spherene
Spherene AG is a Zurich-based SaaS company selling patented Adaptive Density Minimal Surface (ADMS) software that generates adaptive, isotropic internal geometry for 3D-printed parts, delivered via SphereneNXT and plugins for Rhino/Grasshopper, nTop, and Autodesk Fusion to aerospace, medical, automotive, and footwear engineers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersZurich, Switzerland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What spherene does
Spherene AG is a Zurich-based software company (founded 2018, registered in Glattbrugg) that sells a SaaS platform built on its patented Adaptive Density Minimal Surface (ADMS) technology for additive manufacturing. ADMS generates continuous, isotropic, surface-conformal internal geometry that adapts local density, thickness, and surface bias in response to stress, thermal, and flow fields, positioning as a replacement for traditional lattice and TPMS structures that suffer directional weakness and envelope compromises. Product delivery is split across the SphereneNXT desktop and cloud SaaS platform with API access, native plugins for Rhino/Grasshopper, Autodesk Fusion, and nTop, an authenticated Customer Portal, and Spherene Credits for usage-based feature extension.
The company monetizes through subscription tiers (Trial, Student, Core/Edu Faculty, Enterprise) priced via Order Forms, on-premise deployments for select enterprise customers, and a multi-tier reseller and technology partner program, supplemented by direct enterprise sales, OEM partnerships with 3D-printer vendors, and consulting/services partners. Target verticals span aerospace and defense, medical devices, automotive and EV thermal management, footwear and consumer products, industrial manufacturing, energy and construction, academic and research institutions, robotics, and protective equipment. Notable reference customers include the European Space Agency (validated through the OSIP Nebula study with sub-5% simulation-to-test deviation), Framas Kunststofftechnik, Fibrenamics (Universidade do Minho), 3DFIT, SliceLab, and cross-ING; quantifiable outcomes cited include 30% material savings, 10x shorter design cycles, 40-85% weight reduction, and greater than 20% lower pressure drop versus TPMS gyroids. Spherene holds two granted patents on ADMS plus registered trademarks and operates an investor-relations channel indicative of an active capital-raise posture despite no publicly disclosed funding rounds.
spherene firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- spherene
- Legal name
- Spherene AG
- Website
- https://spherene.io
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Spherene AG is a Zurich-based SaaS company selling patented Adaptive Density Minimal Surface (ADMS) software that generates adaptive, isotropic internal geometry for 3D-printed parts, delivered via SphereneNXT and plugins for Rhino/Grasshopper, nTop, and Autodesk Fusion to aerospace, medical, automotive, and footwear engineers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
spherene industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Additive Manufacturing Design Software
- akta.pro primary industry
- Generative Design & Topology Optimization for AM (IMAAACAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- 3D Design & CAD for Additive Manufacturing (IMAAACAA), Prototype Jigs, Fixtures & Assembly Aids (Additive) (IMAAAFAE), Construction & Architecture (Additive End-Use Components) (IMAAAEAK)
Keywords
Where spherene is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Zurich
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
spherene business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Subscriptions: Subscription-based access to SphereneNXT desktop software, plugin subscriptions for Rhino/Grasshopper, Autodesk Fusion, nTop integrations, and cloud-based SaaS platform and API. Multiple subscription tiers: commercial, educational, student, trial, and partner (NFR) subscription types. Spherene Credits available for additional feature access beyond base subscription thresholds.
- Enterprise Solutions: Direct enterprise invoicing with custom Order Forms specifying subscription tier, seat count, fees, Credit allocation, and support level. On-premise deployment available where separately agreed.
- Spherene Credits: Pre-purchased usage units that unlock access to specific features, modules, or computational resources beyond base subscription thresholds. Credits tied to specific accounts, non-transferable, no cash redemption value, and expire per Order Form terms.
- Student Licenses: Free access for verified students for non-commercial academic use, subject to eligibility verification.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Trial - 10-day free trial with full feature access |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Students Plan - Free academic access |
| Subscription | Annual | Core and Edu Faculty Plan |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Enterprise Solutions |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels10 records
spherene product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Spherene develops and sells Adaptive Density Minimal Surface (ADMS) software that generates adaptive internal structures for additive manufacturing parts. Its SphereneNXT platform and native CAD plugins for Rhino/Grasshopper, Autodesk Fusion, and nTop enable engineers and designers to create lighter, stronger, and more resource-efficient 3D-printed components with continuously varying density, thickness, and surface bias instead of static lattice structures.
Product overview
Spherene is a unified software product portfolio built around patented Adaptive Density Minimal Surface (ADMS) technology for additive manufacturing. The core offering is the SphereneNXT platform, available as desktop software, cloud-based SaaS, and Customer Portal for subscription management. ADMS functionality is delivered through native plugins for three major CAD environments: Rhino/Grasshopper, Autodesk Fusion, and nTop. Key features include Density Fields (continuous local density variation), Dual Chambers (high-surface-area internal layout), and Envelope Adaptive (boundary-conforming geometry). Version V3 (January 2026) introduced three specialized features: Scatter Vector (controlled anisotropy), Flow ADMS (fluid-optimized geometry), and Flow Direction (defined flow paths), enabling applications in heat exchangers (via SphereneHEX sub-brand), structural optimization, and thermal management. Users access the platform via SphereneNXT subscriptions and optional Spherene Credits for extended compute resources.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SphereneNXT: The Spherene desktop software and cloud-based SaaS platform for Adaptive Density Minimal Surface generation, including the Customer Portal for subscription management.
- SphereneHEX
Products and services
- Spherene (ADMS Technology) Adaptive Density Minimal Surface (ADMS) software technology that generates adaptive internal structures for additive manufacturing. Continuously adapts density and topology throughout a part's volume based on stress, heat, and load fields, replacing traditional lattices and TPMS with isotropic, self-supporting, surface-conformal minimal surfaces. Targets engineers and manufacturers in aerospace, medical, automotive, and other regulated industries.
- SphereneNXT The unified desktop software and cloud-based SaaS platform for accessing Spherene's ADMS technology. Available as desktop subscription, cloud-based SaaS, and via Customer Portal for subscription management, license information, usage data, and support. Customers include enterprise manufacturers, individual designers, and academic researchers.
- Spherene Plugin for Rhino/Grasshopper Native plugin integration for Rhino 3D CAD software and Grasshopper parametric design tool from McNeel. Enables ADMS generation directly within the Rhino/Grasshopper workflow, allowing engineers and designers to produce adaptive internal structures inside their existing CAD environment.
- Spherene Plugin for Autodesk Fusion Native plugin integration for Autodesk Fusion CAD/CAM software. Enables ADMS generation directly within the Fusion workflow, allowing designers and engineers to add adaptive internal structures to their CAD models without leaving the platform.
- Spherene Plugin for nTop Native connector for the nTop engineering design platform. Integrates ADMS generation with nTop's native topology optimization and simulation tools, including modifiers such as Cavity and dfenv and field controls for Variable Density, Variable Thickness, and Variable Surface Bias. Generally available since October 2025.
- SphereneHEX Specialized heat exchanger geometry built on Flow ADMS technology with intertwined dual chambers that guide fluid separately, optimizing heat dissipation and material efficiency. Designed for heat exchangers, cooling systems, EV thermal management, and battery housings.
- Spherene V3 Major version release (V3) of the Spherene software, introducing Scatter Vector for controlled anisotropy via vector fields, Flow ADMS for flow-optimized minimal surface geometry in fluid applications, and Flow Direction for defined flow paths. Also delivers improved parametrization guidance and faster error feedback across the platform.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% material savings compared to other lattices
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use spherene
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
spherene technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability2 records
Feature14 records
spherene partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.
- cross-INGcorecross-ING specializes in heat exchanger design and has partnered with Spherene to use SphereneHEX geometry for optimized heat dissipation and flow optimization in thermal management applications.
- 3D Printer OEMscorePartnerships with 3D printer OEMs for integration and validation of Spherene workflows, creating new value for their users and ensuring seamless adoption across the digital manufacturing ecosystem.
- Rhino/GrasshoppercoreNative plugin integration for Rhino/Grasshopper platform enabling ADMS generation directly within the CAD environment. Available for free trial download and professional subscription.
- nTopcoreFull release of Spherene for nTop connector bringing ADMS to one of the most advanced engineering design platforms. Native integration couples ADMS with topology optimization and simulation tools for field-driven intelligent designs.
- Autodesk FusioncoreSpherene plugin integration with Autodesk Fusion enabling adaptive ADMS internal structure generation directly within the Fusion design environment.
- CAD/CAE/CAM Software ProviderscoreTechnology partnerships with leading software providers in CAD/CAE/CAM to integrate and validate Spherene workflows, creating new value for their users and ensuring seamless adoption.
- Engineering Firms and AM ConsultantssecondaryConsulting & Services Partners - engineering firms, design agencies, and AM consultants who apply Spherene in customer projects, delivering innovative solutions and ensuring real-world impact across industries.
- Academic and Research InstitutionssecondaryStrategic Partners - academia, universities, and research institutions engaged in co-development and innovation projects advancing knowledge, driving adoption, and shaping the future of additive manufacturing.
- Reseller PartnerscoreReseller Partners drive growth by selling Spherene licenses directly to customers, delivering trusted first-line support, and capturing opportunities in local markets and industry verticals. Multi-tier program: Registered, Certified, Preferred, Strategic.
- FramascoreFramas, the global leader in molded components for footwear (soles, insoles, and plastic parts), partners with Spherene. Uses ADMS technology in shoe sole design and production molds for heat evacuation and manufacturing efficiency. Represents a key reference customer for footwear industry adoption.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreESA has validated Spherene's ADMS technology through the Nebula study and physical testing of brackets, confirming the technology addresses cross-cutting themes of ESA technology strategy in a novel way.
- Fibrenamics (Universidade do Minho)secondaryFibrenamics uses Spherene for R&D in advanced materials and product design. Their generative modelling capabilities enable optimized, complex geometries that enhance efficiency and performance, strengthening commitment to scientific excellence.
- 3DF ConsortiumsecondarySpherene joined the 3MF Consortium as Associate Member, bringing ADMS volumetric geometry expertise to the 3MF specification development process.
- Specialized Magazines and Faculty/ProfessorsminorAmbassadors & Influencers - specialized magazines, faculties, professors, design studios, and thought leaders who champion ADMS, share insights, and provide feedback, strengthening technology and amplifying its impact.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
spherene competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- nTop: nTop's implicit modeling and field-driven design platform is the closest direct competitor to Spherene, targeting the same AM engineer persona with internal geometry optimization capabilities. Spherene even ships a native connector for nTop, underscoring how adjacent the offerings are.
- nTopology: nTopology focuses on implicit modeling and engineering optimization for AM, serving overlapping use cases (lightweighting, lattices, functional internal structures) and targeting similar engineer personas in aerospace and industrial design.
Broad incumbents
- Altair: Altair Inspire and OptiStruct provide topology optimization and lattice generation widely used in AM workflows, making Altair a broad incumbent competitor with overlapping internal-geometry optimization functionality and a much larger enterprise footprint.
- Autodesk (Fusion 360 Generative Design): Autodesk Fusion 360 includes native generative design and lattice features that compete directly with Spherene's CAD-integrated plugin. Spherene's Autodesk Fusion plugin runs inside the same environment, illustrating how the same vendor is both channel and competitor.
- ANSYS: ANSYS simulation-driven design tools and topology optimization capabilities overlap with ADMS-style workflows, particularly in safety-critical aerospace and automotive applications where ANSYS is deeply embedded.
- Materialise: Materialise's Magics and 3-matic software suites cover AM build preparation, lattice design, and process software, making it a broad incumbent in the AM software stack with overlapping lattice generation capabilities to Spherene's ADMS.
- PTC (Frustum / Creo): PTC acquired Frustum to add generative design capabilities into Creo, positioning it as a broad incumbent competitor for CAD-integrated AM design optimization across industrial and aerospace customers.
- Hexagon (MSC Software / Simufact): Hexagon's MSC Software and Simufact lines address simulation and AM process software, with topology optimization features that overlap Spherene's value proposition in industrial and aerospace applications.
Emerging players
- ParaMatters (CogniCAD): ParaMatters offers CogniCAD, a generative design platform with topology optimization and lattice generation targeting AM workflows, making it a focused emerging competitor in the same internal-geometry design niche as Spherene.
- Velo3D (Flow / Sapphire): Velo3D's Flow print preparation software supports lattice and internal structure generation tied to its metal AM systems, giving it partial overlap with Spherene's CAD-side internal geometry optimization for production AM parts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
spherene social profiles
Digital presencespherene compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
spherene financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
spherene leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
spherene funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
spherene M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about spherene
What does spherene do?
Spherene develops and sells Adaptive Density Minimal Surface (ADMS) software that generates adaptive internal structures for additive manufacturing parts. Its SphereneNXT platform and native CAD plugins for Rhino/Grasshopper, Autodesk Fusion, and nTop enable engineers and designers to create lighter, stronger, and more resource-efficient 3D-printed components with continuously varying density, thickness, and surface bias instead of static lattice structures.
Is spherene a public or private company?
spherene is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was spherene founded?
spherene was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is spherene based?
spherene is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does spherene make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Software Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are enterprise Solutions, spherene Credits and student Licenses.
Who are spherene's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are nTop and nTopology. Broad incumbents are Altair, Autodesk (Fusion 360 Generative Design), ANSYS, Materialise, PTC (Frustum / Creo) and Hexagon (MSC Software / Simufact). Emerging players are ParaMatters (CogniCAD) and Velo3D (Flow / Sapphire).
Does spherene have an API?
Yes. The SphereneNXT cloud-based SaaS platform includes API access for platform integration. API access is available by subscription. The Platform is defined in the MSA as including the cloud-based SaaS platform and API accessible by subscription. Prohibited activities include reverse engineering the platform's algorithms, data models, minimal-surface logic, or computational architecture. Developer documentation is at spherene.io/documentation.
What industry is spherene in?
spherene's product category is Additive Manufacturing Design Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAACAI, Generative Design & Topology Optimization for AM, with a secondary code of IMAAACAA, 3D Design & CAD for Additive Manufacturing.