-The new platform, currently in beta, is designed to enhance STEM learning through smart tools, educator resources, and personalized learning for students. -Applications are also now open for the new MakerBot Grants, offering $4,000 in 3D printing resources.

UltiMaker, a global leader in 3D printing solutions for defense, manufacturing, and education, is expanding its mission in K-12 education with the beta launch of MakerBot Nebula, an AI-powered differentiated learning platform that combines 3D printing, educator support, and personalized learning for students. Designed specifically for classrooms, MakerBot Nebula helps teachers easily deliver creative learning experiences that will make a lasting impact.

MakerBot, known as a pioneer of 3D printing in education, is elevating STEM education with an end-to-end learning experience that supports teachers and students. Classrooms are constantly changing—shaped by new technologies, shifting academic standards, students' needs, and budgetary restrictions. A space where differentiated learning takes shapes, MakerBot Nebula was built to meet the growing demand for easy-to-use, scalable, student-centered learning solutions.

"MakerBot has always believed in learning through making. We've seen, firsthand, how 3D printing brings STEM learning into the classroom, opening doors to design thinking and problem-solving," said Dottie Stewart, VP Sales America & Global Education Strategy at UltiMaker. "But as classrooms become more demanding and students' needs more diverse, tools alone aren't going to be enough. That's why we created MakerBot Nebula, a new kind of learning platform that connects technology, pedagogy, and creativity in one seamless experience."

A platform for the future of learning

By integrating artificial intelligence with project-based learning and real-time support, MakerBot Nebula creates an environment where educators can expand instruction and every student's journey is personalized. The platform's AI agents provide support for educators-giving them more space to focus on students and more visibility into their performance, while their lessons, projects, and curriculum come to life. MakerBot Nebula enables students to learn 3D printing and design skills in ways that match their pace, learning style, and interests—turning ideas into tangible outcomes.

Through smart tools like the Learning Station, Experience Builder, and Funding Assistant, educators can develop their skills, build student-centered learning pathways, and access grant opportunities—all in one place.

Learning Station
This guided professional learning hub helps educators develop essential teaching skills, starting with 3D printing. Teachers learn how to set up and operate UltiMaker and MakerBot 3D printers, apply classroom best practices, and explore design thinking—all with AI-guided support along the way. Courses will continue to expand beyond 3D printing to cover other classroom technology, digital design, and more. In the beta version, printer-specific advanced troubleshooting and course certificates will not be available.
Experience Builder
MakerBot Nebula's AI-driven Experience Builder helps teachers turn their instructional goals into dynamic, differentiated learning journeys. The platform offers support for student pacing, style, and progress tracking, allowing educators to create flexible pathways that allow students to explore, build, and grow—while staying aligned to standards and outcomes. In beta, only a student demo will be available.
Funding Assistant
Access to funding and resources is often a barrier to bringing technology into the classroom. MakerBot Nebula includes a built-in Funding Assistant that connects educators to relevant grant opportunities and helps them through the grant writing process. Teachers answer a few questions and receive AI-assisted guidance in drafting strong applications, directly in the platform. In beta, only MakerBot Grants will be available, with more opportunities to come.
Applications Now Open: MakerBot Grants

Alongside the launch of the beta version of the MakerBot Nebula platform, the MakerBot Grants, as part of the MakerBot Gives Back Initiative, are now open for applications. These grants are eligible to all K-12 educators in the United States and Canada and would provide them with everything they need to bring 3D printing into their classrooms, whether they are experienced or just starting out.

Valued at over $4,000, each grant includes:

One (1) MakerBot Sketch Sprint 3D printer
20 spools of PLA filament
One (1) copy of the MakerBot Educators Guidebook
Classroom Certification (seats for one (1) teacher and 30 students)
A three-year UltiMakerCare service plan for the MakerBot Sketch Sprint 3D printer
Visit https://makerbot-nebula.com/ to submit your application. Applications will be reviewed by the MakerBot Education team. Key evaluation criteria include student impact, financial need, innovation, and readiness to integrate 3D printing into the classroom. A minimum of 10 grants will be awarded through the rest of the 2025 year.

"With MakerBot Nebula, we're combining 15 years of classroom experience with the power of AI to deliver a platform that truly adapts to how teachers teach and students learn," said Andrea Zermeño, MakerBot Education manager at UltiMaker. "MakerBot Nebula is designed to support customized learning journeys, empower educators, and bring creative, hands-on education to life in ways that are personal, flexible, and impactful. We aim to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, and thinkers, by giving them the tools to bring ideas to life."

With MakerBot Nebula, teachers gain more time, deeper insights, and greater impact. Students receive personalized, creative learning pathways that inspire real-world problem-solving. Together, they'll reimagine what's possible in the classroom.

MakerBot Nebula is currently free and available in beta; some features will be limited. The platform is open to educators who want to shape the future of AI-powered learning. Beta users will get early access to the platform and be able to contribute valuable feedback.

Visit https://makerbot-nebula.com/ to try out the new platform.

MakerBot Nebula will be exhibited at ISTELive 25 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, June 30-July 2, 2025. Visit MakerBot booth 755 for a demo of the latest solutions for 3D printing in education, including the new MakerBot Nebula platform. On July 2nd at 11:00 AM CDT, Andrea Zermeño will also host a poster session on "Enhancing Lesson Plans with 3D printing," located at HBGCC, Table 34.

About UltiMaker

UltiMaker is focused on shaping the future of manufacturing, product development, and education. Through a wide range of cutting-edge 3D printing solutions, including the popular S-, Factor- and Method series, one of the widest portfolios of 3D printing materials on the market, and leading 3D printing software platforms-Cura and Digital Factory, UltiMaker is paving the way for innovation across industries. Visit www.ultimaker.com.

MakerBot is the education brand from UltiMaker, and the only 3D printing ecosystem tailored for classroom learning, educational advancement, and skills development. For 15 years, MakerBot has been used in the classroom to transform learning and STEM curricula through comprehensive 3D printing resources, including ISTE-aligned training programs, curriculum development and design thinking courses, funding guides, tutorials, educational webinars, professional development, hundreds of lesson plans, an active and supportive community, and more. Visit www.makerbot.com.