Innovation
Fund
Our first community-powered innovation fund for the next era of 3D printing. Founding Sponsorships to honor the makers whose work contributed to the success of U1. Open Competition to reward the ones taking it further. We give back, you build forward — together on Snapmaker U1.
Your vote decides part of the outcome.
67 projects are up for the community vote. Pick the 5 you'd actually use — community votes count toward 20% of every project's final score.
Every vote is confirmed by email, and votes are screened for duplicate accounts and automated activity — suspicious votes are removed before results are final.
Trouble loading the ballot? Open it in a new tab →
What the community is building right now.
Slicing engines, firmware, hardware mods, CAD tools, converters, and things we never saw coming. Every one of them is someone betting their weekends on U1.
SnapmakerU1 Extended Firmware
Custom repackaged U1 firmware that unlocks SSH access and debugging, plus a supporting stack for hardware-accelerated camera, touchscreen, and Klipper metrics.
orcaslicer-imagemap
Maps smooth image textures onto model sides with no extra seams — switches CMYK-style patterns per layer and only tunes overhang.
bespok3d
An app store and package manager for Klipper printers. One-click plugins, adapters, and modules — no terminal, no custom firmware builds.
multiACE
The first multi-material printing available for the U1. Drives up to 4 Anycubic ACE Pro / ACE 2 units (16 slots) with automatic mid-print swaps, Quad Replenish runout failover, one-click print prep, RFID spool management, and humidity-controlled drying.
ditherforge
Full-color texture prep for 4-color printing. Loads GLB/OBJ, picks colors from your inventory, dithers to match the source, repairs non-manifold meshes.
Bird3D
High-precision bird model platform generating AI content tuned for multi-color printing, with an open API planned.
Kromacut
Online tool turning any 2D image into layered full-color print files. Adapts to your filament colors, previews in 3D, exports print-ready STL/3MF.
Miniskyline
Generates 3D models of cities, terrain, and celestial bodies — filling the gap left when Map2model shut down. 4,000+ previews in its first week.
u1hub
Self-hosted dashboard for many U1 printers at once — progress, ETA, temps, remote filament swaps, gcode transfer with thumbnails, and usage stats.
Snapmaker-Orca multi-nozzle
Multi-nozzle slicing with fixed or dynamic layer heights per extruder, so different parts of one object print with different nozzle sizes.
SnapCon
Fleet management and Orca device control for clusters of U1 printers.
Lumina Studio
A hierarchical lightweight visual processing framework built for multi-color plane overprinting, adaptable across devices.
FOrcaSlicer
Flexible OrcaSlicer for the Snapmaker U1 — Color Patch prints painted surfaces as a shell over a different-material core (soft grip on a rigid body, see-through layers), plus mixed nozzle sizes with per-nozzle line width & speed.
makerworld-to-snapmaker-u1
Browser extension that converts MakerWorld print configs into native U1 projects in one click. Runs entirely locally, no upload needed.
pandabreath-klipper
Native Klipper extension for the Biqu Panda Breath chamber heater — three modes, thermal safety interlock, mainline-compliant.
U1 Driver Heatsink Mod
Relocates the stock heatsink behind the mainboard to cool the correct side of the TMC flip-chip. Big drops in driver and CPU temps.
QCMS Filament System
The Qingluan filament management system expands U1's material channels — a 4+3 setup now at 95% adaptation.
AFC-Klipper-Add-On
Hardware-agnostic automation framework bringing multi-color, multi-material support to Klipper. Works with open and commercial changers — and can raise U1's color ceiling.
Meshivo
AI-agent-powered 3D editor built as a workflow tool, simplifying model creation and print inspection.
Filament Syndicate Foreman 5
Print-farm monitoring device designed for U1 and compatible with any Moonraker-based printer.
snapmaker-u1-toolkit
Mobile-first companion app for U1 — guided uploads of sliced files, confirm-before-print safety, and live print monitoring.
snaporca-cad
Open-source CAD built directly into Snapmaker Orca. Parametric sketching and modeling, so you stop bouncing files between CAD and slicer.
PolyCarver
Curve-cutting on meshes by drawing splines — breaking past the plane-only limits of conventional slicers.
Nozzle Buddy
Converts 3mf and Full Spectrum files between mainstream slicers, carrying coloring and support parameters across with clear warnings on mismatch.
sindricad
Open-source parametric 3D editor for Linux, Windows, and Mac, U1-first — parametric modeling, color assignment, and project-adaptive export.
Sidecar 16-Color MMU
A sidecar multi-material unit pushing U1 to 16 colors, shared and iterated openly in the Snapmaker community group.
u1-slicer-for-android
OrcaSlicer-based slicer for Android. Prep, slice, and upload straight from a phone or tablet — no desktop needed.
OrcaFS-NeotkoCM
Orca mod centered on full-spectrum layer blending — Neoweaving, color mixing, multi-channel and path blending to simulate fabric-like textures.
U1 Adaptive Pressure Advance
Auto-generates adaptive pressure advance configs using U1's onboard sensors and a Klipper extension — no manual test prints.
U1 P1S/X1 Hotend Mod
Adapts Bambu Lab hotends to U1 — hardened nozzles, multiple sizes, and high-flow options, all before official support arrived.
snapmaker-studio
Local pre-print intelligence for U1: checks projects against the real printer, safely prepares fixes, verifies fidelity, then hands off to Orca.
Adaptive Manufacturing Planner
Geometry-aware manufacturing planning for U1. Phase one handles software-level fuse width and contour verification.
bambu-to-snapmaker-u1
Web app converting Bambu Studio files into U1-compatible projects, closing the gap between the two ecosystems.
bl2u1
Browser tool converting Bambu Studio files into the format Snapmaker U1 expects.
Helix
Touch-first mobile control app built on React Native/Expo for U1 running PAXX firmware — monitoring, control, files, calibration, filament.
PrinterTools
Management dashboard for 3D printers across brands — remotely connect and manage Bambu Lab, Klipper, and OctoPrint machines from anywhere.
PrintProof (3mf-to-glb)
Browser tool that opens U1 .3mf files with full color data, recolors in real time, and previews prints in mobile AR. No install, no upload.
SpoolEase
Filament management system wired into printers and slicers — inventory location, weight tracking, and remote monitoring with no complex setup.
btu
Converts Bambu Studio 3MF filament configs into U1 3MF while preserving geometry. Handles layered projects and full-spectrum mixed-material ones.
BREPcode
Browser-based CAD driven by code or natural language, shareable by URL. Built for 4-head printers, outputs color 3MF directly.
OrcaSlicer FS UI rework
Rebuilding the mixed-filament UI for OrcaSlicer's Full Spectrum branch with ratdoux — new sidebar, three filament card types, a management dialog.
orca-auto
MIT-licensed workflow tool: feed it models and parameters, it drives OrcaSlicer to slice and ships the result to the printer over Moonraker. Fully hands-off.
u1-companion
Home Assistant integration for U1 exposing 82 device entities, plus a u1sim simulator so you can deploy and test the whole stack without a printer.
Bambu2Orca
Converts Bambu Studio and MakerWorld 3MF files into U1-compatible projects, keeping the original print optimizations without touching your U1 settings.
Printventory
Free open-source 3D model manager that auto-categorizes local STL and 3MF files with visual previews — so a sprawling library stops eating your time.
3D Printing Tools
A free, ad-free, community-driven directory of 3D printing tools. Search, rate, and build your own toolbox instead of hunting through forums.
Diff3MF
Diffs 3MF slicing profiles side by side and highlights what changed across extruders — built for debugging multi-tool, multi-filament prints on U1.
SilhouType
Free web tool that wraps and bends text along the contour of any uploaded image, then exports it ready for multi-color printing. No CAD required.
Slim U1 Heater
PTC heating element plus an EC blower for steadier chamber temps and better air circulation. Modular build that mounts to the stock points.
MKPSpectrum
Full-color printing on U1 through the Klipper ecosystem — custom software, inkjet hardware, and modified PLA working as one low-cost pipeline.
ChromaMatter
Open-source Windows tool converting AI-generated colored OBJ/GLB models into U1-ready 3MF — preserves original colors, maps to your filaments, verifies geometry first.
One-Click Model Coloring
Import a blank model and get automatic zone-based coloring in one click, producing a ready multi-color model.
PrintDeck
Desktop display terminal for U1, Bambu Lab, and Klipper printers — live monitoring, advanced control, and smart automations in one panel.
U1 RepairKit
From a rural disability-focused startup: using U1 toolheads to make non-safety-critical repair parts, testing whether distributed additive manufacturing can serve remote communities.
U1 WLED Status Bridge
WLED status bridge running directly on the U1 — no Pi or PC needed. Turns printer state, heating, errors, and progress into live light feedback.
Metal Spool Holder
Dust-proof, moisture-resistant metal spool holder for U1 — fixes the stock holder's flaws and the tangling and jumping of printed plastic versions.
RangerWorx
Browser-based assembly tool for wearable helmets and masks — pick parts, set color and scale, export for printing. No CAD, no install, no account.
BMCU-Klipper
Klipper-side hardware mod supporting 32 automated filament channels with parallel changes, independent routing, and pre-planned swaps.
AI-SoulMate
An AI creation workspace wired to a 3D printing loop — text-to-image, image-to-image, and 3D generation with preview, then straight to print.
coroNET OS 2
Extends U1 telemetry into touchscreen control, RGBW status lighting, sound feedback, automatic iris venting, and chamber heater control.
U1 Stock Camera for Fluidd
Bridges the stock U1 camera into Fluidd with no extra hardware or custom firmware, plus a watchdog that revives a frozen feed.
Realistic Maple Wood Grain
Produces 3D prints with convincing maple wood grain without any wood-composite filament — pure process and color work on U1.
SnapHeater-U1
Firmware for PandaBreath that coordinates heating and ventilation with the U1, with Android app control on top.
Smart Prosthetics
Touch-capable smart prosthetics built with multi-material printing on U1, closing a functional gap traditional prosthetics leave open.
SnapCentral
Centralizes model info and the whole print workflow — full setup, hands-on guidance, and verified U1 results in one place.
proofprint-u1
Local G-code pre-flight for U1 — visualizes toolpaths, flags risky moves, and lets you verify fixes before anything hits the bed.
Submissions are closed — community voting runs until September 30.
Pick your 5 favourites →
Phase 1 is in evaluation.
Submissions closed September 7, 2026. 66 projects made it in — the committee and the community are scoring them now. Phase 2 opens October 1.
Voting is open. Results post September 30.
Phase 1 closed on September 7. Community voting runs September 22–30, then we publish provisional results and hold a two-week review window before the list is final.
Once provisional results are out, you have until October 15 to flag anything that looks wrong — write to community@snapmaker.com and we will look into it before confirming the list.
Missed Phase 1? Phase 2 runs October 19 – December 14, 2026 with another $50K and 20 more winners.
Frequently asked.
Who can apply for Phase 1 and Phase 2?
+Anyone. That said, having a U1 in hand makes debugging much easier. If you've got a great idea but no machine, email community@snapmaker.com and let's talk — we may sponsor a unit to help you get started. Go for it.
Do I need to own a U1 to participate — or what if my project requires more than one?
+Same as above — you don't strictly need a U1 to apply, but we strongly recommend getting one (yes, really 😄). Since the whole point of the fund is to push U1 further, having one in hand to debug on dramatically improves your chances of winning. If you've got a strong idea but no machine, or your project genuinely needs more than one U1, submit through the form above to reach our community team — we'll review your case and do our best to support you.
Does my project have to be 100% open source?
+No, open source isn't required. Our goal is to encourage innovation — if you have a great or even wild idea that pushes U1's boundaries, we want to see it. Closed-source projects are welcome too, as long as you have a working demo to share.
Can I submit multiple projects per phase?
+Yes. You can submit additional projects via the form on this page, or send them directly to community@snapmaker.com.
What if I started my project before June 9?
+No problem — in fact, it's often better. Mature projects tend to be stronger entries. We just ask that the project be meaningfully connected to U1.
How do I get considered for the Sponsorship Track?
+Reach out at community@snapmaker.com, or talk to one of our community admins in any Snapmaker channel. We review these conversations internally — if there's a fit, we'll get in touch to discuss what kind of support makes sense. And we welcome you telling us exactly what you need.
How is the community vote calculated?
+We're building an online voting system that will let users like projects directly on the site — that'll be the main data source. The exact weighting is still being finalized.
What if I disagree with the results?
+That's exactly what the review window is for. Provisional results go public on September 30, and you have until October 15 to write to community@snapmaker.com with anything that looks wrong — a miscounted vote, a project you think was misjudged, a rule you think we misapplied. We review every message before confirming the final list on October 15. Prizes are paid by November 13.
How is the cash prize delivered?
+Provisional results are published September 30 and confirmed October 15 after a two-week review window. Phase 1 prizes are paid by November 13 via online bank transfer. Taxes are the winner's responsibility, but we'll do our best to provide any documentation you need.
Do I keep IP after winning?
+Absolutely. We're here to provide support, not take your work. For projects that meaningfully benefit U1, we may invite you to collaborate on bringing it further — but those details would be negotiated with you individually.