About the HI-AM 2.0 Project

The HI-AM 2.0 Project is a collaborative, multi-institutional initiative that unites researchers from 11 universities and 10 private sector companies across Canada. Led by the University of Waterloo, our team is conducting cutting-edge research in metal additive manufacturing (AM), with a focus on advancing both the materials and the processes involved. Through this collaborative effort, we aim to push the boundaries of AM technology, driving innovation in both academic and industrial sectors.
Explore the Details of HI-AM 2.0 R&D Program
Map of Canada showing the location of the universities participating in HI-AM 2.0

The project is primarily funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in partnership with leading industry partners. Funding support comes through two NSERC Alliance grants:

  • Holistic Innovation in Additive Manufacturing 2.0: Capitalizing on Prior Achievements and Exploring New Frontiers in Directed Energy Deposition Processes 

  • Holistic Innovation in Additive Manufacturing 2.0: Capitalizing on Prior Achievements and Exploring New Frontiers in Powder Bed Fusion and Binder Jet AM Processes 

HI-AM 2.0 succeeds the NSERC Network for Holistic Innovation in Additive Manufacturing (HI-AM), which operated from 2017 to 2024. The original HI-AM Network made significant strides in metal AM research, fostering innovation and collaboration across academic and industry sectors in Canada.

Vision and Mission

Building on the momentum of the HI-AM Network, our vision is to unite a diverse array of both new and established partners to drive the industrial adoption of metal AM in Canada through cutting-edge research and development. 

Our mission is to: 

  • Train a new generation of AM professionals at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels to equip the Canadian market with the skills needed to advance the AM industry. 

  • Forge new partnerships among academia, industry, government, and stakeholders involved in AM, while strengthening existing relationships for greater impact. 

  • Enhance the technology readiness level of innovations developed under the NSERC HI-AM Network while also fostering the creation of new technologies across various categories of metal AM. 

  • Collaborate with standards organizations to develop robust AM standards. 

  • Bring together the Canadian AM community through our annual HI-AM Conference, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.