ALA Scientific Instruments
ALA Scientific Instruments is a US manufacturer of specialized electrophysiology and imaging research equipment — perfusion systems, amplifiers, recording chambers, and an AI-enabled fMRI calibration phantom — sold primarily to academic neuroscience labs and pharma/biotech drug-discovery teams.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersFarmingdale, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ALA Scientific Instruments does
ALA Scientific Instruments, Inc. is a privately held US manufacturer of specialized life-science instrumentation, founded in 1986 as Adams and List Associates Ltd. and headquartered in Farmingdale, New York, with 11-50 employees. The company designs and sells electrophysiology and imaging research equipment — including computerized perfusion systems (OctaFlow III), amplifiers and Bessel filters (LHBF-48X), recording chambers, temperature controllers, pressure ejection systems (PDES), and an acoustic signal monitor (AUDIS) — primarily to academic neuroscience and biophysics laboratories and, secondarily, to pharmaceutical and biotech drug-discovery teams. Its most differentiated offering is BrainDancer, a dynamic fMRI calibration phantom powered by the proprietary NoiseNet deep-learning algorithm that identifies and corrects scanner-induced noise, representing the company's main foray into AI-enabled instrumentation; ALA also recently introduced RuFus, a cell unroofing system for cryo-EM sample preparation, and co-developed the Xenocyte Fastclamp cut-open oocyte amplifier with npi electronic and academic partners.
ALA operates a sales-led, quote-based hardware business: customers request pricing for individual instruments through the company's e-commerce storefront or inquiry forms, and ALA supplements direct sales with booth presence at major scientific conferences (Society for Neuroscience, FENS Forum, Biophysical Society, OHBM, Chinese neuroscience events). The product catalogue is broadened by distribution agreements under which ALA acts as the US channel for npi electronic (Germany), Sensapex (Finland), RWD Life Sciences (China), and Axon Products (Molecular Devices), giving the small firm a multi-vendor electrophysiology and life-science rig stack that exceeds what its headcount would otherwise support. Co-development with academic groups at the University of Chicago, Midwestern University, and the University of Texas at San Antonio serves as the company's primary R&D engine, and 20+ year customer-tenure testimonials suggest durable, lab-level switching costs in a fragmented base of academic and industry buyers.
ALA Scientific Instruments firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ALA Scientific Instruments
- Legal name
- ALA Scientific Instruments, Inc.
- Website
- https://alascience.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ALA Scientific Instruments is a US manufacturer of specialized electrophysiology and imaging research equipment — perfusion systems, amplifiers, recording chambers, and an AI-enabled fMRI calibration phantom — sold primarily to academic neuroscience labs and pharma/biotech drug-discovery teams.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ALA Scientific Instruments industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Laboratory Electrophysiology & Imaging Research Instruments
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)
- akta.pro primary industry
- General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)
Keywords
Where ALA Scientific Instruments is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Farmingdale
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
ALA Scientific Instruments business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Scientific Equipment Sales: Sale of electrophysiology and imaging research equipment including perfusion systems, amplifiers, filters, recording chambers, temperature controllers, and fMRI calibration devices. Products are sold directly through the company's website and at scientific conferences.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Quote-based pricing for research equipment |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
ALA Scientific Instruments product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ALA Scientific Instruments designs, manufactures, and distributes precision instruments for life science research, with a core focus on electrophysiology and imaging. Its primary products include computerized perfusion systems (OctaFlow III), dynamic fMRI calibration phantoms with deep-learning noise correction (BrainDancer/NoiseNet), cut-open oocyte amplifiers (Xenocyte Fastclamp), recording chambers, pressure ejection systems, signal processing amplifiers/filters, and temperature controllers sold globally to academic and pharmaceutical research laboratories.
Product overview
ALA Scientific Instruments is a life science instrumentation company specializing in electrophysiology and imaging research equipment. The company offers a portfolio of precision instruments including the OctaFlow III computerized perfusion system for drug application, BrainDancer dynamic fMRI phantom with AI-powered NoiseNet algorithm for scanner calibration, and specialized recording chambers (MS-502, MS-518, oocyte perfusion chambers). The product line also includes signal processing equipment (LHBF Bessel filters, AUDIS audio monitors), temperature controllers, pressure ejection systems, and the RuFus cell unroofing system for cryo-microscopy. Products are designed for academic research and drug discovery applications in neuroscience, biophysics, and cellular electrophysiology.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BrainDancer: Next-generation fMRI calibration system - a commercial-grade dynamic fMRI phantom designed to identify and correct scanner-induced noise using deep-learning algorithm NoiseNet.
- OctaFlow III
- AUDIS
- PDES
- RuFus
Products and services
- BrainDancer Next-generation commercial-grade dynamic fMRI phantom featuring the NoiseNet deep-learning algorithm; designed to identify and correct scanner-induced noise and improve signal quality and consistency across scanners and sites for neuroscience and imaging research teams.
- OctaFlow III Computerized 8–16 channel fast focal perfusion system for drug application in electrophysiology and imaging research, featuring software control of all perfusion parameters with valve-control of solution flow, keyboard solution selection for 'on the fly' exchange, preprogrammed solution delivery, and programmable pressurization.
- Xenocyte Fastclamp Cut-open Oocyte amplifier for fast recordings in Xenopus oocytes; supports both cut-open and TEVC recordings with fast, high-quality signals for diverse electrophysiology applications; result of collaborative academic-industry development.
- AUDIS-01D/2-16 Audio Monitor Digital acoustic monitor in a desktop cabinet for electrophysiology applications; converts input signals to tones (PITCH mode) or high-pass filtered audio (NOISE mode) with a threshold function for masking baseline noise; supports up to 16 input channels.
- PDES-01LP Pressure Ejection System Low-pressure (Pmax = 200 mbar) pressure ejection system with digital timer and analog control for applying ionic and non-ionic solutions from micropipettes in physiological and pharmacological experiments.
- LHBF-48X Amplifier/Filter High and low pass 8-pole Bessel filter and amplifier for small bio-electrical signals; 16 corner frequencies, differential input with AC/0/DC switch, gain from 1 to 1000, optional 50/60 Hz notch filter.
- Digital BiPolar 3 Channel Temperature Controller (HCT-30) Tri Temp digital bipolar temperature controller for heating and/or heating/cooling in electrophysiology and imaging applications; two control channels with feedback plus one adjustable power supply channel with automatic power sharing.
- RuFus Cell Unroofing System Complete cell unroofing system for cryo-microscopy sample preparation; enables visualization of cell cytoplasm ultrastructure via controlled removal of plasma membrane; includes lab stand, X-Y positioner, pressurized reservoir, valve controller, and accessories.
- MS-502 Round Recording Chambers Round chambers for 25mm round #1 or #2 cover glass that secure tissue/cell preparations with dual compressible o-rings (0.75 inch inner diameter); compatible with 35mm Petri dishes and the MS-Stage mounting plate.
- MS-518 Oval Recording Chambers Oval chambers for 25mm round #1 or #2 cover glass with oval interiors of 0.75 x 0.375 inches and efficient solution exchange via laminar flow.
- Oocyte Perfusion Chamber (MS-OPC) Funnel-shaped chamber for Xenopus oocyte perfusion that channels perfusion solutions efficiently around oocytes positioned on cover glass; emulates a 35mm Petri dish size and uses 25mm round #1 coverglass.
Companies that use ALA Scientific Instruments
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
ALA Scientific Instruments technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature4 records
ALA Scientific Instruments partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- SensapexminorDistribution agreement with Sensapex from Finland. Sensapex provides ultra-precise micromanipulators, modular microscope systems integrated with positioning software, and automated pressure control systems for cleaning recording pipettes.
- RWD Life SciencesminorDistribution agreement with RWD Life Sciences from China. RWD provides stereotaxic instruments, inhalation anesthesia devices, microtomes, imaging systems and other devices for life sciences.
- Molecular Devices (Axon Products)minorALA Scientific serves as a representative for Axon Products available from Molecular Devices, expanding their product portfolio in the electrophysiology space.
- npi electroniccoreLong-standing partnership with npi electronic from Germany. ALA distributes npi electronic products in the US market and co-exhibits at conferences. They co-developed the Xenocyte Fastclamp cut-open oocyte amplifier together with academic partners including University of Chicago, Midwestern University, and University of Texas at San Antonio.
- University of ChicagocoreAcademic partner in joint development of Xenocyte Fastclamp cut-open oocyte amplifier with Francisco Bezanilla from University of Chicago.
- Midwestern UniversitycoreAcademic partner in joint development of Xenocyte Fastclamp with Joao De Souza from Midwestern University.
- University of Texas at San AntoniocoreAcademic partner in joint development of Xenocyte Fastclamp with Carlos Bassetto from University of Texas at San Antonio.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ALA Scientific Instruments competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ALA Scientific Instruments social profiles
Digital presenceALA Scientific Instruments financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ALA Scientific Instruments leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
ALA Scientific Instruments funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ALA Scientific Instruments 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 ALA Scientific Instruments
What does ALA Scientific Instruments do?
ALA Scientific Instruments designs, manufactures, and distributes precision instruments for life science research, with a core focus on electrophysiology and imaging. Its primary products include computerized perfusion systems (OctaFlow III), dynamic fMRI calibration phantoms with deep-learning noise correction (BrainDancer/NoiseNet), cut-open oocyte amplifiers (Xenocyte Fastclamp), recording chambers, pressure ejection systems, signal processing amplifiers/filters, and temperature controllers sold globally to academic and pharmaceutical research laboratories.
Is ALA Scientific Instruments a public or private company?
ALA Scientific Instruments is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ALA Scientific Instruments founded?
ALA Scientific Instruments was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ALA Scientific Instruments based?
ALA Scientific Instruments is headquartered in Farmingdale, United States, in the North America region.
How does ALA Scientific Instruments make money?
One revenue line is on record: scientific Equipment Sales.
Does ALA Scientific Instruments have an API?
No public API is recorded for ALA Scientific Instruments.
What industry is ALA Scientific Instruments in?
ALA Scientific Instruments's product category is Laboratory Electrophysiology & Imaging Research Instruments. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAC, General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens), with a secondary code of HLAGAIAE, Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments. Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.