Sequoia Scientific
Sequoia Scientific designs and manufactures optical instruments — laser-diffraction particle sizers (LISST series) and hyperspectral IOP sensors (Hyper series) — for measuring particles, sediment, and optical properties in aquatic environments, serving oceanographers, federal agencies, hydropower operators, and emerging marine carbon and deep-sea mining programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersBellevue, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Sequoia Scientific does
Sequoia Scientific, Inc. is a privately held Bellevue, Washington-based instrumentation company founded in 1995 that designs and manufactures optical sensors for measuring particles and inherent optical properties (IOPs) in aquatic environments. Its flagship LISST product line uses laser diffraction to measure particle size distributions across 36 bins from 1 to 500 microns and particle concentration, with depth-rated variants spanning from shallow water to 4,000 m (LISST-Deep) and 6,000 m (LISST-RTSSV for deep-sea mining monitoring). The Hyper series adds hyperspectral absorption (Hyper-a, 300–750 nm via integrating-cavity design), backscattering (Hyper-bb), and a forthcoming transmissometer (Hyper-c, in NASA SBIR Phase II), enabling IOP closure for NASA ocean color satellite validation missions including PACE and GLIMR. Complementary products include the LISST-Holo2 inline digital holography imager, the LISST-Tau transmissometer, LISST-Glider for autonomous gliders, and turnkey application packages (LISST-Black for oil spills, LISST-HAB for harmful algal blooms), plus the LISST-Logger datalogger and HydroLight/EcoLight-S radiative transfer modeling software.
The company sells directly through its US-based sales team, e-commerce storefront, and international distributor network in South Korea (Otronix), Japan (SeaBreath), the Middle East (OFITE), and Southeast Asia (Sea & Land Technologies). Pricing is quote-based with 6–8 week standard lead times, indicating high-value, low-volume scientific instrument transactions rather than commodity sales. Sequoia actively pursues non-dilutive R&D funding, having been awarded at least six NASA SBIR, NSF STTR, and DOE ARPA-E grants between 2020 and 2025 to develop new instruments. Its customer base spans US federal agencies (USACE, NASA), leading oceanographic research institutions (MIT, Scripps, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Maine), hydropower operators (Xayaburi Dam, Laos), and emerging deep-sea mining and marine carbon dioxide removal programs. Sequoia co-organizes the Particles in Europe (PiE) conference and the TIDES Conference in the Pacific Northwest, reinforcing its community leadership position in aquatic particle measurement.
Sequoia Scientific firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sequoia Scientific
- Legal name
- Sequoia Scientific, Inc.
- Website
- https://sequoiasci.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Sequoia Scientific designs and manufactures optical instruments — laser-diffraction particle sizers (LISST series) and hyperspectral IOP sensors (Hyper series) — for measuring particles, sediment, and optical properties in aquatic environments, serving oceanographers, federal agencies, hydropower operators, and emerging marine carbon and deep-sea mining programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sequoia Scientific industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Oceanographic Optical Instrumentation
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine Sensors, Instrumentation & IoT (Condition Monitoring) (IMAJAJAI), Groundwater Monitoring & Well Sampling (Monitoring Wells, Plumes) (EUAHACAE)
Keywords
Where Sequoia Scientific is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bellevue
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Sequoia Scientific business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Scientific Instrumentation Sales: Sale of specialized scientific instruments including LISST particle size analyzers, Hyper hyperspectral sensors, transmissometers, dataloggers, and accessories. Products are sold directly and through international distributors. Pricing is quote-based, indicating high-value, complex product transactions typical of scientific equipment.
- Software and Processing Tools: The company offers community-developed software resources for LISST and Hyper instruments including PyOPIA for LISST-Holo2 data processing, as well as proprietary software for instrument programming, data offloading and processing. Image processing software for LISST-RTSSV was developed in partnership with MIT.
- Accessories and Consumables: Sale of complementary products including rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery packs, deployment frames, flow-through chambers, real-time cables, and external battery packs.
- Training and Support Services: On-site training services provided to customers, as demonstrated by training delivered to Xayaburi Hydropower staff in Laos. Technical support and customer service are offered through the company and international distributor network.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LISST-Logger promotional offer - 20% discount for orders placed by March 31, 2026 |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Sequoia Scientific product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sequoia Scientific designs, manufactures, and sells optical sensor instruments for in-situ measurement of particles and inherent optical properties in aquatic environments. Its flagship LISST product line uses laser diffraction to measure particle size distribution and concentration across 36 size bins from 1 to 500 microns, while the Hyper hyperspectral instruments measure absorption, backscattering, and beam transmission. Instruments are depth-rated from 2,000m to 6,000m for deployment on profilers, gliders, towed vehicles, CTDs, and autonomous platforms used by oceanographic researchers, environmental agencies, hydropower operators, and deep-sea mining monitors.
Product overview
Sequoia Scientific offers a comprehensive portfolio of optical sensing instruments for aquatic particle measurement and water property characterization. The core product lines include the LISST series (laser-diffraction particle size analyzers) with over 15 variants for different applications and depth ratings, the Hyper series hyperspectral instruments (absorption, backscattering, and transmissometer sensors) for inherent optical property measurements, supporting dataloggers and power systems, and radiative transfer modeling software. Products range from the flagship LISST-200X submersible particle size analyzer to specialized instruments like the 4,000m-rated LISST-Deep, LISST-Glider for autonomous platforms, LISST-Holo2 for digital holography imaging, and the Hyper-a/bb/c hyperspectral sensors. The modular architecture allows instruments to be combined for comprehensive aquatic research applications across marine, freshwater, environmental, and industrial sectors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LISST: Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometry instruments for particle size analysis and concentration measurement in aquatic environments. Product line includes LISST-200X, LISST-Deep, LISST-Holo2, LISST-SL2, LISST-Tau, LISST-OST, LISST-Glider, LISST-Portable|XR, LISST-RTSSV, LISST-Logger, and specialized variants.
- Hyper
- PiE - Particles in Europe
Products and services
- LISST-200X Submersible laser-diffraction based particle size analyzer designed to measure particle size and concentration in 36 size bins from 1 to 500 microns. Sequoia's workhorse instrument for rivers, streams, ports, harbors, coasts and oceans.
- LISST-Deep 4,000 m rated deep-sea version of the LISST-200X. Self-contained submersible laser-diffraction particle size analyzer measuring particle size distribution from 1 to 500 microns at ocean depths up to 4,000 meters.
- LISST-Holo2
Quantifiable outcome
- LISST-Deep successfully tested at 4,000 meters depth at University of Washington Ocean Sciences Building testing facility
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Sequoia Scientific
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Sequoia Scientific technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
Sequoia Scientific partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and flagship.
- University of WashingtoncoreCo-organizer of TIDES (Technologies for Innovation, Design, & Environmental Stewardship) Conference 2026 and 2027, fostering Pacific Northwest Blue Economy innovation. Dr. Ole Mikkelsen serves as key organizer and President & CEO of Sequoia.
- Sea-Bird ScientificcoreCo-organizer of TIDES Conference 2026 and 2027 with Sequoia and other Pacific Northwest marine technology companies.
- BioSonicscoreCo-organizer of TIDES Conference 2026 and 2027 with Sequoia and other Pacific Northwest marine technology companies.
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)coreCo-organizer of Particles in Europe (PiE) 2025 conference in Ostend, Belgium. VLIZ is part of the Flemish research infrastructure for marine science.
- Flanders HydraulicscoreCo-organizer of Particles in Europe (PiE) 2025 conference in Ostend, Belgium.
- Institute of Natural SciencescoreCo-organizer of Particles in Europe (PiE) 2025 conference in Ostend, Belgium.
- Sunstone Scientific LLCsupportingSubcontractor providing modeling expertise for Hyper-a hyperspectral absorption meter development under NASA SBIR awards. Based in Florida.
- Dr. Michael Twardowski and Dr. Alberto TonizzosupportingOcean color experts serving as consultants on NASA Phase I SBIR grant for hyperspectral ocean water absorption instrument development.
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR)coreCo-organizer of Particles in Europe (PiE) 2023 conference in Crete, Greece. Dr. Ole Mikkelsen serves as organizing committee chair.
- University of Maine School of Marine SciencescoreNSF STTR Phase I collaboration with Dr. Meg Estapa to develop bio-optical 'optical sediment trap' sensor for direct detection of sinking marine particles. Sensor designed for integration with autonomous profiling floats to measure biological carbon pump dynamics over multi-year deployments.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)flagshipCollaboration with Prof. Thomas Peacock (The Environmental Dynamics Laboratory, MIT) and Prof. Matthew Alford (The Multiscale Ocean Dynamics Group, Scripps Institution of Oceanography) on DoE/ARPA-E funded SBIR grant to develop LISST-RTSSV instrument for monitoring sediment plumes from deep-sea mining operations at depths up to 6000m. Dr. Wayne Slade serves as principal investigator.
- OtronixcoreSouth Korean distributor representing Sequoia products at Oceanology International 2026 London.
- SeaBreathcoreJapanese distributor representing Sequoia products at Oceanology International 2026 London.
- OFI Testing Equipment (OFITE)coreUAE/Middle East distributor exhibiting Sequoia products at ADIPEC conferences (booth displays including LISST-Portable|XR).
- Sea & Land TechnologiescoreSoutheast Asia distributor that delivered LISST-200X to Xayaburi Hydropower Project in Laos. Technical Director Floyd Ng and Field Engineer Primo Navera provided on-site training and commissioning.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Sequoia Scientific competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Sea-Bird Scientific: Sea-Bird Scientific is the dominant global supplier of oceanographic instrumentation, including CTDs, water sampling, and optical sensors like the ac-s referenced in Sequoia's Hyper-a validation. It is the closest large-scale competitor in marine optical instrumentation and a direct benchmark for Sequoia's hyperspectral product line.
- YSI (Xylem): YSI, a Xylem brand, manufactures a broad portfolio of water quality monitoring instruments including multiparameter sondes with optical sensors, turbidity, and chlorophyll sensors. It is a broad incumbent serving environmental monitoring, drinking water, and wastewater markets that partially overlap with Sequoia's environmental and freshwater segments.
Direct peers
- WET Labs (Sea-Bird Scientific): WET Labs, now part of Sea-Bird Scientific, manufactured optical sensors for oceanographic research including ECO-series fluorometers and backscattering sensors. It is one of the most direct comparables to Sequoia's LISST and Hyper lines, serving the same research and ocean color validation customer base.
- HOBI Labs (Hydro-Optics, Biology, & Instrumentation Laboratories): HOBI Labs develops optical instruments for measuring inherent optical properties of water, including backscattering and absorption sensors. It is a direct peer in the niche of in-situ aquatic optical measurement, competing for the same ocean color and water quality research customers as Sequoia.
- Chelsea Technologies Group: Chelsea Technologies Group (now part of Valeport) designs and manufactures a range of oceanographic and environmental sensors including fluorometers, turbidity sensors, and optical instruments for water quality monitoring. It is a direct peer serving similar research, environmental monitoring, and water quality end markets.
- Turner Designs: Turner Designs manufactures fluorometers and optical sensors widely used in oceanographic research, harmful algae bloom monitoring, and water quality applications. Its products are commonly deployed alongside LISST instruments, and it competes in adjacent niches of aquatic optical sensing.
- Satlantic (Sea-Bird Scientific): Satlantic, now part of Sea-Bird Scientific, developed hyperspectral radiometers and optical instruments specifically for ocean color remote sensing validation—the same application Sequoia targets with its Hyper-a, Hyper-bb, and Hyper-c sensors. It is a direct peer in satellite oceanography ground-truth instrumentation.
Emerging players
- RBR Global: RBR Global designs and manufactures compact, high-accuracy oceanographic instruments including CTDs, water quality sensors, and optical instruments for research and environmental monitoring. It serves similar customers and is increasingly competing in the multi-parameter submersible sensor market.
- LI-COR Biosciences: LI-COR Biosciences manufactures optical instruments including spectroradiometers and integrating spheres used in environmental and bioscience research. While not a direct oceanographic competitor, its optical measurement technologies overlap with Sequoia's hyperspectral absorption and remote sensing validation applications.
- AquaTROLL (In-Situ): In-Situ Inc. designs and manufactures water quality monitoring instruments including the AquaTROLL multiparameter sondes with optical turbidity, chlorophyll, and other optical sensors. It is an emerging peer in the freshwater and environmental monitoring space where Sequoia also serves hydropower and environmental customers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sequoia Scientific social profiles
Digital presenceSequoia Scientific financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sequoia Scientific leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Sequoia Scientific funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sequoia Scientific 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 Sequoia Scientific
What does Sequoia Scientific do?
Sequoia Scientific designs, manufactures, and sells optical sensor instruments for in-situ measurement of particles and inherent optical properties in aquatic environments. Its flagship LISST product line uses laser diffraction to measure particle size distribution and concentration across 36 size bins from 1 to 500 microns, while the Hyper hyperspectral instruments measure absorption, backscattering, and beam transmission. Instruments are depth-rated from 2,000m to 6,000m for deployment on profilers, gliders, towed vehicles, CTDs, and autonomous platforms used by oceanographic researchers, environmental agencies, hydropower operators, and deep-sea mining monitors.
Is Sequoia Scientific a public or private company?
Sequoia Scientific is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sequoia Scientific founded?
Sequoia Scientific was founded in 1995. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Sequoia Scientific based?
Sequoia Scientific is headquartered in Bellevue, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sequoia Scientific make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Scientific Instrumentation Sales are the primary driver. The others are software and Processing Tools, accessories and Consumables and training and Support Services.
Who are Sequoia Scientific's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Sea-Bird Scientific and YSI (Xylem). Direct peers are WET Labs (Sea-Bird Scientific), HOBI Labs (Hydro-Optics, Biology, & Instrumentation Laboratories), Chelsea Technologies Group, Turner Designs and Satlantic (Sea-Bird Scientific). Emerging players are RBR Global, LI-COR Biosciences and AquaTROLL (In-Situ).
Does Sequoia Scientific have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sequoia Scientific.
What industry is Sequoia Scientific in?
Sequoia Scientific's product category is Oceanographic Optical Instrumentation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAFAB, Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination), with a secondary code of IMAJAJAI, Marine Sensors, Instrumentation & IoT (Condition Monitoring). Its NAICS code is 3345 and its SIC code is 3823.