Sectra

About Sectra

Founded in 1978 as a spinout from Linköping University in Sweden, Sectra originated from a research project focused on secure banking solutions. The initiative, led by Professor Ingemar Ingemarsson together with doctoral students Viiveke Fåk, Rolf Blom, and Robert Forchheimer, resulted in the creation of Sectra, short for SECure TRAnsmission. Initially dedicated to data security and cryptography, the company quickly gained recognition for its advanced expertise in secure communications.

A turning point arrived in 1989 when Sectra broadened its scope to healthcare technology, recognising the emerging potential of digital radiology. This led to the development of medical IT systems for managing digital images, paving the way for hospitals to transition from film-based diagnostics to digital workflows. By 1993, Sectra’s technology powered Sweden’s first fully digital radiology department, marking a milestone in the digitisation of medical imaging.

As part of its long-term strategy, Sectra pursued international growth and strengthened its financial foundation with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in March 1999. This move validated its technological leadership and provided the resources to expand its global footprint.

Today, Sectra operates worldwide, with two primary business pillars: medical imaging IT solutions and secure communications. Its largest division, Imaging IT Solutions, provides world-leading systems for radiology, mammography, pathology, and orthopaedics, enabling healthcare providers to deliver efficient diagnostics and improved patient care. In parallel, the company maintains a strong position in cybersecurity, supplying encryption solutions for government agencies, defence organisations, and critical infrastructure operators.

Sectra’s trajectory illustrates how a research-driven organisation can evolve from niche cryptography into a global leader in both medical technology and secure communications. Its focus on long-term customer relationships, innovation, and trust has allowed the company to sustain growth and retain its reputation as a reliable partner to hospitals, governments, and security-conscious institutions worldwide.