NuNano
NuNano is a UK manufacturer of high-precision AFM (atomic force microscopy) probes and bespoke cantilever sensors, spun out of the University of Bristol, serving academic, industrial, and medical researchers globally through direct e-commerce and channel partnerships including Oxford Instruments.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersBristol, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What NuNano does
NuNano is a UK-based specialized manufacturer of consumable Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probes and bespoke cantilever sensors, founded in 2011 as a spin-out from the University of Bristol's Scanning Probe Microscopy research group. The company designs and fabricates silicon AFM probes under the SCOUT brand (standard, HAR high-aspect-ratio, and SS super-sharp variants), silicon nitride probes under the QUEST and SENSE brands, and conductive platinum-coated probes under the SPARK brand. Its core differentiator is an individual-probe quality control process in which every probe is inspected via electron microscopy with automated image analysis to guarantee tip radius under 10 nm — a tolerance the company claims is the best in the industry. The portfolio is complemented by bespoke probe fabrication services, SEM imaging of probe tips, and outsourced AFM/SEM imaging services.
The business operates on a hardware-sales revenue model with probes sold in packs of 10 at £180–£680 depending on series, distributed through a direct e-commerce store (nunano.com/store), a global distribution partnership with Oxford Instruments Asylum Research (including the Oxford Instruments eStore), a distribution deal with SPI Supplies, and regional distributors covering Korea, SE Asia, and Taiwan. The primary customer segment is academic researchers across physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science, with secondary exposure to industrial R&D in pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and materials sectors and a growing presence in medical and life sciences applications including cancer diagnostics and Alzheimer's research. The company also demonstrates capability to extend into medical device component manufacturing through a collaboration with the University of Bristol Interface Analysis Centre for cancer detection device optical motherboards.
NuNano employs 11–50 people at its Bristol headquarters, is co-founder-led (James Vicary as Managing Director, with Mervyn Miles and Heinrich Hoerber as directors), and has grown without disclosed venture capital beyond a 2017 Parkwalk Advisors event. The company maintains active community engagement through AFM conference participation (ISPM, MMC, RMS SPM), a LinkedIn AFM Community group, a Twitter AFM Community account, and a regular blog featuring customer interviews and the annual "Women in AFM" series.
NuNano firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NuNano
- Legal name
- Nu Nano Ltd
- Website
- https://nunano.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- NuNano is a UK manufacturer of high-precision AFM (atomic force microscopy) probes and bespoke cantilever sensors, spun out of the University of Bristol, serving academic, industrial, and medical researchers globally through direct e-commerce and channel partnerships including Oxford Instruments.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NuNano industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scientific Microscopy Consumables
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs (HDAHAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE), MEMS & Sensor Foundries (HDAHACAF)
Keywords
Where NuNano is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bristol
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
NuNano business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- AFM Probe Sales: Sale of silicon AFM probes (SCOUT series), silicon nitride probes (QUEST, SENSE series), and conductive AFM probes (SPARK series). Probes sold in packs of 10 with prices ranging from £180 to £680 depending on series and specifications.
- Specialty Probes and Accessories: High aspect ratio (HAR) probes, super sharp probes, and SEM images of individual probe tips available as add-on purchases.
- Bespoke Probe Fabrication Services: Custom AFM probe fabrication services for specialized applications. Demonstrated through collaboration with University of Bristol for optical motherboard production for cancer detection device.
- AFM & SEM Imaging Service: Provides imaging services using AFM and SEM technologies for customers requiring outsourced analysis.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SCOUT Silicon Probes (Standard) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SCOUT Silicon Probes (High Aspect Ratio) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SCOUT Super Sharp Probes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SPARK Conductive Probes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | QUEST Silicon Nitride Probes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SENSE Tipped Silicon Nitride Probes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SEM Images of Probe Tip |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
NuNano product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NuNano manufactures and sells atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes and bespoke cantilever sensors for scientific researchers. The portfolio includes silicon probes (SCOUT series), silicon nitride probes (QUEST, SENSE series), and conductive probes (SPARK series), with every probe individually inspected using electron microscopy to guarantee tip radius and dimensional consistency. Complementary offerings include SEM imaging of probe tips, bespoke probe fabrication, and outsourced AFM & SEM imaging services.
Product overview
NuNano is a specialized manufacturer of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probes, founded from a world-renowned SPM research group at the University of Bristol with over 20 years of experience. The company offers four core product lines: SCOUT (silicon probes in standard, HAR high-aspect-ratio, and SS super-sharp variants), QUEST (tip-less silicon nitride probes in rectangular and triangular geometries), SPARK (conductive probes with platinum coating), and SENSE (tipped silicon nitride probes with integrated tips). The portfolio is complemented by SEM imaging services and bespoke probe fabrication. All probes undergo rigorous individual inspection to ensure consistent quality, with proprietary manufacturing processes delivering the best dimensional tolerances in the industry.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SCOUT: Silicon AFM probes with nominal 5 nm tip radius, minimal variation in spring constant and resonant frequency. Metallic coatings available.
- QUEST
- SPARK
- SENSE
Products and services
- SCOUT Silicon AFM Probes General purpose AC mode silicon AFM probes for non-contact/tapping modes in air, suitable for hard samples and stable softer samples. Available in SCOUT 350, 150, and 70 models with nominal 5 nm tip radius and optional aluminium or gold reflective coatings.
- SCOUT HAR (High Aspect Ratio) Silicon AFM Probes High aspect ratio silicon AFM probes designed for imaging deep trenches and vertical structures. Available in SCOUT 350 HAR, 150 HAR, and 70 HAR variants with guaranteed tip radius <10 nm.
- SCOUT SS (Super Sharp) Silicon AFM Probes Super sharp silicon AFM probes for high resolution imaging with nominal 2 nm tip radius (guaranteed <5 nm). Includes SCOUT 350 SS, 150 SS, and 70 SS models.
- QUEST Silicon Nitride AFM Probes Tip-less silicon nitride AFM probes available in rectangular (QUEST R) and triangular (QUEST T) geometries with minimal variation in spring constant and resonant frequency.
- SPARK Conductive AFM Probes Conductive AFM probes with 40 nm platinum coating and 5 nm titanium adhesion layer on both sides of the probe, tip radius <30 nm. Available in SPARK 350 Pt, 150 Pt, and 70 Pt models.
- SENSE Silicon Nitride AFM Probes Tipped silicon nitride probes with integrated silicon tip and gold reflective backside coating. Triangular geometry designed for enhanced sensitivity in AFM imaging.
- SEM Images of Probe Tip SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) imaging service providing individual images of each probe tip's actual geometry before use, available as an add-on purchase.
- AFM & SEM Imaging Service Imaging service providing AFM and SEM capabilities for customers who need access to microscopy equipment and analysis without purchasing or operating their own instruments.
- Bespoke AFM Probes Custom fabrication service for specialized AFM probes and cantilever sensors tailored to specific research requirements, including unique geometries, coatings, or materials — including diagnostic medical device component fabrication.
Quantifiable outcome
- Every probe guaranteed with tip radius <10nm for high-resolution imaging
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use NuNano
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
NuNano technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
NuNano partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- Oxford Instruments eStorecoreNuNano HAR probes listed on Oxford Instruments eStore for direct online purchase by AFM users.
- Oxford Instruments eStorecoreNuNano SPARK conductive probes added to Oxford Instruments eStore AFM probe range.
- Oxford Instruments Asylum ResearchcoreGlobal AFM probe distribution partnership. NuNano probes are available through Oxford Instruments Asylum Research's global distribution network, making NuNano probes accessible to Oxford Instruments' worldwide customer base.
- SPI SuppliessecondaryDistribution partnership for NuNano AFM probes through SPI Supplies distribution network.
- Regional Distributors (Korea and SE Asia/Taiwan)secondaryRegional distribution partnerships covering Korea and SE Asia and Taiwan markets for NuNano AFM probes.
- University of Bristol Interface Analysis CentresecondaryCollaboration with University of Bristol IAC Applied Optics Group to manufacture optical motherboards for a cancer detection device. NuNano's silicon wafer fabrication expertise was applied to develop scalable manufacturing process for diagnostic medical device components.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
NuNano competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mikromasch: Mikromasch produces HQ:NSC, ALL-IN-ONE, and other silicon/silicon nitride AFM probe lines, including conductive Pt-Ir coated variants that overlap with NuNano's SPARK portfolio.
- Nanosensors (NanoAndMore): Supplies Nanosensors-branded AFM probes (PPP, PPP-NCHR, CDT series) and distributes competing probe lines globally; overlaps NuNano's specialty and conductive probe segments.
- BudgetSensors: AFM probe manufacturer positioned on price-performance across silicon and conductive probe families, competing with NuNano on accessibility for academic and entry-level users.
- TipsNano: AFM probe specialist offering high-resolution and conductive probes, serving the same academic and industrial research customer base as NuNano across silicon and SiN chemistries.
- NT-MDT: NT-MDT manufactures AFM probes and full SPM instruments, with specialty HA_NC and CSG series targeting the same high-resolution imaging applications as NuNano's SCOUT and HAR lines.
- Bruker Nano Surfaces: Bruker's AFM probes division manufactures silicon and silicon nitride probes (e.g., TESPA, OTESPA, SCANASYST series) and is the dominant global supplier of the consumable product NuNano competes against directly.
- NanoWorld AG: Swiss-based AFM probe manufacturer offering POINTPROBE, ARROW, and ultrasharp series probes; competes head-to-head with NuNano in the silicon and conductive probe categories.
Broad incumbents
- Park Systems: Major AFM instrument manufacturer offering integrated probe consumables alongside NX, XE, and XE-Bio AFM platforms; a broad incumbent whose probes compete with NuNano's installed-base ecosystem.
- Oxford Instruments Asylum Research: Both a key NuNano distribution partner and an AFM instrument maker (Cypher, MFP-3D) with proprietary probe lines. As an incumbent, it competes on full AFM system bundles while also controlling NuNano's largest global channel.
Regional players
- SCIENTA OMICRON: European surface-science and SPM instrument supplier offering LT-STM/AFM systems and associated probes, with overlapping high-resolution and UHV AFM probe use cases for the European research market.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
NuNano social profiles
Digital presenceNuNano financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NuNano leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
NuNano funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NuNano 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 NuNano
What does NuNano do?
NuNano manufactures and sells atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes and bespoke cantilever sensors for scientific researchers. The portfolio includes silicon probes (SCOUT series), silicon nitride probes (QUEST, SENSE series), and conductive probes (SPARK series), with every probe individually inspected using electron microscopy to guarantee tip radius and dimensional consistency. Complementary offerings include SEM imaging of probe tips, bespoke probe fabrication, and outsourced AFM & SEM imaging services.
Is NuNano a public or private company?
NuNano is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was NuNano founded?
NuNano was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is NuNano based?
NuNano is headquartered in Bristol, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does NuNano make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. AFM Probe Sales are the primary driver. The others are specialty Probes and Accessories, bespoke Probe Fabrication Services and AFM & SEM Imaging Service.
Who are NuNano's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mikromasch, Nanosensors (NanoAndMore), BudgetSensors, TipsNano, NT-MDT, Bruker Nano Surfaces and NanoWorld AG. Broad incumbents are Park Systems and Oxford Instruments Asylum Research. SCIENTA OMICRON is listed as a regional player.
Does NuNano have an API?
No public API is recorded for NuNano.
What industry is NuNano in?
NuNano's product category is Scientific Microscopy Consumables. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHAAAG, Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs, with a secondary code of HLAGAIAE, Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments. Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.