“When we founded ScandiNova in 2001, we were among the few who believed solid-state technology could replace electron tubes, an idea that was met with considerable scepticism in the industry at the time. To now, 25 years and nearly 5,000 modulators later, see the technology we believed in become essential to so many vital sectors is amazing to witness,” says Mikael Lindholm, Founder and VP Global Sales, ScandiNova Systems.
“It’s inspiring to lead a company built on 25 years of innovation and the dedication of so many skilled employees. I want to thank our customers for the trust they continue to place in us, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead as we keep developing technology that makes a real difference for our customers and society,” adds Susanna Eriksson, Managing Director, ScandiNova Systems.
Improving critical applications for society
ScandiNova’s solid-state pulsed power technology has enabled essential improvements in a range of vital sectors, including:
Radiotherapy: more reliable, precise and accessible cancer treatment, and new treatment methods
Cargo and Vehicle Inspection: increased safety and more efficient inspection of cargo and containers at border crossings and high-security facilities; our compact modulators have also enabled mobile inspection systems
Weather radar: more reliable weather radar systems for operators such as national meteorological institutes and airports
Scientific research: greater availability at research facilities for scientists conducting both fundamental and applied research in fields such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and sustainable materials; our products have also helped make it possible to upgrade and build new high-end research facilities.
Pioneers against the odds
When ScandiNova was founded in 2001, the pulsed power industry was dominated by technology based on electron tubes (thyratrons), large, power-hungry systems requiring regular service. The company’s founders instead saw the potential in solid-state technology, a solution that was unproven in the industry at the time: could solid-state-based systems really withstand the high voltage levels and reliability required for critical applications such as radiotherapy and particle physics?
The breakthrough came through an innovative new design of the transformer, the electrical circuit for sensitive semiconductors, and a modern control system, making it possible to build modulators that were more reliable, delivered better performance, and were significantly more compact than modulators based on the older electron-tube technology.
Twenty-five years and nearly 5,000 delivered modulators later, the results speak for themselves: what was once met with scepticism is today the industry standard, as thyratron technology is being phased out.
From idea to industry leader
ScandiNova Systems was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from Scanditronix, by individuals with extensive experience in pulsed power and accelerator systems. Since its founding, the company has established itself as a world-leading supplier of solid-state-based high-voltage modulators and RF systems, with customers including CERN, MAX IV, Rapiscan, Elekta, and Varian (a Siemens Healthineers company). Today, ScandiNova has over 200 customers in around 50 countries.
This growth and technological leadership are the result of the dedication and expertise of ScandiNova’s employees, past and present, today numbering approximately 150 in Uppsala.
| Year |
Milestone |
| 2001 |
ScandiNova founded by Mikael Lindholm, Walter Crewsson, David Woodburn |
| 2009 |
First delivery to CERN |
| 2017 |
OEM agreements with Varian and Elekta |
| 2019 |
Modulator no.1000 |
| 2024 |
ScandiNova becomes part of Nodica Group |
| 2025 |
Modulator no.4000 |
