Exploring Advanced Materials & Automation in Manufacturing

Whether you’re a corporate innovator, investor, or policymaker, this in-depth analysis of 465 startups across five core innovation clusters offers valuable insights into where manufacturing is heading — and how you can engage now. Despite economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical landscapes, the advanced manufacturing sector is accelerating.

Startups in this space raised over $6.16B between 2023 and 2025, with Robotics & Automation startups alone securing two-thirds of all capital. This report dives deep into the technologies, investment trends, and startup ecosystems reshaping the global manufacturing landscape. From AI-powered robotics to advanced materials and smart factories, this report is your guide to the future of industrial innovation.

What to expect?

- - Explore the rise of general-purpose robotics, with AI-driven automation enabling flexible, adaptive systems across manufacturing and logistics. Robotics and automation startups raised over $4.1B, marking a clear vote of confidence from investors.
  - Understand the surge in sustainable and smart materials, from graphene-based semiconductors to circular biomaterials that reduce carbon footprints by up to 90%. Europe leads in smart materials, while APAC dominates in next-gen semiconductors.
  - Track the reconfiguration of global supply chains, as startups pioneer re-shoring, localized microfactories, and digital twin ecosystems. This shift reflects a new era of resilience, enabled by advanced manufacturing technologies.
  - Get regional funding insights and emerging hotspot analysis, with North America accounting for 68% of all capital raised. Discover where innovation is clustering — and which technologies are scaling fastest.

“Advanced manufacturing isn’t just evolving — it’s converging. We’re entering a new industrial age where machines learn, materials adapt, and global supply chains respond from the ground up to market shifts. Innovation is fast, borderless, and full of opportunity.

We’re sharing this report to reflect on where advanced manufacturing is headed — and to invite continued conversation around what’s next.”

Daniele Quadrani

Senior Ventures Analyst, Plug and Play

Building Smarter: Exploring Advanced Materials & Automation in Manufacturing

Download now

What to expect?

“Advanced manufacturing isn’t just evolving — it’s converging. We’re entering a new industrial age where machines learn, materials adapt, and global supply chains respond from the ground up to market shifts. Innovation is fast, borderless, and full of opportunity.

We’re sharing this report to reflect on where advanced manufacturing is headed — and to invite continued conversation around what’s next.”

“Despite global uncertainty, the advanced manufacturing sector is showing impressive resilience and momentum. The rise in Robotics & Automation investment points to a future of intelligent, efficient, and adaptive production.

We hope this report offers valuable insight into where the industry is headed and sparks new ideas for those building the future of manufacturing.”

The Ultimate Innovation Platform