Hamilton

What Hamilton does

Hamilton Company is a privately held precision laboratory automation manufacturer founded in 1950 by Clark Hamilton, operating from primary headquarters in Reno (Nevada), Bonaduz (Switzerland), and Boston/Franklin (Massachusetts), with a workforce in the 1,001–5,000 range. The company builds automated liquid handling workstations (Microlab Prep, NIMBUS, STAR, STAR V, and VANTAGE), in-line process analytics sensors for bioprocessing (pH, dissolved oxygen, dissolved CO2, glucose, cell density, conductivity), automated biobank and ultra-low-temperature sample storage systems (Verso, Verso Dx, SAM HD Pro, BiOS), precision laboratory syringes, OEM components, and chromatography consumables. Its technology stack is anchored by proprietary CO-RE II pipetting, MAD air-displacement monitoring, TADM pressure-based aspirate/dispense monitoring, Dual Liquid Level Detection, Anti-Droplet Control, and Fluid Motion deck architecture, all orchestrated through the VENUS drag-and-drop programming software.

Hamilton operates an enterprise field-sales go-to-market with direct sales, Field Service Engineers for installation and qualification, authorized regional distributors (including Alpha Controls in Canada), and a partner portal for resellers, complemented by an event-led and content-marketing presence at venues such as SLAS. Revenue is generated primarily through capital equipment hardware sales, recurring software licenses (VENUS, Revolution, Arc Air, HamiltonOne, Hamilton APIs), consumables (CO-RE tips, reagent reservoirs), and professional service contracts. Customers include pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies (Takeda, Charles River Laboratories), academic research centers (University of Birmingham's Drug Discovery Facility), healthcare providers and blood banks (Blood Center for Upper Austria, Birmingham Women's Hospital), biobanking repositories, clinical diagnostics laboratories (Labor Berlin), and industrial process operators (Weldebräu, Fürstenbergische Brewery, Cassella Chemiepark) across North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific.

The company has pursued an active inorganic and partnership strategy to deepen its workflow ecosystem: BioFluidiX (2022) added nanoliter/picoliter dispensing, UK Robotics and Trisonic Discovery (2025) brought scheduling software and acoustic dispensing, and Cerillo (2026) added compact microplate reader technology. Distribution and integration agreements with QIAGEN, Benchling, Takara Bio, Ultima Genomics, NEB, IDT, nRichDX, Pillar Biosciences, and Labor Berlin extend Hamilton's reach into NGS, liquid biopsy, clinical diagnostics, and AI-enabled drug discovery workflows. Hamilton is identified alongside Eppendorf and Tecan as a major player in the global biopharmaceutical liquid handling systems market, with the Microlab STAR line reporting thousands of installations globally and ISO 9001 certification across its quality management system.

Name

Hamilton

Legal name

Hamilton Company

Website

https://hamiltoncompany.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Hamilton Company is a privately held, 1950-founded precision laboratory automation manufacturer serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, and industrial customers with automated liquid handling workstations, bioprocess sensors, and automated sample storage systems sold through direct enterprise sales and global partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Automation

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations) (HLAGAIAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Lab Automation, Instrument Control & Workflow Orchestration Software (HLAGAJAG), Cell Culture & Bioprocess Lab Equipment (Bioreactors, Single-Use Systems, Controllers) (HLAGAIAG), Laboratory Automation, Sample Prep & Liquid Handling (IVD Lab Diagnostics) (HLAHAAAN), Process Automation Instrumentation & Control (DCS, Valves, Actuators, Analyzers) (IMAHAHAM)

Keywords

• Laboratory automation
• Automated liquid handling
• Process analytics sensors
• Bioprocess monitoring
• Sample storage systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Reno

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Automated Liquid Handling Platforms: Sale of automated liquid handling workstations including Microlab Prep, NIMBUS, STAR, STAR V, and VANTAGE platforms. These are capital equipment purchases typically involving direct sales engagement with enterprise customers.
2. Laboratory Syringes: Precision laboratory syringes including Gastight, Microliter, and specialty syringes for chromatography, life sciences, and clinical instrumentation applications.
3. Process Analytics Sensors: In-line sensors for bioprocess monitoring including pH, dissolved oxygen, CO₂, glucose, conductivity, and cell density sensors for bioreactors.
4. Automated Sample Storage Systems: Automated storage systems for biobanking including Verso Q-Series, Verso, SAM HD Pro, and BiOS for ambient to -80°C sample storage.
5. Software Licenses: Software solutions including VENUS Software, Revolution Software, Hamilton APIs, and Arc Air for sensor management and data modeling.
6. Service Contracts and Field Support: Installation, preventative maintenance, field repairs, and technical application support through service agreements and pay-as-you-go options.
7. Consumables and Accessories: CO-RE tips, reagent reservoirs, plates, tubes, caps, and specialized consumables for automated liquid handlers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hamilton Company designs, manufactures, and sells precision laboratory automation equipment, with core offerings in automated liquid handling workstations (Microlab STAR, NIMBUS, VANTAGE, Prep), process analytics sensors for bioreactor monitoring (dissolved oxygen, pH, glucose, CO2, cell density), automated sample storage systems for biobanking (Verso, BiOS, SAM HD Pro), and precision laboratory syringes. Revenue is generated through capital equipment sales, software licensing (VENUS, HamiltonOne, APIs), service contracts and field support, and consumables (CO-RE tips, reagent reservoirs, plates).

Product overview

Hamilton Company offers a comprehensive laboratory automation portfolio organized across multiple product categories: (1) Automated Liquid Handling Platforms including Microlab Prep (benchtop entry-level), Microlab NIMBUS (compact air displacement), Microlab STAR (versatile flagship), Microlab STAR V (high-performance upgrade), and Microlab VANTAGE (advanced system); (2) Pre-configured Assay-Ready Workstations for specific applications including Aliquot STAR Line, AutoLys STAR, Cell Care STAR, Clinical NGS STARlet, Sonication STAR, easyBlood STAR Line, ID STARlet, Long String STAR V, MagEx STAR Line, MassXtract STAR Line, NGS STAR Line/V/let, NIMBUS Presto, PCR Prep STARlet, and BIOSPOT Organoid Sorter; (3) Ultra Low Volume Dispensing including BIOSPOT ARC, BIOSPOT DX, BIOSPOT Workstation, PIPEJET Nano Dispenser, and SIJET Pico Dispenser; (4) Automated Sample Storage systems spanning ambient to -80°C with Verso Q-Series, Verso, Verso Dx, SAM HD Pro, and BiOS; (5) Process Analytics Sensors for bioprocess monitoring including glucose sensors (GlucoSense), dissolved oxygen sensors (VisiFerm, VisiTrace, OxyFerm, OxyGold), pH sensors (EasyFerm Bio, EasyFerm Plus, Polilyte, FermoTrode), cell density sensors (Dencytee, Incyte), dissolved CO2 sensors (CO₂NTROL), conductivity sensors (Conducell), and ORP sensors; (6) Single-Use Sensors with ODO Cap Sx, OneFerm, Incyte SU, Conducell SU, and Arc Module; (7) Software Solutions including VENUS Software, Revolution Software, Microlab Prep Software, Hamilton APIs, and HamiltonOne; (8) Laboratory Syringes across 600/700/800/900/1000/1700/1800/7000 series plus Super Syringes; (9) OEM Components including ZEUS X1 pipette channels and SmartSense syringe pumps; (10) Integrated Devices for temperature control, shaking/centrifugation, reading/monitoring (Fluoreye, DeckWatch), vacuum/pressure, pipetting accessories, and plate handling/sealing; (11) Chromatography products including HPLC columns and GC septa; (12) Manufacturing Services. The platform uses CO-RE II tip attachment technology, Fluid Motion Technology, and VENUS intuitive programming software.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Microlab: Line of automated liquid handling platforms including Microlab STAR, Microlab STAR V, Microlab NIMBUS, Microlab VANTAGE, and Microlab Prep
• VENUS Software
• CO-RE II
• GlucoSense
• VisiFerm
• BiOS
• Verso
• EasyFerm
• ARC
• Hamilton Storage

Products and services

• Microlab Prep Entry-level automated liquid handler with compact benchtop design, CO-RE II pipetting technology, touchscreen GUI, and up to 2 independent 1 mL channels. Bundled pricing starts at $21,250. Designed for transitioning from manual pipetting to automation in small labs.
• Microlab STAR Versatile automated liquid handling platform with advanced pipetting technologies, multi-probe head options, and VENUS drag-and-drop programming software. Features up to 55+ ANSI/SLAS deck positions and supports 30+ integrated modules. Used globally with thousands of installations.
• Microlab STAR V Premium liquid handling robot combining Microlab STAR flexibility with VANTAGE high-performance capabilities for speed, precision, and advanced technology in automated liquid handling workflows.
• Microlab VANTAGE Advanced liquid handling system with automated precision for optimized workflows, enhanced sample protection, and maximized walk-away time for pharmaceutical and biotech applications.
• Microlab NIMBUS Compact liquid handler using air displacement pipetting for superior measurement accuracy in a small footprint at an affordable price point.
• NGS STAR Line Pre-configured automated liquid handling system for automated NGS library preparation workflows combining Hamilton automation with SMART-Seq library preparation kits.
• easyBlood STAR Line Automated system for blood processing including barcode identification, decapping, filtration, and recapping for FDA-cleared Quantisal collection devices.
• MagEx STAR Line Automated magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction workstation supporting high-throughput genomic workflows.
• PIPEJET Nano Dispenser Automated benchtop dispenser for nanoliter-scale liquid handling using Piezo or syringe-based technology.
• SIJET Pico Dispenser Automated picoliter dispensing system for ultra-precise low-volume liquid transfer applications.
• VENUS Software Intuitive drag-and-drop programming software for Hamilton automated liquid handlers enabling protocol development without coding expertise.
• Revolution Software Cloud-powered lab automation software platform acquired from UK Robotics in July 2025 with user-driven design philosophy for workflow orchestration.
• HamiltonOne Integration and connectivity platform enabling unified control and data management across Hamilton automation systems.
• Hamilton APIs Application programming interfaces enabling developers to build integrations and automate workflows with Hamilton systems.
• GlucoSense Glucose Sensor First reusable glucose sensor for continuous real-time in-situ monitoring inside mammalian cell culture bioreactors, initially for glass and benchtop bioreactors with steel version planned.
• VisiFerm Optical dissolved oxygen sensor for bioreactor applications with maintenance-free operation and FDA-compliant variants.
• VisiTrace Trace oxygen sensor for low-level dissolved oxygen measurement in high-purity water and demanding bioprocess applications. North American Ex approved for hazardous areas.
• CO₂NTROL RS485 Solid-state sensor for real-time in-line dissolved CO2 measurement in bioreactors featuring maintenance-free operation and biopharma standards compliance.
• EasyFerm Bio Steam-sterilizable pH sensor designed for bioreactor applications with EasyFerm technology for reliable measurement.
• Incyte Capacitance-based cell density sensor for real-time biomass monitoring in cell culture processes.
• Dencytee Capacitance-based biomass sensor for real-time cell density monitoring in bioprocess applications.
• Verso Q-Series Automated ambient, +4°C, and -20°C sample storage system with mid-capacity handling up to 150K samples.
• Verso High-capacity automated storage system for ambient, +4°C, and -20°C environments handling over 100K samples. Delivers up to 20% energy savings with green refrigerants.
• Verso Dx IVD-compliant version of Verso for regulated laboratory environments requiring validated sample storage workflows.
• SAM HD Pro Mid-scale automated ultra-low temperature storage system for -80°C sample preservation up to 100K samples.
• BiOS Automated biobank storage system for -80°C with integrated robotic handling for high-density sample storage. BiOS installations enable biorepositories to use up to 75% less power versus manual freezer environments.
• CO-RE & CO-RE II Tips Disposable pipette tips with compressed O-ring expansion technology for precise tip attachment to Hamilton liquid handlers.
• 700 Series Syringe Hand-fitted laboratory syringe known for smooth operation ideal for dispensing 0.5 μL to 500 μL volumes with various terminations.
• Gastight Syringes Gastight syringes with PTFE-tipped plungers for leak-free liquid handling in analytical chemistry applications.
• ZEUS X1 Automated pipette module with replaceable head and integrated z-axis for OEM equipment integration at lower cost.
• SmartSense Syringe pump with 30mm stroke length providing unmatched traceability, process control, and data integrity with 12.5 μL to 2.5 mL syringe support.
• Microlab PuriFY Automated workstation for nucleic acid purification, eliminating manual clean-up workflows in a compact benchtop format for genomics applications.
• Cell Care STAR Automated workstation for cell culture maintenance and processing with integrated temperature and shaking control.
• Aliquot STAR Line Automated aliquoting workstation for high-throughput sample aliquoting with integrated barcode identification and decapping/recapping capabilities.
• MassXtract STAR Line Mass spectrometry sample preparation workstation for automated protein and small molecule sample handling.
• ID STARlet DNA profiling workstation for automated STR analysis in forensic and identity testing applications.
• Clinical NGS STARlet Automated liquid handler for clinical next-generation sequencing applications with integrated workflow automation.
• BIOSPOT Organoid Sorter Organoid sorting and analysis workstation for automated cell-based assay workflows.
• HPLC Columns HPLC columns for analytical and preparative chromatography including reversed phase, anion exchange, cation exchange, and ion exclusion phases.
• ODO Cap Sx Single-use optical dissolved oxygen sensor cap compatible with Arc Module for disposable bioreactor monitoring.
• OneFerm pH Sensor Element Single-use pH sensor element for one-time bioreactor monitoring applications.
• Incyte SU Sensor Element Single-use biomass sensor element for disposable cell density monitoring in single-use bioreactors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduce hands-on time and errors while increasing throughput and decreasing labor costs
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature9 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and regional.

• QIAGENmajorTechnology or Integration · 15 June 2026Expanded Hamilton integration for fully automated laboratory workflows within QIAGEN's QIAcuity digital PCR ecosystem. Platform achieves over 3,200 cumulative placements worldwide with Hamilton automation enabling nanoplate workflows.
• BenchlingcoreTechnology or Integration · 28 May 2026Hamilton is an ecosystem partner for Benchling Automation platform that connects lab instruments, workcells, and scientific records. Benchling launched hardware-agnostic platform enabling closed-loop lab automation integrating Hamilton instruments.
• CerillocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026Strategic combination uniting Hamilton's global leadership in liquid handling and automation with Cerillo's compact microplate reader technology (Rayo series). Creates integrated end-to-end detection and analysis solutions for microbiome research, synthetic biology, and environmental microbiology. Cerillo team now working within Hamilton's global operations.
• Takara Bio USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2026Development and co-marketing agreement to deliver integrated, automated NGS library preparation workflows. Automates Takara Bio's SMART-Seq library preparation kits on Hamilton's Microlab STAR Liquid Handling Systems, reducing hands-on time and errors while increasing throughput.
• Aplex BiominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 March 2026Comarketing agreement for automated liquid handling solution deploying Aplex's Hyperplex PCR kits on Hamilton platforms, combining Aplex's PCR testing technology with Hamilton's liquid handling instrumentation.
• Ultima GenomicscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2026Global partnership to automate sample preparation and amplification workflows across Hamilton's Microlab STAR liquid handling platform. Jointly developing automation scripts for production-scale genomics to enable scalable, efficient NGS workflows.
• Alpha Controls & Instrumentation Inc.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 November 2025Canadian distributor partnership expanding Hamilton's Process Analytic Sensors into the Canadian market. Supports pharmaceutical QC, biotechnology research, environmental labs, and regulated manufacturing environments.
• Pillar BiosciencesmajorTechnology or Integration · 30 October 2025Validation and release of automated NGS library preparation method for myeloproliferative neoplasm research on Hamilton Microlab STAR systems, enabling high-throughput genetic sample processing.
• Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2025Global strategic partnership to automate NGS workflows for biomarker discovery in cancer research. Focus on developing automation scripts for IDT's xGen and Archer NGS products compatible with Hamilton's Microlab STAR and NIMBUS platforms.
• UK Robotics and Trisonic DiscoverycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Acquisition in July 2025 to strengthen Hamilton's laboratory automation portfolio with advanced scheduling software (Revolution software) and precision acoustic dispensing technologies.
• nRichDXmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2025Strategic collaboration to deliver automated liquid biopsy sample preparation combining nRichDX Revolution Plus Sample Prep System with Hamilton Microlab STAR for automated cfDNA, cfRNA, cfTNA, and CTC isolation from plasma, urine, and biofluids.
• Labor BerlinmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2024Strategic partnership with Europe's largest hospital laboratory to expand automation and standardization of IVD-R-compliant workflows. Leverages Hamilton's STAR platform and VENUS software to optimize sample processing, reduce error rates, and improve patient safety.
• New England Biolabs (NEB)majorTechnology or IntegrationNEB partners with Hamilton and other automation providers (Revvity, SPT Labtech, Beckman Coulter) to support automation of NEBNext reagents for NGS library preparation on automated workstations, delivering standardized workflows globally.
• Omega Bio-tekmajorTechnology or IntegrationWorkflow collaborations for automated DNA purification integrated with Hamilton Microlab STAR X and Dynamic Devices LYNX liquid handlers, enabling high-throughput, automation-ready nucleic acid purification solutions.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• QIAGEN: QIAGEN is both a Hamilton partner (QIAcuity digital PCR integration with 3,200+ placements) and a broader life sciences tools competitor with its own sample preparation and automation products. Comparable as a workflow-solutions provider to molecular diagnostics and research customers.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher is a broad incumbent in life sciences with overlapping offerings in automated liquid handling (e.g., KingFisher, Biomek), bioprocess sensors, and biobanking storage. Its scale, breadth, and recurring services create competitive pressure across Hamilton's portfolio.
• Mettler-Toledo: Mettler-Toledo is a major analytical and precision measurement instruments manufacturer comparable to Hamilton's process analytics sensor business (pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity). Both serve regulated biopharma, chemical, and food/beverage customers with high-precision measurement technologies.
• Sartorius: Sartorius is a broad incumbent in bioprocess equipment, sensors, and single-use systems directly comparable to Hamilton's process analytics and bioprocess monitoring offerings. Competes with Hamilton for biopharma manufacturers on bioreactor sensors and PAT infrastructure.

Direct peers

• Tecan: Tecan is a leading direct competitor in automated liquid handling workstations and laboratory automation, particularly strong in NGS, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics. Both companies compete head-to-head in pharma, biotech, and academic research with overlapping product lines.
• SPT Labtech: SPT Labtech is a direct competitor in laboratory automation, particularly for low-volume dispensing and sample preparation. NEB lists SPT Labtech among its automation partners alongside Hamilton, indicating overlapping NGS and genomics customers.
• Revvity: Revvity (formerly PerkinElmer) competes in automated liquid handling and NGS library preparation workflows, partnering with NEB for NEBNext reagent automation alongside Hamilton. Both target genomics and pharma customers with integrated workflow solutions.
• Beckman Coulter Life Sciences: Beckman Coulter (part of Danaher) competes with Hamilton in automated liquid handling workstations, particularly for NGS library prep and bioprocess applications. NEB partners with both for NEBNext reagent automation, making them directly comparable in NGS workflow automation.
• Eppendorf: Eppendorf is cited alongside Hamilton as a major player in the global biopharmaceutical liquid handling systems market. Both companies offer precision liquid handling, pipettes, and laboratory automation consumables serving overlapping life science customers.

Emerging players

• Benchling: Benchling is a Hamilton ecosystem partner whose hardware-agnostic Automation platform connects lab instruments—including Hamilton's—into closed-loop workflows. Emerging player in lab software with growing influence on instrument purchasing decisions in life sciences R&D.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hamilton-company
• Xx.com/HamiltonRobotic
• Facebookfacebook.com/hamilton-robotics-244567688902258

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Hamilton