From Physics Student to Global Market Leader in Under 20 Years
Abstract:
On April 29, 1997, three Heidelberg physics students founded a company named Volume Graphics GmbH. They began by developing and marketing a new graphics technology called volume rendering to customers mainly in the health care industry. Today - more than 20 years later - Volume Graphics is a global leader for software for the analysis and visualization of industrial CT data with a market share (according to Frost & Sullivan) of 80%.
Computed tomography is traditionally known from healthcare applications, but within this millennium, CT has become a universal tool for industrial use as well. Today, industrial CT is used in myriad applications, ranging from low-tech uses like inspecting simple plastic components for consumer devices to high-tech uses like safety-relevant parts in the automobile or aerospace industry. What is more, X-ray CT covers a range of more than 7 orders of magnitude, inspecting samples from the sub-micrometre to the "several meter" range. Within this broad range of inspected part sizes and applications, CT enables its users to improve quality, develop products faster, and - thinking about additive manufacturing - create and inspect products that would have been impossible to produce without CT.
With the "Industrie 4.0" initiative, CT has become an even more import technology. When going to a fully digital product lifecycle, from product design through production to inspection and quality control, CT and CT inspection software will become a key component for companies. No other technology can offer a more complete picture of an object. Whether it's about geometry or material-related questions, CT offers the full 3D picture, i.e. the data that has the answer to both.
This presentation aims to inspire young scientists to become entrepreneurs. Today, many innovations are the direct result of research performed and know-how gathered during a Master or PhD thesis, just as in the case of Volume Graphics. Starting your own company based on such innovations might be easier than you think, as there are various resources out there that can start you on your way.
This talk will present how Volume Graphics was founded and has grown from the original business idea and a team of three to a globally acting company with a team of 140 people spread over 5 countries. It will give some hints and ideas about the "dos" and "don'ts", as well as what kind of support Volume Graphics received during its early years.
The presentation should also be of interest to those not seeking to become an entrepreneur. With various application examples and insights into Volume Graphics' R&D, this presentation will give a fascinating look at the "world of industrial CT", its challenges, and its exciting opportunities for young scientists seeking a career in a rapidly growing and innovative market.