What Covaris does

Covaris is a US life sciences company that develops, manufactures, and markets pre-analytical sample preparation solutions built around its proprietary Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) platform — a non-contact method that applies focused acoustic energy to biological samples for DNA/RNA shearing, cell lysis, chromatin shearing, tissue pulverization, and protein extraction without thermal damage or GC bias. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company was acquired by PerkinElmer Inc. in December 2023 and now operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary with a secondary European office in Brighton, UK.

Covaris monetizes through a layered product platform: a tiered instrument line of focused-ultrasonicators ranging from low-throughput benchtop units (S220, M220) through mid-throughput batch processors (ME220, ML230, E220, E220evolution) to high-throughput and robotic automation models (LE220-plus, LE220R-plus, LE220Rsc, R230), supplemented by cryoPREP dry pulverization systems. A proprietary consumables line (AFA-TUBE, microTUBE, milliTUBE, g-TUBE, tissueTUBE) and a reagent/kits portfolio (truCOVER DNA and RNA library prep, truXTRAC FFPE extraction, truCOLLECT blood collection, truPREP protein, truChIP chromatin shearing, truSHEAR nucleic acid shearing) drive recurring revenue on the installed base, with annual service plans providing a subscription layer and custom services offering project-based bespoke work.

The company serves life-science researchers, genomic and proteomic laboratories, clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and academic/government centers through direct sales in the US and EU, a global distributor network, and strategic co-marketing partnerships with PacBio, Illumina, and Hamilton that embed Covaris workflows into broader sequencing and automation pipelines. Pricing is primarily quote-based and enterprise-oriented.

Name

Covaris

Legal name

Covaris, LLC

Website

https://covaris.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Covaris manufactures focused-ultrasonicator instruments, proprietary consumables, and reagent kits powered by Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) technology for non-contact DNA/RNA shearing, FFPE extraction, chromatin shearing, and library prep, serving life-science research, genomic, and clinical labs globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Life Sciences Sample Preparation Instrumentation

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Sample Preparation, Storage & Cryogenics (Freezers, Cryovials, Cryostats) (HLAGAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sample Collection, Stabilization & Pre-Analytics (biobanking, transport media, extraction kits) (HLAAALAM), Reagents, Chemicals & Assay Kits (Buffers, Antibodies, ELISA, Enzymes) (HLAGAIAI)

Keywords

• Sample preparation instruments
• Focused ultrasonicators
• NGS library prep kits
• FFPE extraction kits
• Chromatin shearing

Headquarters

HQ city

Woburn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Instrument Sales: Covaris designs, manufactures, and sells a portfolio of focused-ultrasonicator instruments ranging from low-throughput (S220, M220) to mid-throughput (ME220, ML230, E220 evolution) to high-throughput (LE220-plus, LE220R-plus, LE220Rsc, R230). Instruments are sold directly and through distributors globally, with service plans available for each instrument series.
2. Kits and Reagents: Proprietary consumables and reagent kits including truCOLLECT kits, truCOVER DNA/RNA library prep kits, truXTRAC FFPE extraction kits, truChIP chromatin shearing kits, truPREP protein kits, cryoPREP starter kits, truSHEAR nucleic acid shearing kits, and specialized buffers. Kits are sold in standard sizes (24-96 samples) and support recurring usage by existing instrument customers.
3. Consumables: Proprietary laser-etched polymer vessels and tubes including AFA-TUBE (high-throughput), microTUBE (small volumes), milliTUBE (1–2 mL), g-TUBE (DNA shearing 6–20 kb), tissueTUBE (tissue processing), and AFA Process Vessels. Consumables are recurring-purchase items aligned with instrument usage.
4. Service Plans: Annual and multi-year service/maintenance plans for each instrument series (M220, ME220, ML230, S220, E220 evolution, E220, LE220-plus, LE220R-plus, R230, CP02), providing recurring subscription revenue from the installed base.
5. Custom Services: Custom sample preparation and nucleic acid shearing services, as well as custom development services for instrumentation and reagents tailored to specific customer requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Covaris designs, manufactures, and sells a portfolio of focused-ultrasonicator instruments and cryoPREP dry pulverizers powered by Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) technology, paired with proprietary consumables (AFA-TUBE, microTUBE, milliTUBE, g-TUBE, tissueTUBE) and reagent kits (truCOVER library prep, truXTRAC FFPE, truCOLLECT blood collection, truPREP protein, truChIP chromatin, truSHEAR). The integrated products enable non-contact, reproducible pre-analytical sample preparation including DNA/RNA shearing, chromatin shearing, FFPE extraction, cell lysis, protein extraction, and ambient-temperature blood collection for life science research and clinical genomics applications.

Product overview

Covaris is a life sciences company specializing in pre-analytical sample preparation solutions powered by Adaptive Focused Acoustics (AFA) technology. The product portfolio is organized as a platform of instruments, consumables, and reagents that work together across sample preparation workflows. The core offering includes focused-ultrasonicators ranging from single-tube (S220, M220) to mid-throughput (ME220, ML230, E220, E220evolution) to high-throughput (LE220-plus, LE220R-plus, LE220Rsc, R230) instruments. Supporting the instruments are specialized consumables including AFA-TUBE, microTUBE, milliTUBE, g-TUBE, and tissueTUBE. The reagent portfolio centers on the truCOVER library prep kit family (DNA Library Prep Kits and Total RNA Library Prep Kits) for NGS workflows, truXTRAC FFPE extraction solutions for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, truCOLLECT for decentralized blood collection, truPREP protein extraction kits, truChIP chromatin shearing kits, and cryoPREP tissue processing systems. The company also offers SonoLab instrument software, instrument financing, and custom development services. All products are designed to work as integrated workflow solutions for genomic and proteomic analysis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• truCOLLECT: FDA Class I-listed device for remote whole blood collection via fingerstick with ambient storage and shipment for genomic analysis.
• truCOVER
• truXTRAC
• truPREP
• truChIP
• cryoPREP
• AFA (Adaptive Focused Acoustics)

Products and services

• S220 Focused-ultrasonicator High-power, single-tube sample preparation focused-ultrasonicator for DNA/RNA shearing, chromatin shearing, and cell lysis applications, sold to life-science researchers.
• M220 Focused-ultrasonicator Single-tube processing focused-ultrasonicator marketed as the 'Scientist Standard' for consistent sample preparation, used by individual researchers and small labs.
• ME220 Focused-ultrasonicator Compact 1 to 8 sample batch processing focused-ultrasonicator for mid-throughput genomic sample preparation.
• ML230 Focused-ultrasonicator Parallel sample processing instrument for up to 8 samples using focused ultrasound technology.
• E220 Focused-ultrasonicator High-power focused-ultrasonicator for 1 to 96 sample batch preparation in genomics and proteomics workflows.
• E220evolution Focused-ultrasonicator High-power 1 to 8 sample batch preparation focused-ultrasonicator with enhanced evolution features for life-science labs.
• LE220-plus Focused-ultrasonicator High-throughput focused-ultrasonicator with 1 to 96 tube capacity for large-scale genomic sample preparation.
• LE220R-plus Focused-ultrasonicator Robotic version of the LE220-plus for automated high-throughput sample processing in genomics labs.
• LE220Rsc Focused-ultrasonicator High-performance, scalable, automated focused-ultrasonicator designed for integrated laboratory workflows.
• R230 Focused-ultrasonicator On-deck, next generation focused-ultrasonicator built for integration with automated liquid-handling workflows.
• CP02 cryoPREP Automated Dry Pulverizer Automated dry pulverizer for high-throughput biological tissue processing using cryopulverization technology.
• CP01 cryoPREP Manual Dry Pulverizer Manual tissue pulverizer for processing tissues from 15 mg to 2 g using dry cryopulverization technology.
• CP03 cryoPREP Manual Dry Pulverizer Manual tissue pulverizer for processing tissues from 2 to 5 g using dry cryopulverization technology.
• truCOVER DNA Library Prep Kits Whole-genome sequencing library preparation kits with AFA-driven tunable mechanical fragmentation supporting 0.1–500 ng DNA inputs from blood, saliva, FFPE, cell culture, and microbial samples; available PCR-free or with amplification, sold in 96-sample kits.
• truCOVER Total RNA Library Prep Kits RNA sequencing library prep kit for degraded and FFPE samples with 10–500 ng total RNA input, DV200 support down to 30%, rRNA depletion below 1%, and strand-specific library generation using AFA fragmentation, for whole-transcriptome sequencing workflows.
• truXTRAC FFPE SMART Solutions FFPE biomolecule extraction kits using AFA-energetics for isolating DNA, RNA, and proteins from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples; includes automated options via Hamilton Sonication STAR integration.
• truCOLLECT Solution FDA Class I-listed device for remote whole blood collection via fingerstick that stabilizes samples for ambient-temperature storage and shipping without cold-chain requirements and produces assay-ready DNA for downstream genomic analysis; targeted at clinical research and biopharma labs running decentralized studies.
• truPREP Protein Kits Protein extraction and preparation kits for mammalian cells using AFA technology, including native, total protein, and detergent-free buffer options for proteomics workflows.
• truChIP Chromatin Shearing Kits Chromatin shearing kits for ChIP-seq applications using AFA technology, with native chromatin, FFPE chromatin, and ultra-low input options.
• truSHEAR Nucleic Acid Shearing Kits Nucleic acid shearing kits and buffers for DNA/RNA fragmentation in next-generation sequencing library preparation workflows.
• cryoPREP Starter Kits Sample preparation tubes and holders for cryoPREP dry pulverization tissue processing systems.
• AFA-TUBE Laser-etched polymer vessel designed for high-throughput workflows using Adaptive Focused Acoustics technology.
• microTUBE Small-volume tubes (130 µl or less) for DNA/RNA shearing and fragmentation applications on Covaris focused-ultrasonicators.
• milliTUBE 1 ml or 2 ml sample volume tubes suitable for chromatin shearing applications on Covaris focused-ultrasonicators.
• g-TUBE DNA shearing consumable for fragmenting DNA in the 6 to 20 kb range for long-read sequencing applications such as PacBio HiFi workflows.
• tissueTUBE Tissue processing devices for use with cryoPREP systems for dry pulverization of biological samples.
• SonoLab Software Instrument control software for Covaris focused-ultrasonicators that provides method creation, scheduling, and batch processing capabilities.
• Instrument Financing Financing options and extended warranty / premium on-site service plans for Covaris instruments.
• Custom Development Services Custom sample preparation, nucleic acid shearing, and custom development services for specialized instrumentation and reagent applications offered to life-science customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• HiFi sequencing workflow with PacBio detected over 11,000 structural variants and over 5 million small variants per FFPE tumor sample, significantly outperforming short-read sequencing (3,000–7,000 structural variants)
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PacBiocoreTechnology or Integration · 15 April 2026Covaris and PacBio announced a joint workflow enabling HiFi long-read sequencing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples. The integration combines Covaris truXTRAC extraction technology with PacBio's Kinnex library preparation and Revio sequencing system. Studies across brain, kidney, and uterine tumor samples demonstrated detection of over 11,000 structural variants and more than 5 million small variants per sample, significantly outperforming short-read approaches.
• Hamilton CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2025Strategic partnership between Covaris and Hamilton to co-market the truXTRAC FFPE SMART Solution powered by the Hamilton Sonication STAR liquid handler. This automated walk-away workflow processes 8 to 96 FFPE samples per day, delivering high-purity, high-yield nucleic acid extraction. The partnership combines Covaris's SMART extraction chemistry with Hamilton's precision automation platform.
• IlluminacoreTechnology or IntegrationCovaris, in partnership with Illumina, presents an optimized methylome workflow designed for the latest Illumina 5-base chemistry, enabling simultaneous detection of genome and methylome from a single sample. Covaris AFA technology provides precise DNA fragmentation for consistent coverage, high mapping rates, and unbiased CpG representation in Illumina 5-base workflows. Workflow validated at AACR 2026.
• Axil ScientificminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCovaris exhibited in collaboration with Axil Scientific at the HUPO World Congress (September 27 – October 1, 2026, Singapore). Axil Scientific serves as a local partner for Covaris in the Singapore/southeast Asia region for the event.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• QIAGEN: QIAGEN is a broad incumbent in nucleic acid extraction and sample preparation, with kits and automated platforms covering DNA/RNA purification from FFPE, blood, and tissue — overlapping with Covaris's truXTRAC and extraction consumables business in clinical and translational labs.
• New England Biolabs (NEB): NEB is a broad incumbent in library preparation reagents (NEBNext) and enzyme-based fragmentation kits that compete with Covaris's truCOVER mechanical fragmentation approach at the workflow/kit layer for NGS sequencing customers.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher is a broad incumbent offering competing DNA shearing instruments and consumables across its laboratory products division; the sheer breadth of the portfolio and distribution makes it a recurring alternative in NGS sample prep evaluations.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Bio-Rad is a broad incumbent in life-science research tools (e.g., the S3 fragment analyzer for DNA QC and competing NGS library prep offerings) whose research products frequently co-spec with Covaris AFA workflows in academic and biopharma labs.
• Beckman Coulter Life Sciences: Beckman Coulter offers automated liquid handling and nucleic acid workstations that intersect with Covaris's Hamilton-integrated automated FFPE workflow, competing for sample-prep automation budgets in clinical and biopharma labs.

Direct peers

• Zymo Research: Zymo Research produces DNA/RNA extraction kits and consumables for genomic workflows, including FFPE and cfDNA products that compete directly with Covaris's truXTRAC chemistry for pre-analytical sample preparation in research and clinical labs.
• Active Motif: Active Motif is a direct competitor in chromatin shearing and ChIP-seq kits (ChIP-IT product line), an area where Covaris sells truChIP kits and instruments, and frequently co-markets or competes against Covaris's AFA ChIP workflows.
• Bertin Instruments: Bertin Instruments offers Precellys bead-beating tissue homogenizers that directly compete with Covaris's cryoPREP dry pulverization systems for protein and tissue sample preparation in proteomics and molecular biology labs.
• Diagenode (Hologic): Diagenode is a direct competitor for DNA shearing, chromatin shearing, and ChIP workflows, offering the Bioruptor line of sonication-based instruments that compete head-to-head with Covaris's AFA focused-ultrasonicators in academic genomics labs.

Emerging players

• Tasso (now part of Yourbio): Tasso/Yourbio produces fingerstick and remote blood-collection devices conceptually similar to Covaris's truCOLLECT; both target decentralized and home-based sample collection, making it a near-adjacent emerging competitor for that revenue stream.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Covaris
• Facebookfacebook.com/CovarisLLC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/covaris

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Covaris