Philips Celebrates Its 135th Anniversary

On May 15, 2026, Royal Philips celebrated its 135th anniversary, commemorating its remarkable transformation from a small electric light bulb manufacturer into one of the world's leading healthcare technology companies. Founded on May 15, 1891, by Frederik Philips and his son Gerard Philips in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the company began producing incandescent lamps before expanding into electronics, medical equipment, and consumer technology. To mark the anniversary, Philips highlighted its long history of innovation through a special retrospective published on May 13, 2026, by Philips Museum Director Freek Janssen. The celebration emphasized the company's enduring commitment to improving people's lives through meaningful technological advancements. By 2026, Philips had established itself as a global healthcare technology enterprise specializing in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring, healthcare informatics, and personal health solutions. The 135th anniversary represented a significant milestone in Philips' industrial heritage, recognizing more than a century of scientific discoveries, technological achievements, and international growth. Major innovations included the Metalix X-ray tube in 1924, the Philishave electric shaver in 1939, the compact audio cassette in 1963, and the Compact Disc developed with Sony during the early 1980s. Over subsequent decades, Philips progressively transformed its business portfolio, separating traditional consumer electronics and lighting operations while expanding its healthcare technology capabilities through research, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions. Under Chief Executive Officer Roy Jakobs, the company continued investing in artificial intelligence, advanced medical imaging, minimally invasive treatment systems, and connected healthcare platforms. Philips' anniversary highlighted its ambition to improve the lives of 2.5 billion people annually by 2030, reflecting its commitment to making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and personalized. The 135-year milestone celebrated Philips' journey from pioneering electric lighting to developing advanced technologies intended to shape the future of healthcare.