Amsterdam-based Eddytec is a spin-off of the University of Amsterdam and the Hogeschool van Amsterdam that develops sensing solutions for the detection of defects in carbon fibre composites.
On Monday, November 6, the Dutch startup announced that it has received a €300K convertible loan from Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland.
Dr Alina Chanaewa, co-founder and CEO of Eddytec, says, “I am convinced that our technology, developed at the University of Amsterdam and the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, will not only contribute to faster and more cost-effective maintenance procedures in the aerospace industry but will also be a valuable tool in the production and recycling of composites. The Innovation Fund North Holland will support the first crucial steps to convert this technology into a product.”
Carbon fibre composites require quality control and structural health monitoring due to their complex structure. Non-destructive testing during production, use, and recycling is essential.
Here’s where Eddytec’s current testing technology comes in!
Eddytec: Developing sensing solutions
Founded by Dr. Alina Chanaewa, Dr. Rudolf Sprik, and Dr. Chrsitaan Schoemaker, Eddytec develops hardware and software solutions to make maintenance and quality control of carbon fibre composite parts in aircraft faster, easier, and more affordable.
The company’s solution makes it possible to detect defects and damage (such as cracks and delamination) in aircraft parts made of carbon fibre composites.
Eddytech says this method achieves high speeds and simplifies measurement through automation, reducing inspection and maintenance costs while increasing flight time.
Eddytec received a Proof-of-Concept grant from IXA in 2018 to develop its first working prototype.
Dr. Rudolf Sprik, Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam and co-founder of Eddytec, says, “Fundamental research in a university research laboratory can have surprising applications in technology. Using eddy currents to test carbon composites is a good example.”
They continued to refine their technology with the help of IXA’s team of experts and funding from the Dutch Research Council at the academic incubator Demonstrator Lab Amsterdam.
Later, the Amsterdam company secured pre-seed funding from HvA | UvA Ventures Holding BV, which paved the way for the company to become a spin-off.
Dr. Christiaan Schoemaker, lecturer at Hogeschool van Amsterdam and co-founder of Eddytec, says: “By using the latest software and hardware developments, Eddy currents can enable the aerospace industry to expand their detection for carbon fibre composites, something that has been a challenge until now. Considering the need for more specialized NDT equipment to inspect carbon composite structures, an opportunity is seen: Eddy currents will most likely become one of the key technologies within the market.”
The investor
The Innovation Fund North Holland is an initiative of the Province of North Holland, the University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, and Sanquin.
The Fund supports entrepreneurs in the province of North Holland in financing innovation in the Proof-of-Concept phase by providing convertible loans.
The Innovation Fund North Holland manages two funds: a fund for innovative startups, supported by the RVO, and a fund for academic startups, supported by ERDF.
Wouter Keij, Fund Manager Innovation Fund North Holland, says, “The application of carbon fibre composites in the aircraft industry allows for more efficient flying with fewer emissions. The current complex methods for quality control of these carbon fibre composites are a limited/limiting factor in applying these materials. With Eddytec’s technology, quality control can be done faster and cheaper, increasing these materials’ applicability.”
Read the orginal article: https://siliconcanals.com/news/startups/amsterdams-eddytec-raises-funding/
