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When Zhong He could not locate a radiation detector that functioned as he desired, he chose to construct one himself.
He engineered a semiconductor gamma-ray detector with unparalleled energy precision and imaging capabilities integrated within the same sensor. The innovative detector proved to be so powerful that it was sent to the International Space Station in early 2025.
For his groundbreaking room-temperature semiconductor gamma-ray detector technology, the professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences at the University of Michigan is receiving this year’s Distinguished University Innovator of the Year award.
This accolade represents the highest recognition for U-M faculty members who have formulated transformative concepts, processes, or technologies and guided them to market for widespread societal influence. Established in 2007, it is funded through endowments from the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Stephen and Rosamund Forrest Family Foundation.
“What Professor He has accomplished is a remarkable embodiment of what it means to be a researcher and innovator,” noted Kelly Sexton, associate vice president for research-innovation partnerships and economic impact. “When he faced challenges in finding what he required for his research, he took the initiative to create it himself. It just so happens that the radiation detector he has developed significantly surpasses anything else available, resulting in substantial commercial success.”
OVPR selected this year’s honoree based on the recommendations from a faculty selection committee that evaluates a roster of nominees. He will be presented with the award on Sept. 24 during the annual Celebrate Invention event.
Innovative concept creates economic influence
His novel radiation detector was significantly more precise and simpler to implement than the existing gamma-ray sensors available. Furthermore, his device allowed operators to visualize gamma-ray emitting sources in real time. Recognizing the value of patenting this groundbreaking technology, he collaborated with Innovation Partnerships.
This partnership led to the 2011 establishment of H3D, founded with three of He’s former students: Feng Zhang, Weiyi Wang, and Willy Kaye. He and his team decided to establish H3D in Ann Arbor, and their dedication to southeast Michigan and the university has contributed to considerable economic development.
H3D and its affiliated companies have recruited numerous U-M graduates, with 23 out of H3D’s 40 employees being U-M alumni. Overall, H3D’s revenue has surpassed $90 million.
“Our product is now utilized in 75% of nuclear power facilities nationwide and is being employed globally,” He remarked. “Most recently, we dispatched some of our radiation detectors to the International Space Station. I could never have envisioned the broad applications of our detector or the economic ramifications of our company. This has materialized thanks to the assistance we received from the Innovation Partnerships team in commercializing our technology.”
H3D’s radiation detector has a diverse range of applications. Besides its primary purpose of identifying and detecting radiation, the company is investigating various future uses including emergency response, CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives) management, defense, homeland security, international nuclear nonproliferation, medical imaging, and more.
His endeavors are also branching into the medical field. Two additional startups originating in Ann Arbor have emerged from H3D to assist medical professionals—M3D and MH3D. M3D provides various gamma cameras powered by H3D’s sensor technology for use in healthcare settings by surgeons, physicians, physicists, and environmental safety personnel. MH3D specializes in larger imaging scanners, such as traditional SPECT imaging.
“H3D exemplifies everything that Innovation Partnerships values,” stated Richard Greeley, associate director of licensing, engineering. “They are producing an exceptional product that meets market demands and operate a stable company that not only creates jobs but also offers opportunities for students. A true triple threat.”
The University of Michigan and He hold a financial stake in H3D, M3D, and MH3D.
Written by Alexi Pierce, Innovation Partnerships
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