Xradia

In 2000, amidst a dynamic tech scene, former Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory scientist Wenbing Yun saw a commercial opportunity for a technology he knew well: X-ray microscopy. Recognizing its unique ability to see inside objects non-destructively, he partnered with serial entrepreneur Ken Nill, who provided the seed funding and business guidance to get started. Together, they founded Xradia, aiming to build the world's most advanced X-ray microscopes. Xradia’s technology provided a powerful new tool for science and industry, allowing researchers and engineers to create high-resolution, 3D images of the internal structures of materials like semiconductors, rocks, and biological samples. This non-destructive approach was a significant advantage over traditional light and electron microscopes. After an initial focus on the semiconductor industry, the company found a strong market with synchrotron research facilities, which rapidly adopted their technology. The company's growth and strong technological position did not go unnoticed. In July 2013, the German optics and optoelectronics leader, ZEISS, announced it was acquiring Xradia. The move was a strategic play for ZEISS to expand its own extensive microscopy portfolio into the X-ray domain, filling a gap between its existing light and electron microscope offerings. Following the acquisition, Xradia was renamed Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, integrating its innovative technology into a global powerhouse and making it more accessible to a broader range of customers worldwide.