MBF Bioscience
MBF Bioscience (MicroBrightField, LLC.) is a Vermont-based biotechnology firm that builds quantitative microscopy hardware and software, including the SLICE light-sheet microscope and the industry-standard Stereo Investigator stereology platform, for academic neuroscience and pharmaceutical research customers worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersWilliston, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What MBF Bioscience does
MBF Bioscience (legal entity MicroBrightField, LLC.) is a privately held Vermont-based biotechnology firm founded in 1986 by neuroscientist Edmund Glaser and computer scientist Jack Glaser. The company develops quantitative microscopy hardware and software for neuroscience and bioscience research, with a portfolio that spans light-sheet microscopy systems (SLICE, ClearScope), the world's most-cited stereology platform (Stereo Investigator and Stereo Investigator AI), neuron reconstruction software (Neurolucida and Neurolucida 360), multi-photon imaging tools (ScanImage, vDAQ, Mini2P Control Bundle, SLAP2), fiber photometry (NeuroPhotoMetrics FP3002 and consumables), and digital pathology viewers (Biolucida, Vesalius, MicroFile+). Its core proprietary technologies include HySIL/SCOPE optics, developed with Columbia University's Dr. Raju Tomer and published in Nature Biotechnology (2026), which underpin SLICE's submicron-resolution, sub-$99,000 light-sheet platform. MBF monetizes through one-time hardware sales (SLICE, ClearScope, WormLab Imaging System, FP3002), subscription software licensing with annual support contracts ($5,000/year for SLICE), custom development and on-site installation services, and an e-commerce store for consumables. The company sells via direct enterprise field sales for high-value systems, a global dealer network, and a U.S./EU/JP/India footprint, serving over 10,000 customers worldwide including Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Pfizer, Biogen, and NIH-funded research groups. Its products are cited in 19,728+ peer-reviewed publications, with Stereo Investigator alone referenced 8,000+ times and 5x more frequently than its nearest competitor.
MBF Bioscience firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MBF Bioscience
- Legal name
- MicroBrightField, LLC.
- Website
- https://mbfbioscience.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MBF Bioscience (MicroBrightField, LLC.) is a Vermont-based biotechnology firm that builds quantitative microscopy hardware and software, including the SLICE light-sheet microscope and the industry-standard Stereo Investigator stereology platform, for academic neuroscience and pharmaceutical research customers worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MBF Bioscience industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Microscopy Imaging Software
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Scientific Data Management & Data Platforms (SDMS/Data Lakehouse for R&D) (HLAGAJAC)
Keywords
Where MBF Bioscience is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Williston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
MBF Bioscience business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Microscopy Hardware Sales: Sale of specialized microscopy equipment including SLICE light sheet microscopes, ClearScope systems, and WormLab imaging systems. Hardware systems represent high-value capital equipment purchases.
- Software Licensing: Licensing of software products including Stereo Investigator, Neurolucida, Neurolucida 360, NeuroInfo, and Biolucida. Software is offered in multiple editions (Microscope Edition, Desktop Edition) with different pricing structures.
- Support and Maintenance Contracts: Annual support contracts including software updates, technical assistance, and maintenance. SLICE includes transparent $5,000 annual support pricing.
- Custom Development Services: Custom software development and custom microscopy solutions for specific research requirements.
- Consumables and Accessories: Online store for fiber photometry consumables including Fiber Optic Cannulae, Patch Cords, Ceramic Split Sleeves, and other Neurophotometrics products.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SLICE Light Sheet Microscope - Base system under $99,000 |
| Subscription | Annual | SLICE Annual Support - $5,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Stereo Investigator - Enterprise/Institution Licensing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
MBF Bioscience product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MBF Bioscience develops and sells quantitative microscopy hardware and specialized analysis software used by neuroscience and bioscience researchers. Its product portfolio includes the SLICE light sheet microscope, Stereo Investigator stereology software, and Neurolucida neuron reconstruction software, along with supporting consumables, custom development services, and on-site installation. The company sells primarily to research universities, pharmaceutical companies, and government labs worldwide.
Product overview
MBF Bioscience offers a comprehensive portfolio of quantitative microscopy solutions organized into integrated product categories: Light Sheet Microscopy (SLICE, SLICE Discovery Platform, ClearScope), Neuron Reconstruction and Analysis (Neurolucida, Neurolucida 360, Neurolucida Explorer), Stereology (Stereo Investigator, Stereo Investigator AI), Multi-Photon Microscopy (ScanImage, vDAQ, Mini2P Control Bundle, SLAP2, vCAm Light Beads), Fiber Photometry (NeuroPhotoMetrics FP3002 with cannulae and patch cords), Atlas Registration and Brain-Wide Screening (NeuroInfo), Confocal and Slide Scanning (Microlucida, Vesalius), Biomedical Education (Biolucida for Medical Education), Big Image Management (Biolucida for Research, MicroFile+), C. elegans Behavioral Analysis (WormLab, WormLab Imaging System), Vessel Reconstruction (Vesselucida 360, Vesselucida Explorer), and Core Facilities Management (Core Facilities Suite). The company also provides Custom Software Development, Custom Microscopy Solutions, MBF Assure quality services, and On-Site Installation services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SLICE Light Sheet Microscope A benchtop light sheet microscope combining projected light-sheet microscopy (pLSM) and HySIL/SCOPE optics, designed for high-resolution 3D imaging of large biological specimens at sub-micron resolution for neuroscience and cleared-tissue research labs.
- ClearScope Light Sheet Theta Microscope A fully integrated light-sheet theta microscope enabling sub-micron-resolution imaging of large biological specimens without lateral size constraints, targeted at research labs needing whole-organ 3D imaging.
- Stereo Investigator The most widely cited stereology software for unbiased quantification of number, length, area, and volume of cells and structures in tissue specimens, including more than 20 stereology probes such as the Optical Fractionator. Used by neuroscience, pathology, and bioscience research labs.
- Neurolucida Comprehensive software for neuron tracing and 3D reconstruction of neural structures from microscope images, used by neuroscience researchers for dendritic arbor analysis and neuronal morphology studies.
- ScanImage Open-source multi-photon microscopy software for laser scanning microscopy imaging and control, supporting in vivo imaging of neural activity for Parkinson's and other neurological disease research.
- NeuroPhotoMetrics FP3002 A fiber photometry system for measuring fluorescence signals from neural activity in freely behaving animals, used by neuroscience researchers.
- Biolucida for Medical Education Image management and viewing platform tailored to medical education, offering teaching and student engagement features for medical schools and healthcare education programs.
- Biolucida for Research Big image viewing and management platform for research workflows, supporting large microscopy datasets for research laboratories and core facilities.
- WormLab C. elegans behavioral analysis software for tracking and analyzing worm behavior and movement, used in academic and pharmaceutical research labs studying neural and behavioral function.
- Custom Software Development Bespoke software development services for tailored microscopy and imaging solutions, available to research institutions and commercial customers with specialized workflow needs.
- Custom Microscopy Solutions Custom microscopy hardware and integrated system development services for research groups with unique imaging requirements.
- MBF Assure Quality assurance and validation services for MBF microscopy systems, supporting installation qualification and operational qualification for regulated and research environments.
- On-Site Installation Professional on-site installation and setup services for MBF Bioscience microscopy and software products delivered at the customer's facility.
Quantifiable outcome
- SLICE achieves submicron lateral resolution (<0.75 μm) using standard air objectives at a fraction of traditional system costs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use MBF Bioscience
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
MBF Bioscience technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
AI capability3 records
Feature6 records
MBF Bioscience partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and regional.
- Evident CorporationminorEvident Corporation's acquisition of Pramana Inc. noted as significant industry development in telepathology slide scanner market. MBF competes in the digital pathology and slide scanning space with products like Biolucida and Vesalius.
- Columbia University (Dr. Raju Tomer's Laboratory)coreAcademic-industry collaboration where Dr. Raju Tomer's laboratory at Columbia University developed the SCOPE/HySIL optical technology, which MBF Bioscience commercialized as SLICE. MBF CEO Jack Glaser co-authored the Nature Biotechnology paper. The partnership enables accessible high-resolution 3D imaging through SLICE and SCOPE, enabling scalable, high-resolution light-sheet microscopy. Collaborators include NIH/NIMH, Lehigh University, NYU Langone Health, and other institutions.
- DSS ImagetechregionalDSS Imagetech serves as MBF Bioscience's distributor and webinar partner in India. They host 'Microscopy Month' webinar series featuring SLICE light sheet imaging and other MBF solutions, bringing MBF products to the Indian scientific community.
- Olympus Medical Systems IndiaregionalJoint webinar partner in India along with DSS Imagetech for Microscopy Month webinar series, addressing the Indian scientific community on cutting-edge developments in microscopy and diagnostics.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MBF Bioscience competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Bruker Corporation:
- Nikon Instruments: Nikon offers a broad portfolio of research microscopes (Eclipse, Ti2, AX/AXR confocal), high-content imaging systems, and software. Competes with MBF in neuroscience and cell biology imaging, with strong presence in academic core facilities.
- Leica Microsystems (Danaher): Leica manufactures advanced microscopy systems (STELLARIS, TCS SP8, Lightsheet 7) and software (LAS X, Aivia) used in neuroscience research. Competes with MBF across multiple product lines including stereology, neuron tracing, and whole slide imaging, with deeper integration into pathology workflows.
- Olympus Life Science (Evident): Evident (formerly Olympus Scientific Solutions) provides microscopy, slide scanning, and digital pathology solutions including the VS200 slide scanner and FV3000 confocal. Overlaps with MBF's whole slide imaging (Vesalius), digital pathology, and stereology segments.
- Carl Zeiss Microscopy: Zeiss is a global leader in microscopy and imaging systems for life sciences research, including light sheet (Lattice Lightsheet 7), confocal, and stereology-compatible platforms. Directly competes with MBF in the neuroscience imaging market, particularly around light sheet and neuron reconstruction workflows.
Direct peers
- Bitplane (Oxford Instruments): Bitplane's Imaris and Arivis platforms are 3D/4D image visualization and analysis software widely used in neuroscience research. Directly competes with MBF's Neurolucida, NeuroInfo, and Stereo Investigator products for neuron reconstruction, analysis, and brain-wide screening.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MBF Bioscience social profiles
Digital presenceMBF Bioscience compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
MBF Bioscience financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MBF Bioscience leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
MBF Bioscience funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MBF Bioscience M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MBF Bioscience
What does MBF Bioscience do?
MBF Bioscience develops and sells quantitative microscopy hardware and specialized analysis software used by neuroscience and bioscience researchers. Its product portfolio includes the SLICE light sheet microscope, Stereo Investigator stereology software, and Neurolucida neuron reconstruction software, along with supporting consumables, custom development services, and on-site installation. The company sells primarily to research universities, pharmaceutical companies, and government labs worldwide.
Is MBF Bioscience a public or private company?
MBF Bioscience is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was MBF Bioscience founded?
MBF Bioscience was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MBF Bioscience based?
MBF Bioscience is headquartered in Williston, United States, in the North America region.
How does MBF Bioscience make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Microscopy Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Licensing, support and Maintenance Contracts, custom Development Services and consumables and Accessories.
Who are MBF Bioscience's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Bruker Corporation, Nikon Instruments, Leica Microsystems (Danaher), Olympus Life Science (Evident) and Carl Zeiss Microscopy. Bitplane (Oxford Instruments) is listed as a direct peer.
Does MBF Bioscience have an API?
No public API is recorded for MBF Bioscience.
What industry is MBF Bioscience in?
MBF Bioscience's product category is Microscopy Imaging Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAE, Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments, with a secondary code of HLAGAJAC, Scientific Data Management & Data Platforms (SDMS/Data Lakehouse for R&D). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.