National Centre for Nuclear Research

What National Centre for Nuclear Research does

The National Centre for Nuclear Research (Narodowe Centrum Badań Jądrowych, NCBJ) is Poland's largest research institute, operating the country's sole nuclear research reactor (MARIA) on a 44-hectare fenced campus in Otwock-Świerk, approximately 30 km southeast of Warsaw. Founded in 1955, the institute employs 1,150 researchers across nuclear physics, materials science, radiation protection, astrophysics, and nuclear medicine, and runs approximately 150 projects annually spanning basic research and applied nuclear technologies. NCBJ's core operations center on radioisotope production through its OR POLATOM division (serving 800,000+ patients annually with molybdenum-99, iodine-131, and other medical isotopes), materials characterization via the NOMATEN Centre of Excellence, high-performance computing through the Świerk Computing Centre, and radiation protection measurement services.

Revenue derives from a hybrid mix: direct-to-customer sales of radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic kits to healthcare facilities worldwide, government procurement contracts for nuclear safety and radiation protection services, European and international research grants (Horizon Europe, EUROFusion, XFEL), technology licensing through the Świerk Science and Technology Park (PNT), and postgraduate education programs offered jointly with the University of Warsaw. NCBJ also commercializes IP through spin-offs including ImagineRT (SMOC radiographic detectors), GraphMed, Eastern Wall Technologies, and Salloytech. The institute maintains active roles in major international collaborations including Super-Kamiokande, Hyper-Kamiokande, LOFAR, LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA, and EUROFusion, and is establishing new partnerships in maritime nuclear propulsion, defense dual-use technologies (OBR CTM SA/Polish Defence Group), and space technology (ESA Technology Centre).

Name

National Centre for Nuclear Research

Legal name

Narodowe Centrum Badań Jądrowych

Website

https://ncbj.gov.pl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The National Centre for Nuclear Research is a Polish government research institute operating the country's only nuclear research reactor (MARIA), producing medical radioisotopes for global healthcare, conducting nuclear physics and materials research, and training Poland's nuclear energy workforce across 1,150 staff.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nuclear Research and Technology Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715), Medical Laboratories (621511)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)

akta.pro primary industry

Research & Test Reactor Operations (Non-Commercial Power) (EUACADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Medical Radioisotope Production (Reactor/Cyclotron, Mo-99/Tc-99m, I-131, Lu-177, etc.) (EUAKAIAA), Radioisotope Production (Reactor/Cyclotron/Gamma) (HLAIAGAD), Nuclear Materials Testing, Assay & Characterization Services (NDA/NDE, radiochemistry, materials analysis) (EUAKAIAL), Radiation Therapy Isotopes & Sources (Brachytherapy seeds, sealed sources for oncology) (EUAKAIAD)

Keywords

• Nuclear research services
• Medical radioisotope production
• Radiopharmaceutical manufacturing
• Nuclear reactor operations
• Materials research characterization

Headquarters

HQ city

Otwock

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Sales: Production and sale of medical radioisotopes (molybdenum-99, iodine-131, sulphur-35, phosphorus-32, samarium-153, yttrium-169, cobalt-60) and radiopharmaceuticals through OR POLATOM division to medical facilities worldwide.
2. Research Services: Contract research services for enterprises, materials testing, radiation protection measurements, dosimetry services, computational modeling. Accredited research laboratory services.
3. Education and Training: Postgraduate studies 'Nuclear Technologies' (double diploma with University of Warsaw), doctoral school, professional training programs, science education outreach.
4. Facility and Technology Licensing: Technology transfer, patent licensing, commercializing scientific achievements, sale of technologies to industry.
5. International Research Grants: European projects (XFEL, EUROFusion, Horizon Europe, European HPC), national science centre grants, KPO funding. Approximately 150 projects conducted annually.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NCBJ operates Poland's only nuclear research reactor (MARIA) and conducts applied and basic research in nuclear physics, materials science, and nuclear medicine. Its commercial core includes the production and sale of medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals (molybdenum-99, iodine-131, and others) through the OR POLATOM division for nuclear medicine worldwide, advanced materials research and characterization services via the NOMATEN Centre of Excellence, radiation protection measurement services, high-performance computing, and postgraduate education in nuclear technologies.

Product overview

The National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) operates as Poland's largest research institute offering a portfolio of nuclear products and scientific services. The core offering centers on the MARIA research reactor - Poland's only nuclear research facility - which produces medical isotopes (primarily Molybdenum-99) through OR POLATOM, along with a range of other radioisotopes. The institute provides advanced materials research through the NOMATEN Centre of Excellence, high-performance computing via the Świerk Computing Centre, and radiation protection measurement services. The Science and Technology Park Świerk (PNT) supports commercialization by housing spin-off companies like ImagineRT that manufacture SMOC radiographic detectors. Educational offerings include joint postgraduate studies with the University of Warsaw, while defense technology projects like WEKTOR address national security needs. The institute conducts approximately 150 projects annually and supplies services, technologies, and products to over 80 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NOMATEN Centre of Excellence: A centre of excellence focused on materials research, nuclear energy, and advanced materials characterization for industry partners.
• Park Naukowo-Technologiczny Świerk (PNT)
• Centrum Informatyczne Świerk
• OR POLATOM

Products and services

• MARIA Research Reactor Operations Poland's only nuclear research reactor, operating in cycles of 5-7 days with 30 MW thermal power. Produces medical isotopes including Molybdenum-99, Iodine-131, and other radioisotopes for nuclear medicine and industrial applications. The reactor is central to NCBJ's isotope production capacity and serves as a national research infrastructure asset.
• OR POLATOM Radioisotopes and Radiopharmaceuticals
• SMOC Radiographic Detectors Radiographic detectors produced by NCBJ spin-off ImagineRT sp. z o.o. Available in various active sizes from 40x40cm to 100x80cm, with resolution meeting world requirements, typically achieving less than 1% of examined element thickness. Used for non-destructive testing and radiographic imaging.
• NOMATEN Centre of Excellence Materials Research Services Materials research services using electron microscopy (FIB, EDS, EBSD), X-ray spectroscopy, and AI-based materials informatics. Serves industrial partners including Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland, Tomex Brakes, and BlueScoope Steel Ltd. Focused on predicting material properties and supporting high-performance materials development for nuclear and industrial applications.
• Radiation Protection Measurements Laboratory Services
• WEKTOR Counter-UAV System Counter-UAV system under development for detection and countermeasures against unmanned aerial vehicles using high-power microwave pulse generator with directional emission. Funded 2024-2028 by the National Centre for Research and Development. Designed for government and defence applications.
• Nuclear Technology Postgraduate Studies Postgraduate 'Nuclear Technologies' program offered jointly by NCBJ and the University of Warsaw. Provides practical competencies and hands-on training at the MARIA reactor, leading to dual diplomas (UW + NCBJ). Designed to train highly qualified specialists for the developing nuclear energy sector.
• Science and Technology Park Świerk (PNT)

Quantifiable outcome

• 14% cost reduction in molybdenum-99 production through irradiation optimization
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OBR CTM SA (Research and Development Centre for Maritime Technology SA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2026Cooperation agreement signed with National Centre for Nuclear Research during opening of Military Electronics Centre in Gdynia. Focuses on development of technologies for security and defence of Poland, including programmes and projects, situational awareness, reconnaissance and monitoring, research and development, competence development, standardization and promotion. Signed by Prof. Jakub Kupecki (NCBJ Director) and Marcin Wiśniewski (OBR CTM SA Chairman).
• Województwo Wielkopolskie (Wielkopolska Region)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026NCBJ visited by Wielkopolska Region delegation led by Jacek Bogusławski along with Wielkopolska Council for Nuclear Energy members. Established cooperation in research projects, R&D, and training of nuclear energy personnel. Partners include Poznań University of Technology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Institute of Molecular Physics PAS, and Turkish Chamber of Commerce.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2026NCBJ supports establishment of ESA Technology Centre in Warsaw Metropolitan Area. Prof. Agnieszka Pollo (NCBJ Deputy Director for Science) signed letter of intent. NCBJ offers location near Warsaw with 40+ hectare campus, high security standards including cybersecurity, experience in major technological projects and ESA standards.
• National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2026US Department of Energy's NNSA visited NCBJ on January 20, 2026. Delegation led by Dr. Matthew C. Napoli, newly appointed Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. Visit demonstrates bilateral cooperation in nuclear security and nonproliferation.
• Breeze Ship DesignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian ship designer joined Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization together with NCBJ to explore ship-reactor integration and floating nuclear power platforms for vessels requiring significant operational autonomy.
• Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing PolandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial partner of NOMATEN Centre of Excellence. Collaboration on materials research and characterization for automotive manufacturing applications.
• Tomex BrakesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial partner of NOMATEN Centre of Excellence for materials research collaboration.
• BlueScoope Steel LtdminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial partner of NOMATEN Centre of Excellence for materials research and characterization.
• Super-Kamiokande CollaborationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational neutrino physics collaboration involving 250 researchers from 60 institutions in Japan, US, Korea, China, Poland, Spain, Canada, UK, Italy, France, Vietnam. NCBJ researchers Dr Joanna Zalipska and Dr hab. Justyna Łagoda contribute to world's largest underground neutrino observatory.
• LOFAR (Low-Frequency Array)coreTechnology or IntegrationPan-European radio telescope collaboration. NCBJ's Dr Pratik Dabhade co-led discovery of RAD-BAARG bow-and-arrow-shaped radio galaxy using LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey data.
• AllseasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffshore marine contractor developing five-year plan to design and deploy SMR technology for offshore vessels. NCBJ exploring collaboration through Breeze Ship Design partnership on floating nuclear power platforms.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie / Centre d'Étude de l'Énergie Nucléaire (SCK CEN): Belgian nuclear research centre operating research reactors (BR2) and producing medical radioisotopes. Direct peer to NCBJ in operating a national research reactor and supplying Mo-99 and other isotopes, with a comparable mix of public funding, international research collaborations, and commercial isotope services.
• Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group (NRG): Dutch operator of the High Flux Reactor (HFR) in Petten and one of the world's largest Mo-99 producers. Direct peer to NCBJ in research-reactor operation, medical-isotope production for global supply, and nuclear safety/radiation protection services for government clients.
• Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL): France-based international research centre operating one of the world's most intense neutron sources. Comparable to NCBJ in operating a high-flux research reactor for scientific use, hosting international user communities, and providing neutron-based services and materials characterisation to academic and industrial users.
• TU Delft Reactor Institute: Operates the Hoger Onderwijs Reactor, a research reactor at Delft University of Technology. Comparable to NCBJ's MARIA in operating a research reactor for neutron-based research, isotope production, and education, while being smaller and embedded in a university setting.
• Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO): Australia's national nuclear research and development organisation, operating the OPAL research reactor. Direct peer to NCBJ in medical-isotope production (Mo-99 in particular), materials research, radiation protection services, and a government-funded research-institute structure with international commercial isotope sales.
• Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa) / NTP Radioisotopes: South African state nuclear corporation operating the SAFARI-1 research reactor and the NTP Radioisotopes subsidiary — one of the world's major Mo-99 producers. Direct peer to NCBJ in state-owned research-reactor operations, large-scale medical-isotope production for global export, and radiation-protection services.

Broad incumbents

• Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA): France's national nuclear research organisation, much larger than NCBJ. Comparable as a state nuclear research institute with a portfolio spanning research reactors, isotope production, nuclear safety, defence technologies, and materials research — but operating at significantly greater scale and budget.
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): Germany's large public research university and national nuclear research centre, operating research reactors and advanced materials labs. Comparable to NCBJ in research-reactor operations, nuclear safety R&D, and advanced materials characterisation, but on a substantially larger scale and budget.
• European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC): EU's in-house science service operating nuclear research facilities (e.g., Geel, Karlsruhe, Petten sites) for materials testing, radioisotope reference production, and nuclear safeguards. Comparable to NCBJ as a publicly funded nuclear-research infrastructure provider with international research and standards-setting roles.

Regional players

• Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH): Romania's national nuclear physics and engineering institute. Regional peer to NCBJ with a similar profile: state research institute operating research infrastructure, producing radioisotopes, and engaging in nuclear safety work for a Central/Eastern European nuclear program.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ncbj_swierk
• Facebookfacebook.com/ncbj.swierk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ncbj-swierk

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about National Centre for Nuclear Research