University of Michigan

H3D, Inc. was launched in 2011 by University of Michigan professor Zhong He and three of his former students after they developed a new gamma-ray detector technology supported by funds from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, as well as the Department of Homeland Security. H3D’s innovative technology has been used by the Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Energy, and International Atomic Energy Agency. H3D’s gamma-ray sensors are currently used in more than 75% of nuclear power plants across the United States, ensuring that America’s power plant workers are ensuring the safety of America’s power plant workers.

HistoSonics was founded in 2009 after Professor Zhen Xu, along with a group of researchers at the University of Michigan Schools of Engineering and Medicine, discovered the efficacy of histotripsy, a technique allowing ultrasounds to penetrate and destroy tumors in liver cancer patients. Supported by federal grants from the National Institutes of Health and VA Merit Review, HistoSonics research received FDA approval for its innovation, the Edison Histotripsy System, in 2023. The Edison utilizes histotripsy to provide a non-invasive option for treating patients with liver tumors.

H3D, Inc. reported lifetime revenue exceeding $80 million as of 2024. H3D employs roughly 40 employees in Ann Arbor, and over half of them are University of Michigan alumni. H3D expects to continue growth, evidenced by it’s reception of a three-year Fast Track award by local economic development nonprofit Ann Arbor SPARK, who recognized their impressive revenue growth.

HistoSonics secured over $200 million in funding since launching in 2009, receiving investments from pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson. They have also created over 100 jobs in the region and and have continued to grow after FDA-approval of the revolutionary Edison system in 2023.

H3D Inc. and HistoSonics showcase how federally funded research can better the lives of everyday Americans. Through their breakthrough discoveries, these companies exemplify the value and impact of the University of Michigan’s research initiatives, contributing to job creation, economic growth, lifesaving technology, and America’s national defense.