Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Business Development Assistance Leads to Break Out in the Wind Energy Industry for Innovative Manufacturer

About

Since being established in 2020, Advanced Microwave Imaging (AMWI) has been focused on advancing microwave imaging technologies. AMWI focuses its activities on the use of multi-frequency microwave equipment coupled with bespoke antennae and industry standard inspection software systems to deliver the ultimate in microwave inspection systems. AMWI coupled this modern testing equipment with the only antenna system specifically developed for inspections.

The result is a sophisticated, powerful inspection system that easily penetrates thin materials like ceramics, HDPE pipe walls, or thick, complex fiberglass structures with enough resolution to identify all types of flaws. Using time-based analysis allows for accurate depth resolution of flaw location that cannot be accomplished in other techniques. The latest version of the software makes this even more accurate by using synthetic aperture radar focusing to further refine depth resolution to as little as 1mm slices.

The Challenge

AMWI has developed products for the non-destructive testing industry focusing on non-metallic materials (polymers, composites, coatings). The MEP of LA, part of the MEP National Network™, was introduced to CEO Robert Stakenborghs by the Louisiana Technology Transfer Office and LSU Innovation by Hutch McClendon, and ask to assess AMWI's current business situation.
Once LCTCS MEP of LA found out about our inspection technology, they were able to introduce us to multiple potential clients in the wind turbine blade industry in Louisiana. These were clients that we would not have had access to without the support of LCTCS MEP of LA.
— Robert Stakenborghs, CEO

MEP's Role

The findings of the business assessment led to a focus on business development opportunities for AMWI. The focus has been and continues in the wind energy and aerospace industries, including participating in a NASA showcase event this past November. The wind energy industry project was ultimately designed to help identify and leverage the advanced microwave imaging technologies into the wind energy business sector. The imaging device uses microwave graphics to determine flaws or weak points in polymeric structures

. For the wind energy business sector, the initial use will be on large turbine blades. By understanding their technology and leveraging it into companies that could use their technology in the state of Louisiana the LCTCS MEP of LA was able to assist AMWI in their endeavors which resulted in cost savings as well as new products and equipment investments. The company is now looking to add more people to their staff to help manage their endeavors moving forward.

Created January 22, 2025