Company attributes
Other attributes
Olympus Group, also known as Olympus Corporation, is a global medical technology company that specializes in manufacturing medical devices. It was founded in 1919 in Tokyo, Japan, and has since expanded its operations to thirty-eight countries and regions across the world.
The company was established on October 12, 1919, by Takeshi Yamashita. He had secured investment from a previous employer to start the company and had the initial intention of manufacturing microscopes domestically instead of relying on imports. The first microscope for manufacturing was launched in 1920 with the name Asahi. Olympus Group also manufactured thermometers at that time but sold off that part of the business in 1923. The company started manufacturing gastrocameras in 1950.
The company has experienced several name changes since its inception in 1919 under the name Takachiho Seisakusho. Its name was changed to Takachiho Optical in 1942 and Olympus Optical in 1949. In 2003, the name was changed to Olympus Corporation, which is its name today.
Olympus Group specializes in manufacturing and distributing medical endoscopes, endotherapy devices, and therapeutic energy devices. These devices can be used for the detection and to aid with the treatment of different cancers such as lung, colorectum, and stomach cancer.
The company offers products such as those below:
- Video endoscopy systems
- 4K surgical endoscopy systems
- 3D surgical endoscopy systems
- Endoscope reprocessors
- Systems integrations for operating rooms
Olympus Group previously offered other medical device products, such as life science solutions and industrial solutions products and medical cameras, audio recorders, and binoculars. The group sold those products to Evident (which was acquired by Bain Capital in 2022) and OM Digital Solutions, respectively.
Olympus Group has also developed an educational platform called Olympus Continuum. It has educational programs and training for medical professionals looking to expand their clinical expertise and broaden their skill set. Courses are available online and at learning centers throughout the world in places such as Japan, Mexico, and the United States.