Gamma Basics

Founded in 2008, Gamma Basics, LLC operated in the specialized market of medical radiation shielding design and analysis. The company was the result of a collaboration between Mike Kijewski, a University of Pennsylvania graduate student in Medical Physics, and Mimeya Technology, a Philadelphia-based software development firm. Kijewski's academic background in medical physics provided the foundational expertise in radiation oncology, which was complemented by the software architecture and development skills of his co-founders from Mimeya, Eric Pancoast and William Fenstermaker. This blend of domain knowledge and technical execution was central to the company's value proposition.

Gamma Basics developed a flagship software package known as GrayCAD. This tool was engineered for the radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic imaging markets, serving clients such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The primary function of GrayCAD was to assist these institutions in designing and analyzing radiation shielding to ensure safety and compliance, particularly when upgrading or installing high-energy capital equipment like linear accelerators. The software addressed the critical need for accurate, efficient, and reliable shielding calculations, a key concern in a market driven by stringent safety regulations and the high costs associated with medical imaging and therapy installations.

The company's business model centered on the development and sale of its specialized GrayCAD software. Gamma Basics was supported by several early-stage funding initiatives, including an accelerator/incubator program in 2009, a grant in 2011, and a seed round in the same year, which helped fuel its product development and market entry. The venture culminated in a strategic acquisition by Varian Medical Systems, a major player in the radiation oncology field, on November 1, 2013. This exit validated the company's focused approach and the importance of its software solution within the medical physics and healthcare technology sectors. Following the acquisition, the founders transitioned to roles within Varian before embarking on new entrepreneurial ventures.

Keywords: radiation shielding design, GrayCAD, medical physics software, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, diagnostic imaging, medical device software, healthcare compliance, radiation safety, Varian Medical Systems acquisition, Mike Kijewski, Eric Pancoast, William Fenstermaker, Mimeya Technology, shielding analysis, radiotherapy, hospital safety, medical equipment upgrade, healthtech, oncology software