MVTec Software
MVTec Software is a Munich-based, family-owned vendor of hardware-independent machine vision software (HALCON, MERLIC, Deep Learning Tool) serving 4,600+ industrial customers across semiconductors, automotive, battery, pharmaceutical, and logistics sectors worldwide via direct sales and a global partner network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersMunich, Germany
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What MVTec Software does
MVTec Software GmbH is a Munich-based, family-owned manufacturer of hardware-independent standard software for industrial machine vision, founded in 1996 as a spin-off of the Technical University of Munich and FORWISS. The company serves industrial customers across at least 10 vertical segments including semiconductors, battery production, automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, intralogistics, industrial manufacturing, agriculture, aerospace, and education, with a global installed base of 4,600+ customers served through direct sales (HQ in Munich, MVTec LLC in Boston since 2007), 24 sales partners in 30 locations, 80+ technology partners, and certified integration partners.
The product portfolio centers on three core offerings: HALCON, a comprehensive 2D and 3D machine vision toolbox with 2,100+ operators combining classical rule-based methods with deep learning (object recognition, matching, OCR, 3D vision, anomaly detection); MERLIC, a no-code machine vision software for users without programming expertise; and the Deep Learning Tool for data labeling and model preparation. Complementary offerings include Embedded Vision for Arm-based devices, Campus Editions for universities, calibration plates, and the MVTec Software Manager. The most recent release, HALCON 26.05 in May 2026, claims up to 5x faster AI inference, and HDevelopEVO now integrates a multimodal LLM with visual prompting.
Revenue is generated primarily through enterprise software licensing (perpetual development licenses plus runtime licenses and annual maintenance), professional services (consulting, prototyping, integration support via Individual Solutions), and the MVTec Academy training platform. Distribution is hybrid: direct enterprise sales for strategic accounts, channel partners for geographic reach, certified integrators for solution deployment, and self-serve software downloads for evaluation. The company has been actively expanding strategic partnerships, including integration of HALCON into ZEISS Blockwise (April 2026) and MERLIC into the Siemens Industrial Edge ecosystem (April 2026), signaling a shift toward platform-level embedding in adjacent industrial software stacks.
MVTec Software firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MVTec Software
- Legal name
- MVTec Software GmbH
- Website
- https://mvtec.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- MVTec Software is a Munich-based, family-owned vendor of hardware-independent machine vision software (HALCON, MERLIC, Deep Learning Tool) serving 4,600+ industrial customers across semiconductors, automotive, battery, pharmaceutical, and logistics sectors worldwide via direct sales and a global partner network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MVTec Software industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Machine Vision Software
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial Vision & Quality Inspection (HDAAAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB)
Keywords
Where MVTec Software is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Munich
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
MVTec Software business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licensing: MVTec generates revenue primarily through licensing its standard software products (HALCON, MERLIC, Deep Learning Tool). Software is available with various licensing options including perpetual licenses and runtime licenses for deployment.
- Professional Services: Individual solutions including consulting, prototyping, and fully integrated systems. Technical support services. Training and learning programs through MVTec Academy.
- Partner Network Services: Revenue through global partner network including technology partners, sales partners, and certified integration partners who distribute and implement MVTec software.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | HALCON - Development and Runtime Licensing |
| Subscription | Annual | MERLIC - Easy-to-use Licensing |
| Freemium | Multi-year contract | Campus Editions - Free for Education |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
MVTec Software product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MVTec develops and sells hardware-independent standard software for industrial machine vision. Its three core products are HALCON (a comprehensive 2D and 3D machine vision toolbox combining classical rule-based methods with deep learning), MERLIC (no-code machine vision software for users without programming knowledge), and the Deep Learning Tool (fast labeling and accurate deep learning model preparation). Revenue is generated primarily through software licensing for industrial inspection, quality control, robot guidance, identification, and measurement applications across discrete and process manufacturing.
Product overview
MVTec Software offers a comprehensive portfolio of hardware-independent machine vision software products consisting of three core offerings: HALCON (a comprehensive 2D and 3D machine vision toolbox with both classical and deep learning methods), MERLIC (easy-to-use no-code software for intuitive vision application development), and the Deep Learning Tool (for fast labeling and accurate deep learning model preparation). These products share the same advanced machine vision technology foundation and can be used individually or in combination. HALCON's integrated development environment HDevelop serves as a connecting link, allowing users to create custom tools in HALCON and integrate them directly into MERLIC. The portfolio is complemented by Embedded Vision solutions for Arm-based devices, Campus Editions for academic institutions, Calibration Plates, and the MVTec Software Manager for license management. MVTec also provides comprehensive services including Individual Solutions, Technical Support, Training through the MVTec Academy, and a global Partner Network of certified integrators and technology partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HALCON: Comprehensive 2D & 3D machine vision toolbox with deep learning technologies and wide hardware support.
- MERLIC
- Deep Learning Tool
- MVTec Academy
- MVTec on Campus
Products and services
- MVTec HALCON Comprehensive 2D and 3D machine vision toolbox providing standard software for industrial inspection, quality control, robot guidance, identification, and measurement. Features 2,100+ operators combining classical rule-based methods with deep learning technologies, integrated development environment HDevelop/HDevelopEVO, and support for 2D, 3D, infrared, hyperspectral, and X-ray imaging. For industrial manufacturers, system integrators, and machine builders across semiconductor, automotive, battery, pharmaceutical, food, and logistics industries.
- MVTec MERLIC Easy-to-use no-code machine vision software that enables users to create industrial vision applications intuitively without programming knowledge. Includes tools for matching, Deep OCR, measuring, and Global Context Anomaly Detection (GCAD). For automation engineers and manufacturers who need to deploy vision applications quickly without writing code.
- MVTec Deep Learning Tool Standalone tool offering fast labeling and accurate, robust deep learning applications for image classification, object detection, and anomaly detection. Can be used in combination with HALCON or MERLIC to prepare image data for industrial deep learning applications. For data scientists and machine vision engineers building deep learning models.
- MVTec Embedded Vision Solution for deploying machine vision software on embedded platforms, including porting services to adapt HALCON and MERLIC for Arm-based and other embedded devices. Enables running machine vision applications directly on the shop floor on industrial edge devices. For manufacturers deploying vision on edge devices, including Siemens Industrial Edge integration.
- MVTec Calibration Plates Physical calibration plates for precise camera calibration in machine vision applications, ensuring accuracy in measurement and inspection tasks. For machine vision engineers setting up camera systems for inspection and 3D measurement.
- MVTec Academy Digital learning platform offering free online courses on MVTec image processing software, including HALCON, MERLIC, deep learning, edge deployment, and vision workflow topics. Approximately 90-minute self-paced courses. For customers, integrators, and developers learning to use MVTec software.
- Individual Solutions and Technical Support Tailored machine vision services including free application evaluation, feasibility studies, consulting, prototyping, and fully integrated system development, plus free technical support for HALCON and MERLIC users. For manufacturers and integrators needing expert help scoping or deploying machine vision projects.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% inspection rate achieved for cheese quality control replacing manual inspection
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use MVTec Software
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MVTec Software technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability9 records
Feature10 records
MVTec Software partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- ZEISScoreStrategic collaboration where ZEISS integrates MVTec HALCON as the foundation for image processing in ZEISS Blockwise, a new software platform for automated microscopy released on April 30, 2026. Designed as a toolbox, Blockwise simplifies complex measurement and analysis tasks in electron microscopy for semiconductor industry customers.
- Siemens Industrial Edge EcosystemcoreMVTec MERLIC is integrated into Siemens Industrial Edge ecosystem. New MVTec Academy course teaches how to operate and deploy MERLIC on Edge on Siemens Industrial Edge Devices. Partnership enables running machine vision applications directly on the shop floor.
- Greatech IntegrationcoreBased in Penang, Malaysia, Greatech Integration became MVTec Certified Integration Partner. Company designs and manufactures customized systems for solar, e-mobility, life sciences, semiconductors, and consumer electronics industries.
- BaslercoreLeading camera manufacturer and technology partner. Basler cameras integrated with MVTec HALCON for various machine vision applications including print inspection and pharmaceutical quality control.
- KUKAcoreLeading industrial robotics company and technology partner. KUKA robots combined with MVTec machine vision for robotic automation applications.
- ToyotacoreMajor automotive manufacturer utilizing MVTec machine vision technology for quality inspection and automation in manufacturing.
- Irish Manufacturing ResearchcoreLeading Irish research and technology institution developed pick and place robot application for medical implants using MVTec HALCON with Multipix Imaging Components Ltd.
- Anlagenbau Habeck GmbH & Co. KGcoreDeveloped robot-based pick and place machine for food industry using MVTec MERLIC for unsorted food products from conveyor belts.
- Eberle Automatische SystemecoreDeveloped AI-powered automated monitoring system for cheese quality control at Gebr. Baldauf using MVTec HALCON, combining machine vision, deep-learning algorithms, and autonomous mobile care robots.
- Panasonic EnergycoreImplemented MVTec HALCON's deep learning technologies on a large scale at Kansas plant for automotive battery production across multiple sites in Japan and North America.
- AvernacoreDeveloped automated battery inspection process using MVTec HALCON analyzing nearly 10,000 images per minute for Canadian battery manufacturer.
- LaseraxcoreDeveloped battery welding machine using MVTec HALCON enabling four SCARA robots to precisely position and weld battery module contacts in under 100ms per cell.
- BAUMERcoreCamera manufacturer and technology partner. Baumer cameras used with HALCON for various applications including surface mount resistor inspection and package bar code reading.
- SICK AGcoreLeading sensor manufacturer and technology partner. SICK sensors integrated with MVTec software for smart factory and automotive applications.
- LeuzecoreSensor and camera manufacturer technology partner for industrial automation applications.
- Daheng Image VisioncoreChinese machine vision camera manufacturer partner. Used with HALCON for color print inspection at 300m/min conveyor speed.
- The Imaging SourcecoreIndustrial camera manufacturer and technology partner for machine vision applications.
- Schuler PressencoreMachinery manufacturer for metal forming applications using MVTec machine vision technology.
- WenglorcoreSensor manufacturer and technology partner for industrial automation.
- Kawasaki RoboticscoreRobotics manufacturer and technology partner for robotic automation solutions.
- LINXcoreJapanese company performing deep learning applications with MVTec HALCON for electronic component detection in around 25ms per image.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MVTec Software competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Cognex Corporation: Cognex is the largest pure-play machine vision company, offering both vision software and integrated smart cameras. It is a broad incumbent competitor to MVTec in industrial inspection, identification, and guidance, with significantly larger scale.
- SICK AG: SICK is a leading German sensor and automation company that integrates machine vision solutions alongside its broader sensor portfolio. It is both a MVTec technology partner and a competitor in industrial inspection and Smart Factory applications.
- Keyence Corporation: Keyence is a global leader in industrial automation sensors and machine vision systems with an integrated hardware + software stack. It competes with MVTec across factory automation, quality inspection and measurement applications.
- ISRA VISION (Atlas Copco): ISRA VISION, now part of Atlas Copco, provides machine vision solutions for industrial inspection, robotics and quality control. It is a direct competitor to MVTec in surface inspection and robotic vision, with broader industrial conglomerate backing.
- Teledyne Technologies (FLIR/Teledyne DALSA): Teledyne's imaging businesses (FLIR, Teledyne DALSA) offer industrial cameras and machine vision software platforms (e.g., Sapera). They overlap with MVTec in industrial inspection, semiconductor imaging, and 3D vision applications.
- National Instruments / Emerson Test & Measurement: National Instruments (now part of Emerson) offers vision software (Vision Builder AI, Vision Development Module) for industrial inspection and measurement. It competes with MVTec in test, measurement and machine vision software.
Direct peers
- Basler AG: Basler is a leading industrial camera manufacturer and MVTec technology partner that also offers its own vision software (pylon, EasyInspect). It competes with MVTec in machine vision software while also partnering on camera integration.
- Stemmer Imaging AG: Stemmer Imaging is a European machine vision technology provider offering vision software, cameras and integration services. It is a direct competitor to MVTec in the same customer base and was acquired by Middleby Corporation.
Emerging players
- Photoneo (Zebra Technologies): Photoneo, now part of Zebra Technologies, provides 3D vision sensors and software for industrial automation and robotic applications. It overlaps with MVTec's 3D matching and deep 3D matching offerings in robotics-driven inspection.
- Zivid ASA: Zivid specializes in industrial 3D color cameras and point cloud software. It overlaps with MVTec's 3D vision capabilities (Shape-Based 3D Matching, Deep 3D Matching), particularly in bin-picking and robotic automation.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MVTec Software social profiles
Digital presenceMVTec Software financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MVTec Software leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
MVTec Software subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
MVTec Software funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MVTec Software 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 MVTec Software
What does MVTec Software do?
MVTec develops and sells hardware-independent standard software for industrial machine vision. Its three core products are HALCON (a comprehensive 2D and 3D machine vision toolbox combining classical rule-based methods with deep learning), MERLIC (no-code machine vision software for users without programming knowledge), and the Deep Learning Tool (fast labeling and accurate deep learning model preparation). Revenue is generated primarily through software licensing for industrial inspection, quality control, robot guidance, identification, and measurement applications across discrete and process manufacturing.
Is MVTec Software a public or private company?
MVTec Software is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was MVTec Software founded?
MVTec Software was founded in 1996. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is MVTec Software based?
MVTec Software is headquartered in Munich, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does MVTec Software make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software Licensing is the primary driver. The others are professional Services and partner Network Services.
Who are MVTec Software's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Cognex Corporation, SICK AG, Keyence Corporation, ISRA VISION (Atlas Copco), Teledyne Technologies (FLIR/Teledyne DALSA) and National Instruments / Emerson Test & Measurement. Direct peers are Basler AG and Stemmer Imaging AG. Emerging players are Photoneo (Zebra Technologies) and Zivid ASA.
Does MVTec Software have an API?
No public API is recorded for MVTec Software.
What industry is MVTec Software in?
MVTec Software's product category is Machine Vision Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAAAEAG, Industrial Vision & Quality Inspection, with a secondary code of IMAGAFAB, Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination). Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 3823.