MuRay Raises €7.1 Million to Revolutionize Rocket Engine Inspection
The Hamburg-based startup is leveraging muon radiation to scan complex 3D-printed metal components for internal structural defects.
An Innovative Approach to Industrial Diagnostics
Hamburg-based startup MuRay has secured €7.1 million in funding to refine its technology for scanning the internal structures of massive metal components, including rocket engines and gas turbines. The investment package consists of €3.5 million in private capital and €3.6 million in public grants, which includes support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.
Traditional X-rays struggle to penetrate steel thicker than a few centimetres, posing a significant limitation for modern industries that rely on heavy-duty components. MuRay’s approach utilizes muons—elementary particles capable of penetrating metal layers more than one metre thick. By creating a controlled muon beam and employing proprietary detectors alongside artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, the company generates detailed 3D images of a component’s internal structure.
Technology Development and Future Plans
MuRay co-founders Christian Poda and Andy Hector have deep ties to DESY, Germany’s leading particle physics research centre. The company aims to offer its first pilot service to industrial clients by 2027, with plans to unveil a full-scale system based on a compact laser accelerator by 2029.
The startup is already collaborating with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to model the inspection of rocket engines, with the first real-world trial scheduled for 2027. Beyond the aerospace sector, MuRay is in talks with international ports to deploy the technology for detecting radioactive materials in cargo. This method not only allows for deeper scanning but also results in lower radiation exposure for the components compared to conventional X-ray methods.
Team Expansion and Industrial Impact
Currently operating in Hamburg and Tallinn, MuRay plans to grow its team to 25 employees by the end of 2027. The startup is actively recruiting physicists and engineers, including leadership roles for its artificial intelligence division.
This successful funding round highlights the significant potential of high-tech solutions that bridge fundamental physics with industrial requirements. If fully implemented, MuRay’s technology could revolutionise quality control, potentially reducing inspection times from hours to minutes and enabling the detection of hidden defects directly on the production line.