GEM has had a long and storied history – starting as Geophysical Electromagnetic Systems, a consulting partnership. The company incorporated in 1980 as GEM Systems, and is now known in industry as GEM Systems.

Formed by Drs. Ivan and Jasna Hrvoic, the company continues to be managed by Dr. Ivan Hrvoic who contributes many years of experience in geophysical instrumentation and electronic design.

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Dr. Hrvoic worked as Senior Research Engineer with Scintrex Ltd. During this time, initial research was conducted into the feasibility and design of a Continuous Reading High Sensitivity Airborne Overhauser Magnetometer.

This work was completed in 1983 through a research grant and led to the first of an innovative series of magnetometer/gradiometer technologies featuring three main physical principles – Proton quantum magnetometer, Overhauser quantum magnetometer, and the optically pumped Potassium quantum magnetometer.