IBA (Ion Beam Applications)
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Louvain-la-Neuve in Wallonia, IBA develops particle accelerator technology with a primary focus on proton therapy systems used for cancer treatment. The company is the global market leader in proton therapy, with systems installed in major oncology centers worldwide.
IBA is listed on Euronext Brussels and generates approximately EUR 350M in annual revenue, with a workforce exceeding 1500 people. Its core technology converts cyclotron-based particle acceleration into clinical-grade cancer treatment equipment.
Beyond oncology, IBA also develops accelerator solutions for industrial applications including radiation processing and sterilization. The company represents one of Belgium's oldest and most substantial deep-tech companies, with a track record spanning four decades.
Key People
Yves Jongen - founder
Olivier Legrain - ceo
In the media3
Olivier Legrain discusses how a company's purpose extends far beyond short-term profit maximization and must account for responsibility toward employees, society, and the environment. He argues that introducing medium and long-term thinking, rather than focusing solely on stock price, allows companies to manage risks better, attract talent, and create value for stakeholders while still generating profit.
Olivier Legrain, CEO of IBA, discusses his experience at the inaugural Amstro conference, noting that the small meeting size allowed for quality interactions with interesting people and sessions. He highlights the industry discussion about regional development commitment and a session on MRI use for liver treatment as particularly valuable. Legrain emphasizes that such conferences create community among practitioners, enabling faster learning, knowledge sharing, and quicker adoption of best practices in radiation oncology.
# Summary Olivier Legrain discusses IBA's 40-year journey from a university laboratory spinoff to a global company with 2,300 employees and 500 million euros in annual revenue, tracing its founding when the company's creator left UCL's cyclotron laboratory to start IBA across the street.