Bio-Rad was founded in 1952 by the late David Schwartz and his wife Alice.

The name "Bio-Rad" is based on the words "biochemicals and radiochemicals," which described the company's first offerings. However, instead of calling the company "Biochemical-Radiochemical Laboratories," the founders shortened it to simply Bio-Rad Laboratories.

For more than 50 years, Bio-Rad has retained the entrepreneurial spirit of its early days. Its founders launched the company in a Quonset hut in West Berkeley, California。

Over the years, Bio-Rad has evolved into a global enterprise that manufactures and distributes a broad range of products around the world. In 1975, Bio-Rad entered the quality controls market with the acquisition of Environmental Chemical Specialties, and today Bio-Rad is the number one supplier of quality controls worldwide.

The company's open-door style of leadership and entrepreneurial spirit inspires its employees, who are encouraged to develop new ideas. As a result Bio-Rad continues to thrive and plays a leading role in the advancement of scientific discovery, helping people live longer, healthier lives.