STELAR SRL

Their core work

STELAR SRL is an Italian SME specializing in advanced magnetic resonance instrumentation, particularly Fast Field-Cycling (FFC) relaxometers and ultra-low field MRI systems. They design and manufacture precision NMR/MRI hardware used in both research laboratories and medical imaging applications. Their equipment enables researchers to measure molecular dynamics through relaxometry and to develop contrast-agent-free diagnostic imaging techniques for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

STELAR's early H2020 work (2016–2019) centered on established Fast Field-Cycling MRI and classical relaxometry — essentially improving diagnostic imaging with their core hardware platform. In the later period (2019–2023), their involvement shifted toward more exploratory physics: ultra-low field NMR, hyperpolarization, atomic magnetometry, and even NV-center diamond sensors. This progression shows a company moving from optimizing existing MRI technology toward next-generation magnetic resonance approaches that could eventually replace conventional contrast agents.

STELAR is moving toward cheaper, contrast-agent-free magnetic resonance techniques — positioning them for point-of-care and portable MRI applications.

How they like to work

STELAR consistently joins consortia as a participant or third party rather than leading projects, which is typical for an instrumentation SME contributing specialized hardware and measurement expertise. With 30 unique partners across 10 countries from just 3 projects, they operate within large, well-connected research consortia. Their role is that of a trusted equipment specialist brought in to provide the instrumentation backbone that academic partners need.

STELAR has collaborated with 30 distinct partners across 10 countries through 3 H2020 projects, indicating they are embedded in broad European MRI and NMR research networks. Their partnerships likely span university physics departments, medical imaging centers, and sensor technology groups.

What sets them apart

STELAR occupies a rare niche as a commercial manufacturer of Fast Field-Cycling relaxometers — a market with very few global players. This makes them an essential instrumentation partner for any EU consortium working on advanced MRI or NMR relaxometry research. For consortium builders, they bring the hardware capability to turn theoretical magnetic resonance concepts into working measurement systems.

Highlights from their portfolio

• IDentIFY
  Largest funded project (EUR 902,750) — aimed at translating Fast Field-Cycling MRI from lab technology into clinical diagnostic imaging.
• PRIMOGAIA
  Pursued contrast-agent-free MRI for early disease detection using prepolarization at Earth's magnetic field — a radical approach to low-cost medical imaging.
• ZULF
  Explored frontier physics (zero-field NMR, NV-center diamonds, atomic magnetometry) through an MSCA training network, signaling STELAR's investment in next-generation sensing.