Our Innovation Analysts recently looked into emerging technologies and up-and-coming startups working on solutions for the manufacturing sector. As there are many startups working on various different applications, we want to share our insights with you. This time, we take a look at 5 promising simulation tool startups.
Heat Map: 5 Top Simulation Tool Startups
For our 5 top picks, we used a data-driven startup scouting approach to identify the most relevant solutions globally. The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights 5 interesting examples out of 478 relevant solutions. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.
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AUTOSIMUL – Predictive Simulation
Manufacturing usually involves a series of tasks, each to be completed in a stipulated time. Delay in any of these tasks affects all downstream operations. It also leads to the stalling of the previous steps until the workflow resumes. Predictive process simulations let companies visualize the entire manufacturing process and identify bottlenecks or improper utilization of resources before they occur, thus saving costs.
AUTOSIMUL, a startup based in Canada, develops process simulation solutions to support manufacturers to achieve six sigma. Their predictive simulations analyze all resource and process variables to aid in planning new equipment installations. The startup aims at optimizing production schedules to accommodate real-time disturbances such as breakdowns or labor shortages.
CAE Tech – Co-Simulation
Simulation tools examine the behavior of different processes in the manufacturing industry. Co-simulation integrates insights from various simulators to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a system. It allows companies to quantify uncertainty, explore design space, and optimize the production process.
CAE Tech is a UK-based startup working on co-simulation tools for computer-aided engineering (CAE). The company offers its customers to set up and streamline their simulation tools or simulate processes for them. Their products allow manufacturers to couple multiple simulation codes to develop functional mockup interfaces.
Simreka – Data-Driven Simulation
The breakneck pace at which markets now evolve demands speedier innovations. Time-to-market is a strong differentiator for companies aiming to expand their competitive edge over rivals. This is particularly important for manufacturers that have high research and development (R&D) costs, such as producers of chemicals or materials.
The German startup Simreka creates simulation software for materials-based manufacturers. Their platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to accelerate product discovery. The startup’s software analyzes a large database of materials and processes to speed up product experiments thereby shortening the time-to-market.
nTopology – Additive Manufacturing
One use of simulations in manufacturing is to design three dimensional (3D) structures before prototyping. With the advent of 3D printing, manufacturers have the opportunity to rapidly design and prototype objects that they couldn’t have earlier. Conventional computer-aided design (CAD) tools represent 3D objects as a 2D lattice and are computationally extensive. Newer alternatives precisely simulate the geometry and additional factors such as strength and thermodynamics.
The US-based startup nTopology develops a computational modeling software that combines design, simulation, and additive manufacturing in a single solution. Their simulation platform, nTop, uses toolkits to help manufacturers create better parts faster. It seamlessly integrates with existing CAD tools and file formats, saving time and costly errors in data translation.
Simularge – Digital Twins
Manufacturers often need to test hundreds of prototypes before they select a design to produce at scale. The production and testing of prototypes and their variations take a lot of time and costs. Digital twins stand for virtual representations of mechanical objects that a computer can manipulate. They assist manufacturers in reducing production costs and increasing the lifetime of their machines.
Simularge is a Turkish startup that provides software solutions for the mechanical engineering requirements of the manufacturing industry. The startup creates digital twins that allow producers to virtually test their mechanical products in the cloud. This enables factories to digitize their operations without the need to collect big data.
What About The Other 473 Solutions?
While we believe data is key to creating insights it can be easy to be overwhelmed by it. Our ambition is to create a comprehensive overview and provide actionable innovation intelligence for your Proof of Concept (PoC), partnership, or investment targets. The 5 simulation tool startups showcased above are promising examples out of 478 we analyzed for this article. To identify the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria and collaboration strategy, get in touch.
