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.”

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.

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 classroom technology, digital design, and more. In the beta version, printer-specific advanced troubleshooting and course certificates will not be available.

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.

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.

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.