Stemrad

Stemrad is a technology company.

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Updated: Mar 22, 2026 ·

About

Stemrad develops personal radiation protection solutions, pioneering selective shielding technology to safeguard vital organs from ionizing radiation. Its products, like the StemRad 360 Gamma and AstroRad, strategically protect stem cell-rich areas. This innovative approach ensures wearer mobility and leverages natural regenerative capabilities for improved survivability and recovery in radiological events.

Co-founded in 2011 by Dr. Oren Milstein and Daniel Levitt, prompted by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Dr. Milstein, a molecular biologist and immunologist, identified potential for effective, lightweight protection by focusing on critical regenerative organs. This insight shifted radiation safety from impractical full-body shielding to a targeted, biologically aligned solution.

Stemrad's clientele includes first responders, military, medical teams, astronauts, and civilians. The company envisions making reliable personal radiation protection universally accessible, enabling safe and effective operation in affected environments. They aim to expand human capability and presence amidst radiological challenges on Earth and in space.

Recent News & Mentions

Dec 1, 2017FundingStemrad - Series C

Financial History

Stemrad has raised $6.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $6.0M Series C in December 2017.

Total Raised

$6.0M

Valuation

N/A

Funding Rounds Raised

Date	Round	Lead Investors	Other Investors
Dec 1, 2017	$6.0M Series C

Financial History

Stemrad has raised $6.0M across 1 funding round.

Total Raised

$6.0M

Valuation

N/A

Deep Dive

StemRad is an Israeli developer and manufacturer of wearable personal radiation‑protection systems that selectively shield the body’s most radiation‑vulnerable tissues (notably the pelvic bone marrow and certain organs) to prevent acute radiation syndrome and reduce long‑term cancer risk[2][4].

High‑Level Overview

Mission: StemRad’s stated mission is to provide life‑saving personal radiation protection for first responders, military and utility personnel, medical teams, and astronauts without compromising mobility or mission objectives[2].[2]- Investment philosophy / Key sectors / Impact on startup ecosystem: As a portfolio company rather than an investment firm, StemRad’s relevance to investors and the ecosystem is as a commercial deep‑tech medical/defense/spacesystems company that attracts strategic partnerships (e.g., Lockheed Martin, space agencies) and government/agency programs in nuclear safety, medical imaging, and human spaceflight[1][4].[1]- What product it builds: StemRad builds wearable shielding devices including the 360 Gamma pelvic belt (for acute radiation scenarios), the AstroRad vest (spaceflight‑focused shielding), and the StemRad MD exoskeleton‑based X‑ray protection for medical staff[1][4].[4]- Who it serves: Primary users are first responders, nuclear industry workers, military and defense personnel, medical professionals exposed to ionizing radiation, and astronauts[2][4].[2]- What problem it solves: It reduces fatal and long‑term health effects of ionizing radiation by selectively protecting the body’s most critical regenerative tissues (pelvic bone marrow) and radiation‑sensitive organs while preserving wearer mobility[2][4].[2]- Growth momentum: StemRad has moved from the 360 Gamma product into space and medical markets through collaborations with Lockheed Martin and national space agencies, testing AstroRad on Artemis/Artemis‑related missions and advancing the StemRad MD for clinical use—indicating diversification and adoption in high‑profile programs[1][4].[1]

Origin Story

Founding and leadership: StemRad was founded in 2011 and is led by Oren Millstein, PhD, an R&D‑focused executive with training from the Weizmann Institute; the company assembles radiation biologists, nuclear physicists, designers and engineers and lists prominent scientific advisors including Nobel laureates[1][2].[1]- How the idea emerged: The technology idea ties selective physical shielding to human biology—protecting the pelvis’ bone marrow (the body’s main blood‑cell factory) to prevent fatal aplastic anemia after high radiation exposure—enabling light, targeted devices that were not previously feasible as full‑body shielding would be too heavy and restrictive[2][4].[2]- Early traction / pivotal moments: Key milestones include the commercial rollout of the 360 Gamma for responders and nuclear workers, a strategic collaboration with Lockheed Martin to develop AstroRad for astronaut protection, and testing/integration with international space agencies (Israel Space Agency, DLR) and NASA programs such as Artemis and ISS ergonomic studies[1][4].[4]

Core Differentiators

Selective‑shielding approach: Instead of heavy full‑body lead protection, StemRad’s designs focus protection on the pelvic bone marrow and other radiosensitive organs, leveraging human regenerative biology to improve survival and reduce lifetime cancer risk while keeping devices lightweight and mobile[2][4].[2]- Mission‑oriented ergonomics: Products are engineered for operational use—360 Gamma is a belt (≈14 kg) that enables responders to perform tasks unencumbered; AstroRad was iteratively refined through microgravity ergonomic testing on ISS analogs[1][4].[1]- Cross‑domain applicability: Technology spans nuclear emergency response, clinical radiology (StemRad MD exoskeleton for X‑ray protection), defense, and human spaceflight (AstroRad)—broadening addressable markets and strategic partnerships[4][2].[4]- High‑profile partnerships and scientific backing: Collaborations with Lockheed Martin and national space agencies, plus advisory support from leading scientists, strengthen credibility for space and government procurement[1][2].[1]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Trend alignment: StemRad sits at the intersection of wearable protection, mission‑critical personal protective equipment (PPE), and commercial space‑health technologies—areas gaining attention as nuclear safety, medical radiation use, and deep‑space human missions increase[2][4].[2]- Why timing matters: Renewed investment in nuclear infrastructure, higher use of ionizing radiation in medicine and industry, and the expansion of crewed deep‑space missions create growing demand for portable, effective radiation protection that doesn’t impede operations[1][4].[1]- Market forces in its favor: Governments and space agencies prioritize crew and responder safety; medical providers seek lighter alternatives to lead aprons; defense and nuclear operators require deployable protective gear—each driving potential procurement and licensing opportunities[4][2].[4]- Influence on ecosystem: By demonstrating that targeted biological‑informed shielding is viable, StemRad may spur competitors and suppliers to develop lightweight, ergonomically optimized radiation PPE, and shape standards for personal radiation protection in several sectors[2][4].[2]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Near term: Expect continued validation and potential procurement through government and agency programs (space agencies, nuclear utilities, defense), commercial adoption in medical imaging via the StemRad MD, and further ergonomic and dosimetric data from flight/test campaigns to support certification and market entry[4][1].[4]- Mid/long term trends that will shape StemRad: Growth in crewed deep‑space missions (human lunar and Mars plans), stricter occupational radiation safety standards, and demand for lighter clinical shielding will expand addressable markets; success depends on certification, cost, and demonstrable clinical/operational outcomes[4][2].[4]- How influence might evolve: If AstroRad and StemRad MD achieve broad acceptance, StemRad could become the de‑facto supplier for mission‑critical personal radiation PPE, licensing its selective‑shielding approach to OEMs and influencing regulatory guidance on personal radiation protection[2][4].[2]

Quick take: StemRad has converted a biology‑led insight into practical, mission‑oriented wearables that have already attracted high‑profile partners and cross‑sector applications; the company’s next inflection points are program certifications and widescale procurement in space, clinical, and nuclear domains[2][4].[2]

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding has Stemrad raised?

Stemrad has raised $6.0M in total across 1 funding round.