Our Story | 50 Years Hope & Innovation | Cancer Care | Elekta hero

50 years of innovation and beyond

Building hope

Founded by Lars and Laurent Leksell in 1972, we have dedicated ourselves to pioneering advances in cancer care and the treatment of brain disorders.

Today, we are over 4,700 people working towards a world where everyone has access to the best cancer care.

This is our story.

Our story

The Early Years

1972 - 1986

A Company Grows Up

1986 - 1993

Important Turns

1994 - 2005

A Modern Approach

2005 - 2022
1972

The Early Years

Neurosurgeon Lars Leksell invents Leksell Gamma Knife to treat brain cancer—without an open surgical procedure! Now, how will that impact traditional radiotherapy? Sons Larry and Danny help turn it all into a proper company.

1973

Surgeon and inventor: Lars Leksell's brilliant mind

Elekta was founded in 1972 and is tightly connected to the vision of non-invasive brain surgery and non-invasive cancer treatment. Discover how Elekta started

1974

Disciples spreading the word

The environment that Lars Leksell nurtured at the Seraphim Hospital and the Karolinska Institute became a hotbed for talented neurosurgeons from different parts of the world.

1976

The knife in media

Elekta was founded in 1972 and is tightly connected to the vision of non-invasive brain surgery and non-invasive cancer treatment. Discover how Elekta started

1986

A Company Grows Up

Finally, the first Gamma Knife sale! The treatment brings new hope to cancer patients, while Elekta figures out how to work with health care providers worldwide.

1987

Entering the US market

Entering the US market was a do or die move for Elekta. It meant building trust and establishing a solution previously unheard of in a market with fierce competition.

1988

Big in Japan

The introduction to the Japanese market was the most expensive in the company’s history.

1989

A gate to China

Building trust in China and establishing the Asian headquarters in Hong Kong in 1994.

1994

Important Turns

A major acquisition paves the way for a broader Elekta way—because radiosurgery and radiotherapy can play well together.

2005

A Modern Approach

A modern approach to cancer care, find out more about how Elekta's past has shaped its vision for the future, providing hope for those dealing with cancer