The basis of Eddytec is rooted in applied research. The company was founded in 2022 by a team of scientists and engineers with backgrounds in physics, sensor technology, and aerospace. The ambition was clear: to develop an innovative idea into a scalable product that turns science into practical solutions.
Deep science to accelerate the sustainability transition in aerospace
The aerospace sector is facing a significant transition: the ambition to be climate-neutral by 2050 requires the widespread adoption of lightweight materials. Although modern aircraft already consist of more than 50% carbon composites, current testing methods form a major bottleneck. Up to 40% of assembly costs are spent on quality controls, which are currently too slow and complicated for large-scale application.
Eddytec introduces a technology that can overcome the cost and time constraints by renewing the inspection of carbon composites. While conventional methods such as ultrasound or X-ray testing are often slow and complex, Eddytec offers an alternative based on eddy currents. When these currents are generated within a material, changes in its internal structure become visible, making it easier to detect defects efficiently.
“Our technology integrates directly into the production process with the testing running in real-time. That means fully inline and automated testing, that allows the precious time of highly specialised non-destructive testing (NDT) experts to be used more efficiently”, Alina Chanaewa, CEO and founder of Eddytec, says.
Benchmarking against aerospace standards
Even before Eddytec was established, the founders had discussions with NDT specialists from NLR to understand the challenges in the industry. After the company was launched, a key question arose: how can we prove that our technology can compete with the current state-of-the-art testing methods in the aerospace sector?
Through its partnership with NLR, Eddytec gained access to existing, pre-validated samples and data from the aerospace industry. These samples had previously been tested with other measurement methods, and the data formed a reliable benchmark for Eddytec’s technology.
“In addition to the samples, NLR provided us with valuable expertise on testing processes, documentation, and certification. This knowledge is essential for us to understand how the sector works and what is needed to ultimately achieve certification”, Alina says.
Validation as a gateway to market entry
Technical validation was crucial for Eddytec. Not only did it enable them to further develop their technology, but it also helped them build credibility. “Investors and customers like to talk to experts in the field. If we can show that NLR has reviewed our technology, it gives us instant credibility. It’s not a formal certification, but an important external endorsement”, Alina explains.
The collaboration also made it possible to jointly pursue external funding opportunities, especially within the wider Dutch ecosystem. NLR plays a valuable and independent role.
“Strong partnerships with knowledge institutions and industry specialists are essential. Aerospace requirements are stringent, so without validation and trust, you won’t be able to get a foothold”, Alina states.
Working together towards impact
The collaboration with Eddytec shows how NLR can support startups in technical validation, market insights, and establishing credibility in a complex ecosystem. By combining expertise, facilities, and our network, we create opportunities for innovation with real impact.
“NLR not only provides technical support but they also help us understand how the industry works. That makes this collaboration extremely valuable,” says Alina.
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About Eddytec
Founded: 2022
Number of employees: 6
Core business: Development of eddy current technology for fast, simple, and inline non-destructive testing of composite materials, with a focus on aerospace and other high- performance manufacturing industries.
