H.E.L Group
H.E.L Group is a UK-headquartered manufacturer of specialized calorimeters, automated reactor platforms, and bioreactor systems powered by proprietary WinISO/labCONSOL software, serving pharmaceutical, battery, chemical, and bioprocess research customers in over 50 countries through direct sales and a global distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What H.E.L Group does
H.E.L Group is a UK-headquartered manufacturer of specialized scientific instruments and laboratory automation software, founded in 1987 and operating through wholly-owned subsidiaries in the US, China, and India. The company designs and builds calorimeters, automated reactor platforms, and bioreactor systems used for process safety testing, battery safety and performance characterization, chemical synthesis optimization, catalysis research, and bioprocess development. Its product portfolio spans the Simular reaction calorimeter, the BTC-130/BTC-500 adiabatic battery calorimeters, the iso-BTC/iso-BTC+ isothermal battery calorimeters, the Phi-TEC I/II adiabatic calorimeters, the TSu hazard screening platform, the ChemSCAN catalytic reactor, the PolyBLOCK parallel synthesis platform, and the BioXplorer bioreactor system, all unified by the proprietary WinISO and labCONSOL software stack. The company serves pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, battery manufacturers, chemical and specialty chemicals companies, biofuels and sustainable energy researchers, and academic and government institutions including Pfizer, Vertex, Amgen, Cargill, TUV Rheinland, Jensen Hughes, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
The company's technology is anchored in proprietary adiabatic and isothermal calorimetry methods, with high-speed data acquisition (up to 10,000 Hz), multi-point thermal mapping, integrated video imaging, and low phi-factor capability enabling accurate simulation of real reaction conditions. Hardware products integrate with third-party charge/discharge units, gas analyzers, and samplers through the WinISO software platform, and the next-generation labCONSOL software is positioned as a usability layer on top of the WinISO engine. Products comply with major international battery safety standards (UN 38.3, IEC 62133, UL 2054, UL 1642, ISO 12405, JIS C 8714, GB/T 36276-2018) and support pharmaceutical regulatory requirements, validated by use in third-party certification laboratories such as TUV Rheinland.
H.E.L generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales of its calorimeter and reactor systems (Scientific Instrumentation Hardware Sales), one-time software licenses for WinISO and labCONSOL, professional services including installation, calibration, maintenance, and training, and bespoke custom system engineering. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with standard 30-day payment terms. The go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales targeting large pharmaceutical, battery, and chemical customers with a global distributor network covering 40+ countries, complemented by event-driven demand generation through the Modern Chemistry Podcast, an extensive webinar library, industry conferences, and co-hosted mini-symposiums. The company has deployed over 2,500 systems across 50+ countries and is privately held, with no disclosed parent company or external equity control beyond a single disclosed funding event with Connection Capital in 2019.
H.E.L Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- H.E.L Group
- Legal name
- HEL Limited
- Website
- https://helgroup.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- H.E.L Group is a UK-headquartered manufacturer of specialized calorimeters, automated reactor platforms, and bioreactor systems powered by proprietary WinISO/labCONSOL software, serving pharmaceutical, battery, chemical, and bioprocess research customers in over 50 countries through direct sales and a global distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
H.E.L Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scientific Laboratory Instruments
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems (HLAGAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards) (HLAGAIAL), Process Automation Instrumentation & Control (DCS, Valves, Actuators, Analyzers) (IMAHAHAM), Analytical Development & QC Testing (Release/Stability/Potency) (HLAGAGAF)
Keywords
Where H.E.L Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
H.E.L Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Scientific Instrumentation Hardware Sales: Sale of proprietary calorimeters, reactors, and bioreactor systems including BTC series, Simular, iso-BTC series, PolyBLOCK, BioXplorer, Phi-TEC, TSu, and ChemSCAN. Hardware forms the primary revenue stream with sales through direct enterprise sales and global distributor network.
- Laboratory Automation Software Licenses: Licensing of proprietary software platforms including WinISO and labCONSOL. Software is bundled with hardware systems and also available as standalone licenses. License terms are non-sublicensable and non-transferable under standard license agreements.
- Service, Support and Aftermarket: Installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair services for H.E.L equipment. Remote support, on-site servicing by qualified engineers, spare parts (consumable and non-consumable), and service agreements. Instrument Service and Support Lifecycle program with varying support tiers based on equipment age. Hardware over 10 years old receives limited formal support.
- Training Services: Flexible training options for customers and their teams, offered both onsite and remotely, covering proper use of H.E.L equipment and applications.
- Custom Systems and Bespoke Solutions: Bespoke/custom system design and manufacturing for unique customer challenges, leveraging H.E.L's engineering expertise to create customized reactor solutions.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
H.E.L Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
H.E.L Group designs and manufactures proprietary scientific instrumentation — primarily calorimeters (reaction, adiabatic, isothermal), automated reactor platforms, and high-pressure bioreactors — along with bundled WinISO and labCONSOL automation software. Its products serve process safety, battery safety testing, catalysis, chemical synthesis, crystallization, and bioprocess development applications for pharmaceutical, chemical, battery, and research laboratory customers. The company also provides installation, calibration, maintenance, training, and bespoke custom systems as supporting offerings.
Product overview
H.E.L Group is a manufacturer of scientific instruments and automation software with a portfolio of calorimetry, reactor, and bioprocessing products. The core product line includes reaction calorimeters (Simular), battery safety testing systems (BTC-130, BTC-500, iso-BTC, iso-BTC+), adiabatic calorimeters (Phi-TEC I, Phi-TEC II), and thermal screening platforms (TSu). These instruments are complemented by automated synthesis reactors (PolyBLOCK 4/8), catalytic reactors (ChemSCAN), and bioreactor systems (BioXplorer 400). The company's products are powered by proprietary software including WinISO and labCONSOL for laboratory automation and control. The portfolio is organized around key application areas: process safety, battery testing, bioprocess development, catalysis, chemical synthesis, and crystallization.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Simular Reaction Calorimeter Advanced automated reactor system for reaction calorimetry supporting power compensation, heat flow, and isoperibolic methods, used for systematic reaction parameter screening, yield optimization, and calculation of Maximum Temperature of Synthesis Reaction (MTSR) in pharmaceutical, chemical, and research laboratories.
- BTC-130 Bench-Top Battery Adiabatic Calorimeter Bench-top adiabatic calorimeter for battery safety testing and hazard screening of cells, modules, and small battery packs, supporting thermal, electrical, and mechanical stress testing including nail penetration, overcharging, and external short circuits.
- BTC-500 Large-Scale Battery Adiabatic Calorimeter Large-scale adiabatic calorimeter for advanced battery safety testing of cells, modules, and packs under extreme conditions with high-speed data acquisition up to 10,000 Hz, thermal mapping with up to 16 measurement points, integrated video imaging, and off-gas collection.
- iso-BTC Bench-Top Isothermal Battery Calorimeter Bench-top isothermal battery calorimeter for precise battery performance testing and thermal characterization, supporting integration with charge/discharge units for automated cycling and analysis of heat generation, efficiency, and battery behavior.
- iso-BTC+ Floor-Standing Isothermal Battery Calorimeter Floor-standing advanced isothermal battery calorimeter for large-format battery performance testing and thermal management analysis, operating across -20°C to 90°C with up to 200W measurable power, and supporting automated cycling and thermal mapping.
- Phi-TEC I Adiabatic Calorimeter Bench-top adiabatic calorimeter for thermal and pressure hazard screening used in process safety applications across pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories.
- Phi-TEC II Low Phi-Factor Adiabatic Calorimeter Bench-top low phi-factor adiabatic calorimeter for vent sizing and accurate thermal runaway testing, providing highly accurate simulation of real reaction conditions for process safety applications.
- TSu Thermal and Pressure Hazard Screening Platform Thermal and pressure hazard screening platform for early-stage chemical hazard screening and process scale-up using adiabatic and reaction calorimetry methods.
- ChemSCAN Catalytic Reactor Apparatus for catalyst screening with precise temperature and pressure control, gas uptake monitoring, and an easy-to-use software interface for following reactions in real time, used for hydrogenation, oxidation, and other gaseous reaction studies.
- PolyBLOCK 4 Automated Parallel Synthesis Platform Compact automated parallel synthesis platform with four reactor positions and a versatile reactor configuration for chemical synthesis workflow optimization and reaction screening.
- PolyBLOCK 8 Automated Parallel Synthesis Platform Automated parallel synthesis platform with expanded capacity for eight reactor configurations, supporting a wide range of reactors, agitation options, and durable materials for chemical synthesis workflow optimization.
- BioXplorer 400 Bioreactor System High-pressure, parallel bioreactor for gas fermentation and bio production, supporting screening and process development with advanced control and integration into WinISO software for biofuel, SAF, and bioprocess research.
- WinISO Laboratory Automation Software Proprietary automation software serving as the core engine for H.E.L instruments, enabling control, data logging, multi-step recipes, parameter control, feedback loops, and system integration across the H.E.L product portfolio.
- labCONSOL Laboratory Control Automation Software Next-generation laboratory automation software built on the WinISO engine, bringing enhanced efficiency and productivity to safety, chemistry, and biology laboratory processes across the H.E.L instrument range.
- Tandem Gas Analysers Real-time CO2 and O2 off-gas analysers for bioprocess monitoring, integrating with H.E.L bioreactor systems to provide continuous gas composition data during fermentation and bioprocess development.
- Service, Support and Aftermarket Installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair services for H.E.L equipment, including remote support, on-site servicing by qualified engineers, spare parts (consumable and non-consumable), and service agreements under the Instrument Service and Support Lifecycle program.
- Training Services Flexible training options for customers and their teams, offered onsite and remotely, covering proper use of H.E.L equipment and applications across the product portfolio.
- Custom Systems and Bespoke Solutions Bespoke system design and manufacturing for unique customer challenges, leveraging H.E.L's engineering expertise to create customized reactor solutions tailored to specific process and application requirements.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 2,500 systems deployed worldwide across 50+ countries
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use H.E.L Group
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
H.E.L Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature10 records
H.E.L Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), MumbaicoreH.E.L Group signed a research agreement with ICT Mumbai to advance process safety and chemical synthesis in India. The collaboration focuses on joint research and development in process safety calorimetry and chemical synthesis applications, supporting academic-industry knowledge transfer in the Indian market.
- GVS CibatechcoreCollaborative seminar series on the Future of Battery Testing featuring seven sessions and a roundtable discussion on challenges and opportunities in battery safety and testing in India. Jointly hosted with GVS Cibatech covering battery safety, performance, and next-generation testing technologies.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)coreDr Eric Sundstrom from LBNL's Advanced Biofuels Process Development Unit (ABPDU) co-presented a webinar with H.E.L on advanced process designs for intensified CO2 to bioproducts conversion using multiplexed gas fermentation bioreactor systems with active backpressure control and feedback-based gas supply.
- C-ThermminorJoint webinar on thermal performance testing of batteries with C-Therm Field Application Specialist Arya Hakiman and H.E.L's Field Application Specialist Alex Philpotts. Covers battery performance analysis, hazard screening, safety testing, and performance characterization using iso-BTC and iso-BTC+ calorimeters.
- KIWI-biolab (KIWI-lab)coreIntegration partnership where H.E.L's BioXplorer adds value to KIWI-lab's tools through integration into a fully automatic bioprocess development pipeline. Joint webinar demonstrating the integration with Dr Nicolás Cruz from KIWI-biolab and H.E.L's Dr Mario Toubes-Rodrigo and Dr Mahek Merchant.
- Jensen HughescoreJensen Hughes (Damian Stefanczyk, Senior Consultant; Jens Conzen, Associate Director of Industrial and Process Safety) featured on H.E.L's Modern Chemistry Podcast and participated as panel experts in the Pharma Industry Process Safety Trends Mini-Symposium. Collaboration on process safety methodology and vent sizing best practices.
- PfizercorePfizer (John Weaver, Mike Hawksworth) participated in H.E.L webinars on process safety methodology and explosives screening workflows. Collaboration focuses on early safety analysis in drug discovery and development of screening devices for the pharma industry.
- VertexminorJeff Sperry from Vertex presented on thermal stability of Temozolomide at the pharma process safety mini-symposium, exploring process safety testing trends in the pharmaceutical industry.
- AmgenminorAyman Allian from Amgen participated as a panel expert in the Pharma Industry Process Safety Trends Mini-Symposium, discussing process safety trends within the pharma industry alongside Pfizer, Jensen Hughes, and H.E.L.
- SelectScienceminorSelectScience trusted reviews platform featuring H.E.L products, providing third-party peer reviews and ratings from the scientific community as a marketing and credibility channel.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
H.E.L Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Anton Paar: Anton Paar is a global manufacturer of precision laboratory instruments including reaction calorimeters, density meters, and rheometers — directly overlapping H.E.L's calorimetry and process safety instrumentation portfolio with comparable customer base in pharma and chemicals.
- TA Instruments (Waters): TA Instruments produces adiabatic and isothermal calorimeters, thermal analysis, and battery testing instruments (TAM IV, ARC), competing head-to-head with H.E.L's BTC, iso-BTC, and Phi-TEC platforms for process safety and battery research customers.
- Netzsch Gerätebau: Netzsch offers accelerating rate calorimeters (ARC), thermal analysis, and battery testing systems — direct competition in adiabatic calorimetry, reaction hazard screening, and battery safety testing.
- Parr Instrument Company: Parr manufactures stirred and high-pressure reactors, calorimeters, and hazardous reaction testing equipment — directly comparable to H.E.L's PolyBLOCK and custom reactor offerings for process safety and synthesis applications.
- HEL AG successor entities / H.E.L competitors in calorimetry (e.g., Fauske & Associates): Fauske & Associates provides calorimetry, vent sizing, and process safety consulting plus instruments — directly competing with H.E.L in Phi-TEC/TSu-style adiabatic testing and pharma process safety advisory work.
Broad incumbents
- Mettler Toledo: Mettler Toledo is a broad-portfolio analytical instrument incumbent with reaction calorimetry and process analytical offerings serving pharma and chemicals — overlapping with H.E.L in lab-scale process safety and exothermic reaction characterization.
- Sartorius: Sartorius is a leading bioprocessing and lab equipment supplier with bioreactor and fermentation offerings — overlapping with H.E.L's BioXplorer platform in upstream bioprocess development for pharma and industrial biotech.
- Eppendorf: Eppendorf supplies bioreactors, shakers, and lab automation for life sciences — adjacent overlap with H.E.L's BioXplorer and laboratory automation (WinISO/labCONSOL) for bioprocess and pharma customers.
- AMETEK (Test & Measurement): AMETEK's test & measurement segment includes thermal analysis, fuel cell, and battery test instrumentation serving similar R&D and process safety buyers as H.E.L, though it also spans broader industrial test.
Regional players
- Büchi Labortechnik: Büchi supplies lab and parallel reactors, crystallization systems, and process development instruments for pharma and chemicals — overlapping with H.E.L's PolyBLOCK parallel synthesis and crystallization platforms, especially in European and emerging markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
H.E.L Group social profiles
Digital presenceH.E.L Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
H.E.L Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
H.E.L Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
H.E.L Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
H.E.L Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about H.E.L Group
What does H.E.L Group do?
H.E.L Group designs and manufactures proprietary scientific instrumentation — primarily calorimeters (reaction, adiabatic, isothermal), automated reactor platforms, and high-pressure bioreactors — along with bundled WinISO and labCONSOL automation software. Its products serve process safety, battery safety testing, catalysis, chemical synthesis, crystallization, and bioprocess development applications for pharmaceutical, chemical, battery, and research laboratory customers. The company also provides installation, calibration, maintenance, training, and bespoke custom systems as supporting offerings.
Is H.E.L Group a public or private company?
H.E.L Group is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was H.E.L Group founded?
H.E.L Group was founded in 1987. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is H.E.L Group based?
H.E.L Group is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does H.E.L Group make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Scientific Instrumentation Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are laboratory Automation Software Licenses, service, Support and Aftermarket, training Services and custom Systems and Bespoke Solutions.
Who are H.E.L Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Anton Paar, TA Instruments (Waters), Netzsch Gerätebau, Parr Instrument Company and HEL AG successor entities / H.E.L competitors in calorimetry (e.g., Fauske & Associates). Broad incumbents are Mettler Toledo, Sartorius, Eppendorf and AMETEK (Test & Measurement). Büchi Labortechnik is listed as a regional player.
Does H.E.L Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for H.E.L Group.
What industry is H.E.L Group in?
H.E.L Group's product category is Scientific Laboratory Instruments. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAA, Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems, with a secondary code of HLAGAIAL, Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.