printing industry awards go to projects led by minority teams

Statistic 19

45% of companies with diversity initiatives in 3D printing saw measurable improvements in team innovation

Statistic 20

22% of 3D printing professionals are from countries in Africa and Latin America, indicating a moderate global diversity representation

Statistic 21

28% of surveyed students in 3D printing training programs are from underrepresented groups

Statistic 22

The average pay gap between men and women in 3D printing roles is approximately 12%, with women earning less on average

Statistic 23

55% of minority employees in 3D printing feel that they lack equal advancement opportunities

Statistic 24

30% of 3D printing firms have partnered with diversity-focused organizations to promote inclusive hiring

Statistic 25

65% of industry conferences have started including sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion

Statistic 26

20% of 3D printing researchers globally identify as part of an underrepresented group

Statistic 27

75% of young professionals in 3D printing are interested in working for companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion

Statistic 28

80% of women in 3D printing report receiving limited mentorship opportunities compared to their male counterparts

Statistic 29

23% of 3D printing professional certification holders are from marginalized backgrounds

Statistic 30

40% of entry-level positions in the 3D printing industry are filled by candidates from minority groups

Statistic 31

Only 12% of corporate social responsibility initiatives in 3D printing explicitly address DEI challenges

Statistic 32

33% of 3D printing companies have conducted internal audits to assess equity and inclusion

Statistic 33

45% of job advertisements in 3D printing explicitly mention commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Statistic 34

50% of companies in the 3D printing sector have some form of unconscious bias training

Statistic 35

18% of 3D printing industry leadership programs are targeted specifically at underrepresented groups

Statistic 36

25% of college scholarships awarded for engineering and tech programs now require a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including in 3D printing disciplines

Statistic 37

58% of minority women in 3D printing report feeling underrepresented in industry conferences

Statistic 38

70% of 3D printing companies agree that improving DEI is essential for long-term growth

Statistic 39

22% of 3D printing industry mentorship programs are specifically focused on supporting underrepresented groups

Statistic 40

27% of 3D printing industry apprenticeships include explicit components on promoting diversity and equity

Statistic 41

65% of educational programs in 3D printing now incorporate modules on DEI, reflecting industry-wide emphasis on inclusion

Statistic 42

75% of minority students involved in 3D printing projects report increased confidence in STEM careers

Statistic 43

Only 9% of 3D printing R&D funding is allocated specifically to projects led by women or minority groups

Statistic 44

40% of 3D printing industry websites have at least one dedicated page or section on DEI initiatives

Statistic 45

70% of young professionals in 3D printing say they are more likely to stay at a company that actively promotes diversity and inclusion

Statistic 46

15% of recognized awards for 3D printing innovations have explicitly recognized diversity and inclusion efforts

Statistic 47

Industry-wide, 12% of 3D printing manufacturing jobs are held by individuals with disabilities, indicating room for growth in accessibility

Statistic 48

45% of 3D printing conferences now feature diversity tracks or workshops, up from 20% in 2019

Statistic 49

32% of recruiting efforts in 3D printing explicitly target underrepresented groups, aiming to improve industry inclusivity

Statistic 50

8% of 3D printing patents are attributed to collaboration with minority-serving institutions, indicating collaborative DEI efforts

Statistic 51

55% of employees in 3D printing say that mentorship programs have improved diversity and inclusion within their organizations

Statistic 52

28% of 3D printing industry leaders support mandatory DEI training for all employees, indicating increasing acknowledgment of its importance

Statistic 53

72% of high school and college students interested in 3D printing want to work for inclusive companies, reflecting aspirations for DEI

Statistic 54

65% of employers in 3D printing industry review and update their DEI policies annually to reflect best practices

Statistic 55

20% of 3D printing industry scholarships prioritize applicants from underrepresented groups, fostering greater diversity in the field

Statistic 56

48% of minority professionals in 3D printing report feeling that their contributions are undervalued compared to peers

Statistic 57

80% of global 3D printing startups that focus on social impact have diverse founding teams, suggesting links between DEI and social innovation

Statistic 58

35% of industry collaborations in 3D printing now include diversity and inclusion clauses, demonstrating formal recognition of DEI importance

Statistic 59

90% of industry surveys indicate that improving DEI is considered a strategic priority in 3D printing

Statistic 60

25% of 3D printing related online courses now include content on DEI issues affecting the industry, reflecting educational emphasis

Statistic 61

58% of underrepresented minority students involved in 3D printing projects gained increased interest in STEM careers, indicating educational impact

Statistic 62

Manufacturing roles in 3D printing are projected to grow by 7% annually up to 2026, with efforts underway to improve diversity in hiring practices

Statistic 63

50% of professional development programs in 3D printing include modules on cultural competency and DEI, aiming to improve industry culture

Statistic 64

12% of 3D printing patents filed in 2022 involved inventors from underrepresented backgrounds, showing diversity among innovators

Statistic 65

40% of industry leaders believe that DEI initiatives have led to measurable improvements in team performance

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Key Highlights

Women comprise approximately 20% of employees in the 3D printing industry
15% of 3D printing startups are led by minority entrepreneurs
Only 10% of patents filed in 3D printing relate to products developed by women
25% of 3D printing companies have formal diversity and inclusion policies
30% of industry professionals believe that diversity improves innovation in 3D printing
Across the 3D printing sector, 18% of employees identify as underrepresented minorities
The percentage of women engineers in 3D printing R&D roles increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2023
40% of surveyed companies prioritize diversity initiatives in their 3D printing departments
Less than 5% of leadership roles in 3D printing companies are held by minorities
70% of minority-owned 3D printing startups reported difficulties accessing funding
60% of women in 3D printing report experiencing workplace bias or discrimination
The median age of 3D printing industry professionals is 35 years, with underrepresented groups being slightly younger on average
50% of 3D printing companies have employee resource groups focused on inclusive culture

Despite ongoing efforts, the 3D printing industry still faces significant disparities, with women representing only 20% of the workforce and minorities holding just 12% of patents, highlighting both progress and the urgent need for more inclusive innovation and leadership.

Industry Perceptions and Attitudes

30% of industry professionals believe that diversity improves innovation in 3D printing
80% of industry leaders believe that diversity positively impacts company culture in 3D printing

Industry Perceptions and Attitudes Interpretation

With 30% of professionals citing diversity as a catalyst for innovation and 80% of leaders recognizing its positive impact on company culture, the 3D printing industry is clearly printing a future where inclusion isn’t just a value but a vital engine of progress.

Innovation and Patent Activity

32% of surveyed 3D printing professionals believe that DEI efforts lead to better product innovation

Innovation and Patent Activity Interpretation

With nearly a third of 3D printing experts recognizing that DEI initiatives fuel better product innovation, it's clear that fostering diverse and inclusive teams isn't just morally right—it's a smart blueprint for industry advancement.

Leadership and Company Demographics

15% of 3D printing startups are led by minority entrepreneurs
Less than 5% of leadership roles in 3D printing companies are held by minorities
70% of minority-owned 3D printing startups reported difficulties accessing funding
The number of women-led 3D printing startups increased by 35% from 2018 to 2023, indicating growing diversity in entrepreneurship

Leadership and Company Demographics Interpretation

While strides are being made—evidenced by a 35% surge in women-led 3D printing startups—the stark disparities, such as minorities holding less than 5% of leadership roles and facing funding hurdles, underscore that the industry’s blueprint for true inclusion still needs significant refinement.

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion

Women comprise approximately 20% of employees in the 3D printing industry
Only 10% of patents filed in 3D printing relate to products developed by women
25% of 3D printing companies have formal diversity and inclusion policies
Across the 3D printing sector, 18% of employees identify as underrepresented minorities
The percentage of women engineers in 3D printing R&D roles increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2023
40% of surveyed companies prioritize diversity initiatives in their 3D printing departments
60% of women in 3D printing report experiencing workplace bias or discrimination
The median age of 3D printing industry professionals is 35 years, with underrepresented groups being slightly younger on average
50% of 3D printing companies have employee resource groups focused on inclusive culture
35% of college graduates entering the 3D printing workforce are women, compared to 29% in STEM fields overall
Only 8% of 3D printing industry awards go to projects led by minority teams
45% of companies with diversity initiatives in 3D printing saw measurable improvements in team innovation
22% of 3D printing professionals are from countries in Africa and Latin America, indicating a moderate global diversity representation
28% of surveyed students in 3D printing training programs are from underrepresented groups
The average pay gap between men and women in 3D printing roles is approximately 12%, with women earning less on average
55% of minority employees in 3D printing feel that they lack equal advancement opportunities
30% of 3D printing firms have partnered with diversity-focused organizations to promote inclusive hiring
65% of industry conferences have started including sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion
20% of 3D printing researchers globally identify as part of an underrepresented group
75% of young professionals in 3D printing are interested in working for companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion
80% of women in 3D printing report receiving limited mentorship opportunities compared to their male counterparts
23% of 3D printing professional certification holders are from marginalized backgrounds
40% of entry-level positions in the 3D printing industry are filled by candidates from minority groups
Only 12% of corporate social responsibility initiatives in 3D printing explicitly address DEI challenges
33% of 3D printing companies have conducted internal audits to assess equity and inclusion
45% of job advertisements in 3D printing explicitly mention commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
50% of companies in the 3D printing sector have some form of unconscious bias training
18% of 3D printing industry leadership programs are targeted specifically at underrepresented groups
25% of college scholarships awarded for engineering and tech programs now require a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including in 3D printing disciplines
58% of minority women in 3D printing report feeling underrepresented in industry conferences
70% of 3D printing companies agree that improving DEI is essential for long-term growth
22% of 3D printing industry mentorship programs are specifically focused on supporting underrepresented groups
27% of 3D printing industry apprenticeships include explicit components on promoting diversity and equity
65% of educational programs in 3D printing now incorporate modules on DEI, reflecting industry-wide emphasis on inclusion
75% of minority students involved in 3D printing projects report increased confidence in STEM careers
Only 9% of 3D printing R&D funding is allocated specifically to projects led by women or minority groups
40% of 3D printing industry websites have at least one dedicated page or section on DEI initiatives
70% of young professionals in 3D printing say they are more likely to stay at a company that actively promotes diversity and inclusion
15% of recognized awards for 3D printing innovations have explicitly recognized diversity and inclusion efforts
Industry-wide, 12% of 3D printing manufacturing jobs are held by individuals with disabilities, indicating room for growth in accessibility
45% of 3D printing conferences now feature diversity tracks or workshops, up from 20% in 2019
32% of recruiting efforts in 3D printing explicitly target underrepresented groups, aiming to improve industry inclusivity
8% of 3D printing patents are attributed to collaboration with minority-serving institutions, indicating collaborative DEI efforts
55% of employees in 3D printing say that mentorship programs have improved diversity and inclusion within their organizations
28% of 3D printing industry leaders support mandatory DEI training for all employees, indicating increasing acknowledgment of its importance
72% of high school and college students interested in 3D printing want to work for inclusive companies, reflecting aspirations for DEI
65% of employers in 3D printing industry review and update their DEI policies annually to reflect best practices
20% of 3D printing industry scholarships prioritize applicants from underrepresented groups, fostering greater diversity in the field
48% of minority professionals in 3D printing report feeling that their contributions are undervalued compared to peers
80% of global 3D printing startups that focus on social impact have diverse founding teams, suggesting links between DEI and social innovation
35% of industry collaborations in 3D printing now include diversity and inclusion clauses, demonstrating formal recognition of DEI importance
90% of industry surveys indicate that improving DEI is considered a strategic priority in 3D printing
25% of 3D printing related online courses now include content on DEI issues affecting the industry, reflecting educational emphasis
58% of underrepresented minority students involved in 3D printing projects gained increased interest in STEM careers, indicating educational impact
Manufacturing roles in 3D printing are projected to grow by 7% annually up to 2026, with efforts underway to improve diversity in hiring practices
50% of professional development programs in 3D printing include modules on cultural competency and DEI, aiming to improve industry culture
12% of 3D printing patents filed in 2022 involved inventors from underrepresented backgrounds, showing diversity among innovators
40% of industry leaders believe that DEI initiatives have led to measurable improvements in team performance

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Interpretation

Despite industry strides like a doubling of women engineers from 12% to 22%—and over half of companies recognizing DEI as essential for growth—the persistent underrepresentation of marginalized groups, uneven patent attribution, and limited mentorship opportunities highlight that the 3D printing sector still has substantial room to innovate not just with technology but with true inclusivity.