IBA history

IBA - Radiation Dynamics Inc. (RDI) History

1986

Founding of IBA

Founded by Yves Jongen in 1986, IBA is as a spin-off of the Cyclotron Research Center of the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve (UCL), Belgium. Initially active in medical imaging, the company turned its attention to radiotherapy and developed cyclotrons and integrated proton therapy centers which are able to treat numerous forms of cancer with a degree of precision and efficacy never reached before.
1992

IBA expands its activities

In 1992, IBA expands activities into the industrial sector of sterilization and ionization by introducing the Rhodotron®, a new type of particle accelerator producing an electron beam based on a patented concept of the French Atomic Energy Commission.
1997

Employee’s Buy Out

IBA employees got together in 1997 in an employee buyout of the shares of the company. The purpose was to raise their involvement in, and reward their commitment to, the success of the company while also giving themselves the opportunity to drive its future.
1998

IBA enters the Brussels stock market

In June 1998, funds are raised on the Brussels stock market from an initial public offering to enable IBA to accelerate development through internal growth and acquisitions.
1999

IBA consolidates its strength in irradiation technologies

IBA consolidates its strength in irradiation technologies with the acquisition of Radiation Dynamics, Inc. in February 1999. RDI was well established in the field of high-power low-energy E-beam accelerators used for heat shrinking and polymer modification applications.
This acquisition reinforced IBA’s prominent position in the electron beam field as the RDI product line complements nicely IBA’s high energy, high power Rhodotrons®. Adding a very large installed base (more than 200 units) essentially in the US, RDI has also served as a stronghold for the development of IBA accelerator business in North America.
2004

IBA sells Sterigenics

5 years after the company’s acquisition, IBA having gained a strong experience in building and operating a sterilization center sells Sterigenics and focuses on equipment supply.
2007

Developing presence in Asia

In June 2007, IBA opens a new facility in Beijing, China, giving the company Asian Headquarters to support all its business units in Asia. This move is part of an overall development program to optimize opportunities in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.
May 2012

Olivier Legrain appointed as Chief Executive Officer of IBA

Olivier Legrain becomes Chief Executive Officer replacing Pierre Mottet. Olivier Legrain joined the company in 1996 as Financial Controller. He further pursued his career in the company as President of the IBA Dosimetry business line from 1999 to 2003. From 2003 till 2010 he became President of the IBA Molecular business line. Thereafter he took over the role of Chief Strategy Officer of the Group.
2013

Yves Jongen nominated for the European Inventor Award

Yves Jongen, Founder and Chief Research Officer of IBA, is nominated for the European Inventor of the Year Award from the European Patent Office for his lifetime contribution to developing new solutions in proton therapy and making this next generation targeted cancer treatment more accessible to cancer patients worldwide.