- Lansing-based company reflects on two decades of innovation, evolving from equipment manufacturing to scaling next-generation radiopharmaceutical supply
- Niowave’s unique ability to build superconducting accelerators and scale radioisotope production positions it as a leader in this rapidly growing cancer therapy market
Lansing, Mich. – January 21, 2026 – Niowave Inc. today marks the 20th anniversary of its founding, celebrating two decades of innovation in the development of superconducting accelerators and the production of medical radioisotopes used in targeted cancer therapies.
Since its spinoff in 2005 from Michigan State University’s National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, Niowave has grown from a small team of innovators into a key player in the radiopharmaceuticals industry. The company specializes in producing medical radioisotopes such as Actinium-225 (Ac-225); a radioactive isotope used in targeted cancer therapies that destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
A Two-Decade Legacy of Innovation
Founded by Dr. Terry Grimm, Niowave has revolutionized radioisotope production by developing superconducting electron linear accelerators. By advancing this technology in-house, Niowave is uniquely positioned to scale the production of Ac-225 and support increasing global demand.
“We founded Niowave to develop and advance superconducting accelerator technology for a range of commercial purposes,” said Dr. Terry Grimm, Founder and Chief Science Officer of Niowave. “Over the past 20 years as we have become a leader in superconducting accelerator research, our focus on the production of medical radioisotopes has enabled the company to create scalable production methods to help meet growing global demand for targeted cancer therapies.”
Niowave is the only private company in the world that both builds and operates superconducting linear accelerators and pairs them with industry-leading in-house radiochemistry. This unique combination allows Niowave to reliably produce Ac-225 for use in cancer therapies.
“As we mark our 20th anniversary, Niowave is well-positioned to support the rapid growth in targeted cancer therapies,” said Mike Zamiara, CEO of Niowave. “This milestone reflects the vision of our founder, the dedication of our team, and the trust of our partners who rely on our ability to scale reliable isotope supply worldwide.”
Key Milestones in Niowave’s Journey
- 2005: Founded to commercialize superconducting accelerator technology
- 2007: Developed a superconducting electron injector for Brookhaven National Laboratory’s relativistic heavy ion collider through the DOE SBIR program
- 2009: First private company to design and test superconducting accelerators for commercial applications
- 2010: Named DOE SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year
- 2016: Received SBA Tibbetts Award
- 2017: Began production of Ac-225 for cancer therapies
- 2021: Completed first shipment of Yttrium-90 (Y-90)
- 2023: Filed Drug Master File and deliver cGMP grade Ac-225
- 2022-2025: Expanded global partnerships and isotope supply agreements to support next-generation cancer therapies
- 2026: Groundbreaking for new facility housing 6 accelerators and radiochemistry systems enabling Ac-225 production beyond 175 Ci per year
Partnerships and Recent Advancements
In recent years, Niowave has expanded its role in the global radiopharmaceutical supply chain through strategic partnerships focused on increasing availability of alpha-emitting isotopes for cancer treatment. These include long-term supply agreements, federal cooperative funding, and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies.
- 2022–2025: Niowave established seven strategic partnerships to secure and expand the supply of Ac-225, strengthening its leadership position. These partnerships include:
- Multi-year supply agreement with Fusion Pharmaceuticals for Ac-225
- Multi-year supply agreement with Aktis Oncology
- Supply agreement with AstraZeneca for Ac-225
Accelerating the Fight Against Cancer
Today, Niowave employs approximately 180 people and operates state-of-the-art facilities in Lansing, Michigan. As it enters its next decade, the company continues to invest in research, development, and manufacturing capacity to ensure reliable access to critical medical isotopes worldwide.
As the global demand for targeted cancer therapies continues to grow, Niowave’s unique combination of accelerator manufacturing expertise and radiochemistry capabilities positions the company to play a crucial role in the next generation of precision medicine.
About Niowave Inc.
Niowave Inc. is a global leader in developing and operating superconducting electron linear accelerators and advancing radiochemistry for medical radioisotope production. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, Niowave supplies radioisotopes for cancer treatments, integrating seamlessly into FDA-approved supply chains. Guided by its mission to accelerate the fight against cancer, Niowave’s unique capabilities support the reliable, scalable production of critical medical isotopes. For more information, visit www.niowaveinc.com.