DirectFEM

DirectFEM was a Munich-based software startup founded in 2021 by Dr.-Ing. Nina Korshunova, Dr.-Ing. László Kudela, and Dr.-Ing. Davide D'Angella. The founders met and worked together for approximately five years at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where they were all involved in research at the Chair for Computation in Engineering. Their collective work focused on developing and advancing a novel quasi-meshless simulation method known as the Finite Cell Method (FCM). Recognizing the commercial potential of their academic research, and with encouragement from their mentors, they transitioned from Ph.D. researchers with no prior business knowledge into entrepreneurs.

The company developed a specialized simulation software designed to analyze the mechanical behavior of complex objects that are traditionally difficult or impossible to simulate. This technology is particularly effective for geometries derived from point clouds, computed tomography (CT) scans, or flawed Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models. The core of DirectFEM's product was the Finite Cell Method, which circumvents the time-consuming and labor-intensive process of meshing required by conventional Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation tools. By eliminating this preparatory step, their solution could reduce the manual engineering labor involved in setting up simulations by up to 80%. The primary B2B clients were engineers in the additive manufacturing sector, designing products like medical implants, shoe inlays, and drone frames. The business model was Software as a Service (SaaS).

In 2021, the startup participated in the 10th batch of the XPRENEURS tech incubator program, a significant milestone that connected them with the wider Munich startup ecosystem. This led to their eventual acquisition in April 2022 by Hyperganic, another Munich-based software company specializing in Algorithmic Engineering, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was a strategic move for Hyperganic to integrate DirectFEM's advanced physical simulation capabilities directly into its Hyperganic Core platform. This integration allows users to evaluate and enhance algorithmically engineered parts seamlessly. Following the acquisition, the entire DirectFEM team, including the three founders, joined Hyperganic as full-time employees, with Nina Korshunova taking on the role of Development Manager.

Keywords: physical simulation, Finite Cell Method, quasi-meshless, engineering software, additive manufacturing, 3D printing simulation, Technical University of Munich, computational engineering, algorithmic engineering, Hyperganic, simulation technology, CAD analysis, CT scan simulation, point cloud analysis, structural analysis, B2B software, SaaS, Nina Korshunova, László Kudela, Davide D'Angella, XPRENEURS, design evaluation, mechanical behavior