What Microptic does

Microptic S.L.U. is a Barcelona-based biotechnology company founded in 1989 that designs, manufactures, and distributes Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) systems. Its core technology is the Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA), a modular software platform that uses computer vision and machine learning to automate the quantitative assessment of sperm parameters — concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, vitality, acrosome reaction, and leukocytes — validated against WHO 6 (2021) laboratory guidelines. The product portfolio spans the modular SCA software suite, the all-in-one SCA SCOPE autonomous device, SCA Production for animal breeding centers, the RatTox toxicology screening system, and MetaClass for karyotyping and FISH cytogenetic analysis, with supporting consumables, hardware components, training services, and remote technical support.

Microptic serves fertility clinics, IVF centers, hospital andrology labs, animal breeding centers, toxicology research institutions, and academic research labs in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and select Asia-Pacific markets. The company sells via direct enterprise sales from its Barcelona headquarters and an international distributor network, installs systems with on-site training, and generates recurring revenue through software modules, External Quality Control programs, and maintenance contracts. It is a subsidiary of Hamilton Thorne Ltd. and, as of March 2025, has been consolidated into Nexpring Health alongside Cook Reproductive Health and Fujifilm Irvine Scientific.

Operationally, the company is small (11-50 employees) but globally distributed, with installations across more than nine countries and ISO 9001 quality certification. Customer evidence includes CIMAS Harare, Cape Fertility Clinic, Nairobi Hospital, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, University of the Western Cape, and the Tanzanian government's National Artificial Insemination Centre. Microptic does not publicly disclose revenue, is not venture-backed (one small non-dilutive grant of ~$56K from EISMEA in 2016), and operates as a stable specialized unit within a larger reproductive-health group.

Name

Microptic

Legal name

MICROPTIC S.L.U.

Website

https://micropticsl.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Microptic is a Barcelona-based biotech company that designs and sells Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) systems using AI-driven computer vision, serving fertility clinics, hospital labs, animal breeding centers, and research institutions globally. It is a subsidiary of Hamilton Thorne, now part of Nexpring Health.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Andrology Diagnostics Equipment

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835), Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200)

akta.pro primary industry

Reproductive & Endocrinology Diagnostics (Fertility, Hormones) (HLAMADAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Breeding Soundness Evaluation & Fertility Testing Services (AFAEAJAM), Artificial Insemination (AI) & Semen Collection/Distribution Services (AFAEAJAA), Genetic & Prenatal Testing Laboratories (HLAFAMAH)

Keywords

• Computer-aided sperm analysis
• Andrology laboratory equipment
• Semen analysis systems
• Reproductive health diagnostics
• Fertility clinic instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Barcelona

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. CASA Hardware Systems: Sale of Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA) hardware systems including SCA SCOPE (all-in-one device) and SCA Production systems for animal semen analysis. Includes integration with microscopes and automated stages.
2. Software Licenses and Modules: Modular software licenses for different analysis parameters (motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, vitality, acrosome reaction, leukocytes). New versions and updates released periodically.
3. Disposables and Consumables: Specialized consumables including counting chambers (SCA, Leja, Makler, FluoCount), staining products (SpermBlue, Diff-Quik, GoldCyto), vitality slides, acrosome reaction reagents (FluoAcro), and quality control beads (QC-Beads).
4. Professional Services and Training: Training courses, installation services, technical support, and educational programs including MICROPTIC Masterclass and on-site training at customer facilities.
5. Maintenance and Support Contracts: Annual maintenance agreements including External Quality Control (EQC) programs, technical support, and software updates.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Microptic develops, manufactures, distributes, and installs Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) systems built around the modular Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA) software platform running on dedicated microscope hardware. Its products automate the objective, quantitative assessment of human and animal sperm parameters (concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, vitality, acrosome reaction, leukocytes), complemented by the all-in-one SCA SCOPE device, the SCA Production system for animal semen centers, the MetaClass karyotyping and FISH cytogenetics platform, the RatTox toxicology system, and a range of proprietary consumables. The company also delivers training, installation, and ongoing technical support to fertility clinics, hospital andrology labs, animal reproduction centers, and academic research institutions worldwide.

Product overview

MICROPTIC is a biotechnology company specializing in Computer-Aided Semen Analysis (CASA) systems using Artificial Intelligence and computer vision. The product portfolio centers on the Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA) modular software platform with interchangeable analysis modules (Motility/Concentration, Morphology, DNA Fragmentation, Vitality, Acrosome Reaction, Leukocytes, Sample Management) and complementary systems (Capture, Viewer, Editor). Hardware variants include SCA SCOPE (all-in-one automated device) and SCA Production (for animal semen centers). The MetaClass system provides karyotyping and FISH cytogenetic analysis. The company also offers comprehensive disposables, components, training, and technical services. The company operates as part of Hamilton Thorne and is now integrated into Nexpring Health.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SCA SCOPE: Automated lab device for human semen assessment - a fully autonomous single device for CASA analysis.
• Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA)
• SCA Production
• MetaClass
• mySCA
• RatTox

Products and services

• Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA) CASA System Modular Computer-Aided Semen Analysis (CASA) system that provides accurate, repetitive, and automatic assessment of human sperm parameters including concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, vitality, acrosome reaction, and leukocytes. Built for clinical andrology laboratories, fertility clinics, and research institutions needing WHO-aligned, standardized semen analysis.
• SCA SCOPE All-in-one autonomous CASA device that combines all sperm analysis modules (motility, concentration, morphology, DNA fragmentation, vitality, acrosome reaction, leukocytes) into a single integrated instrument for human semen evaluation with total autonomy. Designed for andrology labs seeking simplified, plug-and-play workflow.
• SCA Production CASA System CASA system designed for animal semen production centers that need rapid examination of sperm quality and automatic data capture for semen doses or straws destined for artificial insemination. Targeted at livestock breeding operations and AI centers.
• MetaClass Karyotyping + FISH Modular cytogenetic system combining karyotyping and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) for chromosome analysis in human genetic studies, with a database module and customized reporting. Used in cytogenetics labs supporting fertility and genetic-screening workflows.
• RatTox CASA System Specialized reproductive toxicology testing system that uses rat/mouse sperm to evaluate the effects of chemicals, pesticides, drugs, and radiation on biological systems, with four devoted modules for motility, morphology, fragmentation, and vitality. Targeted at toxicology CROs, pharmaceutical R&D, and academic reproductive toxicology programs.
• Microptic Disposables Range Comprehensive range of disposable products for semen analysis, including specialized counting chambers, staining reagents, morphology slides, vitality slides, acrosome reaction reagents, leukocyte slides, and quality-control beads. Used as consumables by owners of SCA and SCA SCOPE systems.
• Microptic Services and Training Technical support, installation, maintenance, and training services for Microptic customers and distributors, including MICROPTIC Masterclass educational programs, on-site training, and External Quality Control (EQC) programs for SCA and SCA SCOPE users.

Quantifiable outcome

• Objective, automated analysis eliminates subjectivity of manual methods
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability4 records

Feature14 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered research collaboration, key customer, regional partner, parent company and core research partnership.

• Vall d'Hebron University Hospitalresearch collaborationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2019Completed comparative study between manual and automatic semen analysis using SCA SCOPE. Microptic engineers installed the device in the hospital's Andrology Service, and biologists trained staff for one month to compare methodologies.
• National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC), Tanzaniakey customerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 7 November 2018Government artificial insemination center near Arusha received first CASA system in East Africa. Installation and training provided by MICROPTIC with ongoing remote technical support. Center processes semen from high-quality breeding bulls.
• Embryotoolsresearch collaborationStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2017Collaboration initiated in 2017 for conducting sperm analysis in Embryotools laboratory and providing training on CASA systems. The SCA system is operational in this renowned laboratory for sperm motility analysis.
• CIMAS, Harareregional partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2017Major medical insurance and pathology company with 400 employees received first SCA 6.2 system in Zimbabwe. Eight staff trained over four days on basic and advanced semen analysis techniques.
• Nairobi Hospitalregional partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2017Major hospital in Kenya received SCA installation and training by Microptic Technical Engineer. Reports upgraded to provide more detail with faster, more accurate analysis.
• Cape Fertility Clinicregional partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2017Clinical IVF facility received SCA 6.2 installation with five staff trained over four days. System linked to Lancet pathology laboratory for expanded service capabilities.
• Hamilton Thorneparent companyOthersMICROPTIC S.L.U. is a Hamilton Thorne company. Hamilton Thorne is a parent company providing corporate affiliation and distribution capabilities. The company operates as part of Nexpring Health (announced March 2025) along with Cook Medical Reproductive Health and Fujifilm Irvine Scientific.
• University of the Western Capecore research partnershipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration with Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, one of the oldest and most established SCA CASA laboratories globally. Three SCA CASA systems used daily with ongoing research collaboration since 2007.
• Stellenbosch Medical Schoolresearch collaborationStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Prof Stefan du Plessis on human spermatology research. One of three SCA CASA research facilities in the Western Cape region.
• Medical Research Council (MRC) Primate Unitresearch collaborationStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Dr Charon de Villiers on primate sperm research. Part of the Cape Town research cluster including UWC and Stellenbosch.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hamilton Thorne: Hamilton Thorne Ltd. is the parent company of Microptic and itself a provider of precision instruments, consumables and software for the ART and reproductive science markets. It is directly comparable as the umbrella brand that distributes Microptic CASA systems and adjacent laser/IVF equipment globally.
• Vitrolife: Vitrolife is a global provider of media, consumables and devices for assisted reproductive technology, including time-lapse embryo incubators. It overlaps with Microptic on serving fertility clinics with ART lab solutions and is comparable via shared IVF/ART customer base and complementary instrument + consumable model.
• CooperSurgical: CooperSurgical (CooperCompanies) supplies a broad portfolio of reproductive health devices, consumables and genetic services to IVF clinics and OB/GYNs. It is comparable to Microptic as a larger incumbent serving overlapping fertility-clinic customers with adjacent ART instrumentation and consumables.
• Cook Medical Reproductive Health: Cook Medical's Reproductive Health division (now part of Nexpring Health alongside Microptic) provides ART devices, needles and catheters for IVF labs. It is a broad incumbent serving the same fertility-clinic and ART-lab customer base as Microptic, with overlapping instrument-and-consumable workflows.
• Eppendorf: Eppendorf is a large life-science lab equipment vendor covering pipettes, centrifuges, bioreactors and consumables, with products used in andrology and IVF labs. It is a broad incumbent comparable to Microptic via shared lab-customer overlap and an instrument-plus-consumables model, though without dedicated CASA specialization.
• Olympus Life Science: Olympus is a major microscope and life-science imaging provider whose optics are commonly integrated into CASA and andrology workflows. It is comparable to Microptic as a broad incumbent whose microscopy hardware underpins SCA systems and could bundle CASA-style software into its own imaging platforms.
• Leica Microsystems (Danaher): Leica Microsystems (part of Danaher's Life Sciences segment) supplies high-end microscopes and imaging systems used in andrology, embryology and cell biology labs. It is comparable to Microptic as a broad incumbent whose microscopy and imaging products anchor the same lab workflows where SCA systems operate.
• Nikon Instruments: Nikon Instruments manufactures research- and clinical-grade microscopes (including the Eclipse and Ti2 series) widely used in andrology and IVF labs. It is a broad incumbent comparable to Microptic through shared microscopy infrastructure for CASA and reproductive-health laboratory customers.

Direct peers

• Genea Biomedx: Genea Biomedx develops automated IVF lab instruments (e.g., benchtop incubators, witness systems, media products) for fertility clinics. It is a direct peer because both companies sell specialized ART-lab instrumentation to the same fertility-clinic buyers and compete for equipment budgets within the same lab workflow.
• Labotect: Labotect is a German manufacturer of ART/IVF laboratory equipment including incubators, gas supply systems and related disposables. It is a direct peer because both companies sell specialized laboratory instruments into the same IVF/ART clinics and compete for the same equipment budget line items.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/microptic
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCN1OlgxbXjMQXhIbILplq5A
• Facebookfacebook.com/HamiltonThorneInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hamilton-thorne-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/hamiltonthorneinc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

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 Microptic