Creare

What Creare does

Creare LLC is a privately held engineering research, development, and consulting firm founded in 1961 and headquartered in Hanover, New Hampshire. The company combines judgment with sophisticated analytical and experimental methods to deliver value-added technologies from initial concept through deployed system for government and industrial clients. Creare is organized around eight core technical business areas — Cryogenic Systems, Biomedical and Human Systems, Fluid and Thermal Systems, Sensors and Control Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Power Systems, Electronics, and Software Development — and operates more than 100 concurrent R&D projects per year with a staff of approximately 60+ engineers plus technicians and administrators. Its engineering base spans decades-long expertise in reverse-Brayton and turbo-Brayton cryocoolers, heat exchangers, MEMS sensors, additive manufacturing, and spaceflight thermal management.

Creare's primary customers are U.S. federal agencies — NASA, the Department of Defense (Navy, Air Force, DARPA), and the Department of Energy — accessed principally through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and direct contracts. Anchor platforms include F-35 production support via its Cryogenic Machining System and Fastener Measurement Tool (through spin-off Edare), Low Rate Initial Production of the Hearing Protection Helmet for Navy flight decks, Miniature Cryocooler Controller Electronics for Tactical Space (MCCE-TS) on five L3Harris missile defense satellites, and NASA's ARCSTONE Observatory and CryoFILL lunar propellant development programs. Targeted specialized products include the Compact Swaging Machine for Nimitz-class carriers, the Compact Repair System for aircraft, the Seabed Imaging System for autonomous underwater vehicles, an Advanced Oxygen Delivery System for submarine rescue, and GeoWATCH soil-moisture forecasting software.

The business model blends fee-for-service R&D engineering (professional services), low-rate specialty hardware sales of products developed through internal R&D, technology licensing, and the formation of spin-off companies (e.g., Edare) to commercialize successful innovations. Go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales to government program offices and prime contractors, supported by conference presentations (TETS, ASME Turbomachinery, DMC, Navy Forum for SBIR/STTR Transition) and peer-reviewed publications rather than consumer marketing. The company is solely owned and self-funded since 1961, with no identified external equity, and has operated profitably across leadership transitions from founder Bob Dean through current President Patrick Magari.

Name

Creare

Legal name

Creare LLC

Website

https://creare.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Creare is a privately held engineering R&D services and product development firm founded in 1961 in Hanover, NH, serving U.S. government agencies (NASA, DoD, DOE) and industrial clients across cryogenics, thermal systems, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and spaceflight hardware through SBIR/STTR programs and direct contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Hanover

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. R&D Engineering Services: Core business providing research and development engineering services to government and industrial clients. Projects range from short consulting engagements to multi-year development programs. Work is done in close collaboration with clients' technical teams.
2. Specialized Products: Delivery of specialized hardware products including cryocoolers, hearing protection helmets, inspection systems, and other engineered components developed through R&D programs.
3. Technology Licensing: Licensing of developed technologies to commercial partners for broader deployment and market reach.
4. Spin-off Companies: Formation of spin-off companies based on successful innovations, such as Edare for fastener measurement systems manufacturing.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Creare is an engineering research and development firm that provides multidisciplinary R&D services and develops specialized hardware products for government and industrial clients. Its work spans cryogenic systems, turbomachinery, thermal management, sensors, advanced manufacturing, power systems, electronics, and software development, delivering solutions from initial concept through deployed system. The company also transitions successful innovations via specialized products, technology licensing, and spin-off companies.

Product overview

Creare is an engineering R&D services company offering a broad portfolio of technology solutions organized into eight core business areas: Cryogenic Systems (including reverse-Brayton cryocoolers, cryocooler controllers, Stirling/pulse-tube cryocoolers, and superconducting systems), Biomedical and Human Systems (medical imaging, hearing protection, drug delivery), Fluid and Thermal Systems (heat exchangers, refrigeration, CFD), Sensors and Control Systems (MEMS, ultrasonic, acoustic sensors), Advanced Manufacturing (additive manufacturing, machining, composites), Power Systems (combustion, fuel cells, spacecraft power), Electronics (battery management, power conversion), and Software Development (mobile apps, firmware, image processing). The company also develops specialized products including the MCCE-TS cryocooler controller deployed on satellites, the CryoFILL system for NASA lunar propellant production, Hearing Protection Helmet for Navy aircraft carriers, Seabed Imaging System for underwater vehicles, GeoWATCH military terrain forecasting software, UAV navigation systems, and the Compact Repair System for aircraft maintenance. Creare serves government agencies (NASA, DoD, DOE) and commercial clients across aerospace, defense, medical, and energy sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cryogenic Systems Advanced cryogenic cooling R&D services and solutions including reverse-Brayton cryocoolers, Stirling and pulse-tube cryocoolers, cryocooler control electronics, air separation/liquefaction systems, and superconducting systems for space and defense clients.
• Biomedical and Human Systems R&D services for healthcare technologies including signal processing, medical imaging, drug delivery and compliance testing, hearing protection, hearing assessment, and interoperative imaging.
• Fluid and Thermal Systems Thermal management R&D services including computational fluid dynamics, refrigeration systems, two-phase flow and heat transfer, heat exchangers, miniature fans and blowers, and aircraft thermal systems.
• Sensors and Control Systems Sensor technology R&D services including MEMS-based sensors, adaptive noise cancellation, acoustic-based sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and prognostics and diagnostics systems.
• Advanced Manufacturing Manufacturing technology R&D services including additive manufacturing, machining technology, composites fabrication, non-contact measurement, inspection, and stamping and forming.
• Power Systems Energy R&D services including combustion systems, compact power generation, fuel cells, propulsion systems, and spacecraft power systems.
• Electronics Electronic systems R&D services including batteries and battery management systems, power conversion electronics, health and usage monitoring systems, medical device electronics, and guidance/navigation/control systems.
• Software Development Software R&D services including mobile platform development, user interfaces, firmware, cloud-based data manipulation, image processing, and fiber laser modeling.
• Miniature Cryocooler Controller Electronics for Tactical Space (MCCE-TS) Compact electronics package that optimally balances cost and mission reliability for cryogenic cooling systems on space missions; deployed on L3Harris missile tracking satellites and NASA's ARCSTONE Observatory.
• CryoFILL Cryogenic Refueling System Cryogenic technology for in-situ propellant production that extracts oxygen from lunar water ice and liquefies it for use as rocket fuel, condensing oxygen at temperatures below -300°F.
• Hearing Protection Helmet (HPH) Protective helmet for US Navy aircraft carrier flight decks that protects sailors and marines from hearing loss and head injury better than existing equipment.
• Seabed Imaging System (SIS) Acoustic imaging system for autonomous underwater vehicles providing fully automated data processing for mine detection with high spatial resolution and low power consumption.
• Silicon Micro-Machined Recuperator Silicon micro-machined recuperator with micro-slots produced using photo-etching techniques that makes turbo-Brayton cryocoolers smaller and lighter with enhanced heat transfer.
• Integrated Laser-Assisted Consolidation System (ILACS) Laser-assisted consolidation system using semiconductor laser diodes as heat source to join carbon fiber composite prepreg tape; compact and easily retrofits into existing fiber placement machines with 38% cycle time reduction.
• Submarine Decompression Chamber Oxygen Delivery System Advanced oxygen delivery system for US Navy that helps rescue submariners safely and rapidly from disabled submarines by reducing time spent in the decompression chamber.
• GeoWATCH Software for forecasting soil moisture and soil strength for military-scale decision making at high spatial resolution, fusing weather forecast data with topography, vegetation, soil type, and land use data.
• Fastener Measurement Tool (FMT) Handheld fastener measurement tool using structured illumination for rapid 3D scanning of aircraft outer mold line surfaces; supports F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production.
• Compact Swaging Machine (CSM) Machine that replaces the hazardous molten zinc speltering method for attaching arresting gear purchase cable sockets on Nimitz Class Carriers, taking one-third the time of the previous method.
• Compact Repair System (CRS) Additive friction stir process technology for full-strength restoration of damaged aircraft components, including pinhole repair, corrosion repair, reinforcement, and weld repair; requires minimal training and has small logistical tail.
• Compact Airborne Acoustic Transmitter (CAAT) Lightweight, efficient sound source generating high-intensity low-frequency sound waves for detecting buried landmines from altitudes up to 2,000 feet; designed for mounting on unmanned helicopters.
• Technology Licensing Program Licensing of developed technologies to commercial partners for broader deployment and market reach across Creare's portfolio of innovations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 38% decrease in cycle time with ILACS™ laser-assisted consolidation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and notable.

• West Coast Solutions (WCS)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2017Joint development partner for MCCE-TS (Miniature Cryocooler Controller Electronics for Tactical Space) originally developed in 2017 for NASA under SBIR program. WCS provides expertise for spaceflight cryocooler control electronics technology deployed on multiple missions including ARCSTONE Observatory and L3Harris missile tracking satellites.
• Albany Engineered CompositescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner and end-user on ILACS™ (Integrated Laser-Assisted Consolidation System) Phase III SBIR program. Joint development of laser-assisted consolidation technology for carbon fiber composite materials with Paul Briney as Senior Program Engineer from Albany Engineered Composites participating in joint presentations.
• Case Western Reserve University (Two-Phase Flow and Thermal Management Lab)notableStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeamed to measure heat transfer and develop new correlations for boiling heat transfer in cryogenic fuel tanks, supporting modeling and design for efficient propellant storage and transfer in future exploration spacecraft. Results published in International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.
• Cogent Energy SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of waste-to-energy system for US Navy. Cogent provides gasifier technology while Creare designed and fabricated system components that prepare waste and deliver syngas to the generator set.
• Innovative Automation Inc.notableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Creare and Electratherm to demonstrate waste heat recovery and conversion to electrical power at US Naval Academy Gas Turbine Laboratory.
• ElectrathermnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Creare and Innovative Automation Inc. for waste heat recovery demonstration using RR-250 gas turbine engine at US Naval Academy.
• United States Naval AcademynotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Creare, Innovative Automation Inc., and Electratherm to demonstrate waste heat recovery and conversion to electrical power at the USNA Gas Turbine Laboratory.
• Boys Town National Research HospitalnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating on open-source audio processing platform to spur innovation in hearing aid research, funded by Department of Health & Human Services/NIDCD.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversitynotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeamed to develop advanced navigation system for small UAVs using LIDAR and stereo vision for DARPA. Testing conducted at Embry-Riddle outdoor obstacle courses and simulated urban environments.
• OTTO Engineering Inc.notableImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTeam member for Triple Hearing Protection (THP) helmet development working with NAVAIR for Critical Design Review.
• Composite Materials Research and DevelopmentnotableImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTeam member for Triple Hearing Protection (THP) helmet development with NAVAIR.
• EdarenotableChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister firm that manufactures and supplies fastener measurement tool (FMT) systems to support F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• RAND Corporation: RAND is a nonprofit research institution providing analysis and engineering studies to DoD and other federal agencies. Overlaps with Creare on defense/government contract research, though RAND focuses more on policy/analysis than on hardware R&D.
• Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL): APL is a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) performing R&D for national security and space. Overlaps with Creare on Navy, NASA, and DoD space programs (including cryogenics-adjacent and propulsion work), but operates at much larger scale and project scope.
• Leidos (Dynetics): Leidos, including its Dynetics division, is a large federal R&D and engineering services prime with significant DoD/NASA work in hypersonics, advanced manufacturing, and space systems. Overlaps with Creare on defense R&D and now competes for Phase III transitions at much larger scale.
• MITRE Corporation: MITRE operates multiple FFRDCs serving DoD and FAA with systems engineering and R&D services. Overlaps with Creare on defense/national-security engineering work but is much larger and broader in scope (enterprise systems, cyber, aviation).

Direct peers

• Southwest Research Institute (SwRI): SwRI is a nonprofit contract R&D organization with a similar model: multidisciplinary engineering R&D for government and industry, spanning space, defense, energy, and manufacturing. Comparable in scale, structure, and SBIR/government contract orientation to Creare.
• Draper Laboratory: Draper is an independent nonprofit engineering R&D organization specializing in guidance/navigation/control, sensors, and space systems. Highly comparable to Creare on GN&C, sensors, and cryogenic/space hardware for DoD/NASA primes.
• Battelle Memorial Institute: Battelle operates as a large-scale contract science and technology R&D organization serving government agencies and industrial clients across defense, energy, and health. Comparable to Creare as a mission-driven R&D services firm with national-security and energy portfolios.
• The Aerospace Corporation: Aerospace Corporation is a federally funded R&D center (FFRDC) focused exclusively on space systems engineering for national-security space customers. Comparable to Creare on space cryocooler/satellite work and DoD/NASA customer set, though significantly larger in scale.
• Schafer Corporation: Schafer is a smaller-scale defense R&D services firm providing engineering and analysis to DoD and intelligence customers. Highly comparable to Creare in size, customer profile, and SBIR/government contract orientation.

Others

• Hypertherm: Hypertherm is itself a former Creare spin-off from Bob Dean's plasma arc generator work, now a global leader in industrial cutting technology. Relevant as the most successful historical example of Creare's spin-off model rather than as a direct current competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/creare

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Creare