H3D
Overview
H3D is a technology company renowned for developing the world’s highest-performance imaging spectrometers. Founded in 2011, the company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was established by a team of researchers from the University of Michigan, including Zhong He. Specializing in compact and efficient gamma-ray imaging and detection solutions, H3D has garnered substantial support from investors like the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Oriza Ventures to further its innovations in the nuclear safety and detection industry.
Recent Developments
- NASA and ISS Collaboration (2025): H3D detectors were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a NASA mission, marking a significant advancement in space-based gamma-ray imaging technology.
- RAFIKI Consortium Grant (April 2025): The RAFIKI consortium, including the H3D Foundation, secured a €1.5 million grant from the European Union to bolster drug discovery infrastructure and skills in sub-Saharan Africa.
- New Spectrometer Technologies (April 2024): Recent advancements have improved H3D's H420 model, showcasing enhanced detection capabilities, including better start-up times and increased energy resolution in nuclear environments.
- Partnership with Michigan Engineering (June 2025): A collaboration with the University of Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering Department highlighted H3D’s initiatives to integrate its technologies in academic and research settings.
- Innovation in Defense (March 2024): H3D’s spectrometers are utilized for military and defense applications, providing critical detection capabilities for radiological and nuclear threats.
- Recognition and Honors: The company continues to be acknowledged for its innovations and leads in the application of advanced detection solutions in various sectors including environmental safety and medical fields.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA |
| Founders | Willy Kaye, Feng Zhang, Weiyi Wang, Zhong He |
| Revenue | $7 million USD |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Oriza Ventures, NIST |
| Industry | Imaging Spectrometers and Radiation Detection |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 37 employees |
Early History
H3D was founded in 2011, drawing from over a decade of cutting-edge research conducted in the Nuclear Engineering Department at the University of Michigan. The company was formed to commercialize advanced gamma-ray imaging spectrometer technologies developed by the founders, including Zhong He. These technologies are based on Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detectors, which offer unprecedented performance in energy resolution and efficiency. Early success in applying their technology at nuclear power plants and for defense applications helped establish H3D as a leader in radiation detection solutions.
Company Profile and Achievements
H3D specializes primarily in imaging spectrometers capable of detailed gamma-ray detection and analysis. These systems are employed extensively in nuclear power plants, defense, and environmental monitoring, offering solutions that are crucial in identifying and assessing radioactive contaminants. Key achievements include:
- Innovation in CZT Technology: Providing state-of-the-art nuclear detection capabilities with compact, efficient devices.
- Global Deployment: Widely used across US nuclear facilities, setting high standards for safety and detection.
- Research and Education Improvements: Collaborations with academic institutions to advance research and practical applications.
- Development of Advanced Imaging Systems: With products like the M Series spectrometers, H3D has raised the bar for gamma imaging spectrometry.
Current Operations and Market Position
As of 2025, H3D continues to expand its market presence, focusing on sectors such as nuclear safety, medical imaging, and environmental monitoring. The company remains a frontrunner in spectrometer development, enhancing capabilities such as imaging resolution and portability. H3D maintains strategic collaborations with defense agencies, ensuring its products meet the rigorous demands of nuclear threat detection. With a strong commitment to innovation, H3D leverages its compact, efficient spectrometers to maintain a competitive edge in the growing field of advanced imaging solutions.
Conclusion
H3D stands as a frontrunner in the imaging spectrometer industry, contributing to advancements in nuclear safety and health innovations. With its roots in academic excellence and ongoing partnerships in research and defense, the company continues to develop technologies that address pressing global safety challenges. Positioned at the intersection of research excellence and practical application, H3D is set to influence the trajectory of radiation detection and mitigation strategies well into the future, solidifying its role as a leader in critical industrial domains.