Founded in 2023 by physicists Jan Löwer and Tim Schwabe, the Bochum-based start-up deeplify specialises in the digitisation and automation of non-destructive testing (NDT) using artificial intelligence. The enterprise develops AI-based inspection software for OEMs, plant operators and NDT testing service providers to make inspections more efficient and automate the analysis of NDT data. This reduces testing costs while increasing safety and operational efficiency. The NRW.Europa team supported deeplify in securing funding for AI-supported NDT solutions for the analysis of arc welding processes.
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NDT encompasses a wide range of technologies, such as X-ray and ultrasound methods, which enable the internal structure and quality of components to be inspected without physical damage. This is particularly important for high-tech industries such as aerospace and advanced manufacturing, where critical components must meet strict quality standards.

With its platform, Deeplify offers a comprehensive solution for the entire NDT software cycle. This includes AI-based detection algorithms, real-time evaluations and the archiving of DICONDE data. ‘Our goal is to make safety-critical industrial inspection processes more efficient and precise through the use of AI,’ say the founders, describing their vision.

The solutions automate the analysis of NDT data, a task that is traditionally complex, manual, time-consuming and highly specialised. A particular focus is on quality assurance in the manufacturing industry. The offerings are aimed at companies that want to optimise their decision-making processes and improve their quality inspections through the use of state-of-the-art AI technologies.

Challenge
Although generic algorithms can be used in many NDT processes, each specific application and technology requires individual optimisation to achieve maximum automation, efficiency and accuracy. This optimisation involves the generation and analysis of large amounts of NDT data and corresponding AI training, which is associated with considerable costs and time expenditure. In order to drive developments forward, the start-up sought financing opportunities.

NRW.Europa-Support
In its search for funding for the Bochum-based start-up's project, it ended up with the ZENIT funding team, which identified the EU cascade funding programme COROB 1st Open Call as a suitable programme. It supports the development of NDT solutions for analysing arc welding processes and offers funding of up to €150,000 with 100% funding. In a series of consultations, the ZENIT funding experts explained the mechanism of EU cascade funding, supported the structuring of the project application and offered targeted coaching for the preparation of the application. In addition, Deeplify received detailed feedback on how to optimise the final application. The result was a positive funding decision for €100,000.

"Thanks to this non-dilutive funding, we can now cover the entire costs of developing a market-new, optimised NDT analysis for applications in arc welding. This opens up new sources of revenue for us and enables us to increase our market presence. At the same time, the developed solution increases efficiency and accuracy in this industrial sector and helps to make processes safer and more productive. We also recommend that other start-ups with technologically demanding projects take advantage of the advice offered by the NRW.Europa team at ZENIT."
Christoph Siemer, Tim Schwabe und Jan Löwer, Founder at Deeplify GmbH

Contact to the NRW.Europa-Team: 
Marcus Collier-Wright
ZENIT GmbH / Enterprise Europe Network
für Nordrhein-Westfalen NRW.Europa
Telefon: ++49 208 30004-54
E-Mail: Marcus.Collier-Wright@zenit.eu

Contact to the Company: 
https://www.deeplify.de

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