From Tesla to Tescan

Tescan was born in Brno, Czech Republic, where a legacy of electron optics was already part of the city’s DNA. Founded by former engineers from the Tesla factories (one of the world’s first leading electron microscope hubs), the mission was simple but ambitious. Build world-class imaging systems that were easier to use and more accessible to the researchers who needed them most. 
 

Early innovations like PROXIMA (our integrated optical navigation system) and the VEGA variable pressure SEM set a tone we have kept ever since - practical, intuitive, and driven by real research needs. 

At the same time, Orsay Physics was doing something similar in France. Since 1989, they had been pushing the boundaries of focused ion beam (FIB) technology, developing custom solutions for microelectronics and materials science. Like Tescan, they believed tools should fit the people using them and they knew real innovation happens at the intersection of science and usability.

The gate to east

Tescan is stepping into the Chinese market and establishing Tescan China.

The Merger

After two decades on parallel paths, Tescan and Orsay came together to form Tescan Orsay Holding. It was more than a merger - it was a meeting of minds. Tescan brought SEM systems known for flexibility and ease of use. Orsay brought FIB expertise and precision engineering. Together, this team could offer integrated platforms across SEM, FIB-SEM, and microanalysis with a shared philosophy: make the complex feel simple.

Growing the Toolkit

As our capabilities expanded, so did our team. The acquisition of XRE brought micro-CT into the portfolio, becoming Tescan micro-CT in Ghent. The integration of AppFive, now Tescan Tempe, added advanced system control and software innovation. These were also more than acquisitions, creating partnerships built on complementary strengths. Each one made our solutions broader, better, and more future-ready.


In the same period, we expanded our global footprint with the establishment of Tescan Germany and Tescan Brazil, strengthening our presence in both European and South American markets.

Enter TENSOR 

With TENSOR, we introduced a new generation of modular, scalable STEM platforms designed around workflows, not just specs. TENSOR is a system built to evolve with science, giving researchers the flexibility to upgrade and adapt without slowing down. TENSOR marked a paradigm shift: from machines to systems, from tools to experiences.

Expanding Our Capabilities

In November 2024, we welcomed EXpressLO products into the TESCAN Group. Known for innovative lift-out tools and cryogenic workflows, ExpressLO excels in FIB specimen preparation for challenging environments like cryo, soft materials, battery research. 

This strategic acquisition powers key parts of our high-throughput automated workflows for materials science and semiconductor customers. Integrated with our new-generation FIB-SEM systems and 4D-STEM solutions, ExpressLO’s expertise brings faster, clearer, and more consistent results to our users. Their R&D and cryo manufacturing remain in the U.S., while their innovations  scale globally under the TESCAN banner. 

This same year brought our redefinition of plasma FIB-SEM: AMBER X2. High-resolution, low-damage, faster time to data with a completely modular design, and built for demanding materials science and semiconductor applications, it pushes performance forward without compromising usability. As research gets more complex, we are focused on keeping clarity - and confidence - at the core.

A Stronger Presence in APAC 

Our growth in the Asia-Pacific region accelerated, starting with the acquisition of TESCAN Korea and DML - longtime collaborators with a strong presence in the Korean semiconductor and academic sectors. Their integration brought over 500 systems and decades of market experience under one roof, solidifying our leadership in the region.
 
That momentum continued with the launch of new subsidiaries in Taiwan and Singapore and plans to expand more in this region focusing on Semiconductor corridor. With these moves, we are not just closer to our customers. We’re building long-term partnerships, supporting next-gen research, and investing in the future of science across Asia.

Global, Focused, and Still Inventing 

Tescan now spans four R&D centers - in Brno, Fuveau, Ghent and Tempe - with nearly 1,000 people working across 80+ countries. We offer one of the widest imaging portfolios on the market, from SEM and micro-CT to plasma FIB-SEM and beyond. With the acquisition of ExpressLO’s patents, we are creating new possibilities in signal detection, and opening doors to faster, clearer, smarter results. 

We have come a long way from that team of engineers in Brno. But the goal hasn’t changed: build imaging systems that remove friction, empower discovery, and move science forward.