miniPCR
miniPCR bio (Amplyus LLC) designs and sells portable, low-cost molecular biology instruments—thermal cyclers, electrophoresis systems, fluorescence viewers—and curriculum-aligned Learning Labs kits for K-12 schools, colleges, and field-research users worldwide, with a sister division in point-of-need diagnostics.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersBoston, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What miniPCR does
miniPCR bio (legal entity: Amplyus LLC) is a privately held educational biotechnology company founded in 2013 by Ezequiel Alvarez-Saavedra, PhD and Sebastian Kraves, PhD and headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts. The company designs and sells portable, low-cost molecular biology instruments and curriculum-aligned kits targeted primarily at K-12 schools, colleges, and field-research users. Its core technology portfolio centers on compact thermal cyclers (mini8X, mini16X) using non-Peltier heating for claimed 10x longer lifetime, integrated gel electrophoresis systems with safe low-voltage fixed designs (blueGel, GELATO, Bandit Duo), the P51 fluorescence viewer, and supporting accessories (Gyro microcentrifuges, micropipettes, blueBox transilluminators, the Cozy Cube incubator). Curriculum-grade Learning Labs cover PCR, gel electrophoresis, CRISPR/Cas gene editing (Knockout!, Chopped!), bacterial transformation, DNA barcoding, dye electrophoresis, and the BioBits cell-free protein synthesis system—freeze-dried pellets co-developed with academic partners that produce proteins when rehydrated.
The company monetizes through one-time hardware sales at accessible price points (Bandit Duo at a promotional $99, Cozy Cube at $199), consumable reagents (EZ PCR Master Mix, DNA ladders, extraction buffers, nuclease-free water), and educational kits sold via its direct e-commerce storefront at minipcr.com/store. Larger institutional orders run through a 'Request a Demo' enterprise motion, and a network of international distributors extends reach into resource-limited and developing-market settings. A sister division, miniPCR Dx, extends the platform into portable molecular diagnostics. Community-development programs—Lab in a Box (over 12,000 students reached and 200+ classroom loans shipped), the NASA-sponsored Genes in Space student ISS experiment competition, and the Haitian Bioscience Initiative—function both as adoption funnels and brand-building mechanisms aimed at educators, while free miniPCR Digital resources widen top-of-funnel reach without requiring a hardware purchase.
Operationally, miniPCR runs a very small team (1–10 employees), is founder-controlled, and has no disclosed institutional funding beyond an early MassChallenge affiliation. Geographic reach spans North America, the Caribbean, and additional regions served through distributors and outreach programs (Haiti, Israel, Bermuda, Hawaii, Madagascar, and the International Space University). The combination of low-cost hardware, recurring consumable demand from active classroom kits, curriculum-aligned content, and a bootstrapped cost structure supports a hardware-plus-consumables business model with potential annuity characteristics from reagent replenishment and curriculum adoption.
miniPCR firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- miniPCR
- Legal name
- Amplyus LLC
- Website
- https://minipcr.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- miniPCR bio (Amplyus LLC) designs and sells portable, low-cost molecular biology instruments—thermal cyclers, electrophoresis systems, fluorescence viewers—and curriculum-aligned Learning Labs kits for K-12 schools, colleges, and field-research users worldwide, with a sister division in point-of-need diagnostics.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
miniPCR industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Educational Biotechnology Lab Equipment
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Synthetic Biology & Genetic Circuit Design Platforms (pathway engineering, chassis development) (HLAAAIAD)
Keywords
Where miniPCR is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
miniPCR business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations
Revenue model
- Hardware Equipment Sales: Sale of molecular biology equipment including thermal cyclers (miniPCR mini8X, mini16X), electrophoresis systems (blueGel, GELATO, Bandit Duo), centrifuges (Gyro, Gyro Plus), transilluminators (blueBox), and micropipettes. Hardware is sold as one-time purchases with no subscription required.
- Learning Labs and Educational Kits: Sale of curriculum-aligned educational kits including CRISPR/Cas labs, BioBits cell-free kits, bacterial transformation kits, DNA barcoding labs, dye electrophoresis labs, and micropipetting training kits. These are consumable/one-time-use educational products.
- Reagents and Consumables: Sale of PCR reagents (EZ PCR Master Mix, nuclease-free water), DNA extraction buffers (DPX, X-Tract), DNA ladders (50 bp, 100 bp, 1 kb, Fast DNA Ladder), agarose products, and other molecular biology consumables.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Bandit Duo Electrophoresis System - $99 (limited time promotional price) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Cozy Cube Incubator - $199 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Viewit Illumination Kit - most affordable option for DNA visualization |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
miniPCR product offering
Product offeringCore offering
miniPCR (legally Amplyus LLC) designs, manufactures, and sells portable, low-cost molecular biology hardware — including PCR thermal cyclers, gel electrophoresis systems, fluorescence viewers, microcentrifuges, and incubators — paired with curriculum-aligned educational kits (Learning Labs) covering PCR, CRISPR/Cas gene editing, cell-free protein synthesis, and DNA barcoding. The offering is targeted primarily at K-12 schools, colleges, and field researchers seeking affordable, classroom-safe biotech tools.
Product overview
miniPCR bio offers a comprehensive portfolio of affordable, portable biotechnology tools designed for educational and research settings. The product line centers on miniPCR thermal cyclers (mini8X and mini16X) for PCR amplification, complemented by gel electrophoresis systems (GELATO, blueGel, Bandit Duo) for DNA separation and visualization. The P51 fluorescence viewer enables molecular glow lab activities, while the Learning Labs sub-brand provides hands-on educational kits spanning CRISPR/Cas gene editing (Knockout!, Chopped!), BioBits cell-free protein synthesis, bacterial transformation, and general PCR/electrophoresis training. Supporting equipment includes micropipettes, microcentrifuges (Gyro, Gyro Plus), transilluminators (blueBox Pro/S), and the Cozy Cube incubator. miniPCR Digital extends learning beyond the lab with digital resources. Recent additions include the BEAM fluorescence module for microscopes and Viewit illumination kit for accessible DNA visualization. The ecosystem is tied together through the miniPCR app enabling device connectivity via USB and Bluetooth.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BioBits: Cell-free protein synthesis system for education - freeze-dried pellets that activate when water is added to produce fluorescent proteins and enzymes
- Learning Labs
- blueGel
- miniPCR Digital
- GELATO
- Bandit
- P51 Molecular Glow Lab
- Cozy Cube
- Gyro Microcentrifuge
- BEAM Fluorescence Module
- Lab in a Box
- Genes in Space
- miniPCR Dx
Products and services
- miniPCR mini8X Thermal Cycler Portable USB/Bluetooth-enabled thermal cycler for PCR amplification, programmable via the miniPCR app on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chromebook, and Linux devices. Designed for classrooms, teaching labs, and field research.
- miniPCR mini16X Thermal Cycler Portable thermal cycler with capacity for 16 PCR tubes, programmable via smartphone or computer with Bluetooth connectivity. Used in teaching and small research labs.
- GELATO Electrophoresis and Transilluminator System Combined gel electrophoresis and transillumination system with selectable voltage settings (50, 75, 100, 135 V) for DNA separation and visualization. For educational and lab use.
- blueGel Electrophoresis System Integrated gel electrophoresis system with built-in blue light illuminator, operating at a fixed 48V safe classroom voltage with an innovative fast-run design. Built for K-12 and college classrooms.
- Bandit Duo Electrophoresis System Portable, on-the-go gel electrophoresis and DNA visualization system, promoted at $99 (limited-time price) for accessible classroom use.
- Bandit STEM Electrophoresis Kit Educational electrophoresis kit designed for STEM learning with DNA visualization capabilities for students and educators.
- P51 Molecular Glow Lab / P51 Viewer Fluorescence viewer for visualizing fluorescent proteins and DNA samples in classroom and educational lab settings, enabling molecular glow lab activities.
- blueBox Pro Transilluminator Professional-grade blue light transilluminator for DNA gel visualization with enhanced specifications for educational and lab use.
- blueBox S Transilluminator Standard blue light transilluminator for DNA gel visualization in educational environments.
- Gyro Microcentrifuge Fixed-speed microcentrifuge at 10,000 RPM, compatible with 0.2 ml and 1.5-2.0 ml tubes, for laboratory sample preparation in teaching settings.
- Gyro Plus Microcentrifuge Variable-speed microcentrifuge with speeds from 1,000 to 12,000 RPM and a user-friendly LED interface, for classroom and small lab sample preparation.
- Cozy Cube Incubator Budget-friendly 37°C microbial incubator with precise temperature control in a compact footprint, designed for classroom and field microbiology applications. Priced at $199.
- Viewit Illumination Kit Cost-effective DIY electrophoresis illuminator kit designed for use with Bandit electrophoresis kits, enabling real-time DNA visualization. Powered via USB with do-it-yourself assembly.
- BEAM Fluorescence Module Fluorescence module accessory designed to bring fluorescence capabilities to dissecting stereo microscopes for educational and laboratory use.
- Knockout! CRISPR/Cas Gene Targeting Lab Hands-on classroom lab kit where students use the CRISPR/Cas system to knock out a gene in bacteria and observe phenotypic changes over one class period. Targeted at biology educators.
- Chopped! CRISPR/Cas9 Learning Lab In vitro CRISPR/Cas9 lab where students target and cut DNA in a test tube, with results visualized through gel electrophoresis. Aimed at biology educators and students.
- BioBits Cell-Free System Freeze-dried cell-free protein synthesis pellets that activate when water is added, enabling students to produce fluorescent proteins and enzymes without handling live cells. Reduces biosafety requirements and equipment needs in classrooms.
- miniPCR Digital Digital learning platform providing online biology education resources, including virtual lab simulations (e.g., True Blue Digital Lab, Mendel's Peas Digital Lab), accessible with or without laboratory equipment.
- miniPCR Learning Labs Comprehensive line of hands-on biology education kits covering micropipetting, P51 Glow Labs, BioBits cell-free systems, bacterial transformation, CRISPR/Cas, dye electrophoresis, DNA barcoding, and PCR experiments for classrooms.
Quantifiable outcome
- Lab in a Box program provided over 12,000 students with access to biotechnology tools
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use miniPCR
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
miniPCR technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
miniPCR partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Haitian Bioscience InitiativecoreminiPCR partnered with the Haitian Bioscience Initiative (pilot in May 2014) to train young Haitians in basic scientific laboratory techniques including PCR for environmental and water/food safety testing. Courses were delivered by visiting bioscience instructors with Haitian interpreters to small groups of students. The initiative seeks to bring DNA science to more people in more places.
- Genes in SpaceflagshipGenes in Space is a NASA-sponsored competition that allows students to design biotech experiments for the International Space Station. miniPCR provides equipment and support for this initiative, with the Lab in a Box program having shipped over 200 loans and provided access to over 12,000 students.
- AddgeneminorAddgene is listed among press mentions for BioBits, alongside other scientific organizations including Northwestern University, MIT, Wyss Institute, NSF, and NPR. Nature's Science journal also featured the technology.
- miniPCR DxcoreminiPCR Dx is a sister division focused on molecular diagnostic testing, allowing users to run their own molecular tests anywhere they need them. Operates at dx.minipcr.com.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
miniPCR competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ward's Science: Education-focused life science supplier offering PCR, gel electrophoresis, and biotechnology kits to K-12 and undergraduate classrooms. A direct competitor in the same educational molecular biology purchasing channel as miniPCR.
- Edvotek: Specialist in educational biotechnology kits covering PCR, electrophoresis, CRISPR, and forensics. Sells similar curriculum-aligned hands-on kits and competes for the same teacher and school district budgets.
- Carolina Biological Supply: Major distributor of K-12 and higher education science supplies, including PCR and electrophoresis kits and equipment. Directly competes with miniPCR for school and university purchasing decisions.
- OpenPCR: Open-source, low-cost thermal cycler project aimed at hobbyists, educators, and citizen scientists. Direct competitor in the portable/affordable PCR category that miniPCR helped create.
- 3B Scientific: Global supplier of educational science equipment and kits including molecular biology learning systems. Comparable to miniPCR in targeting K-12 and higher education labs with hands-on biology tools.
Broad incumbents
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Largest life science tools company with Applied Biosystems thermal cyclers and extensive educational outreach. While not specialized to portable/affordable education, it competes for the same institutional budgets and curriculum placements as miniPCR.
- Promega Corporation: Life science reagents and kits provider with educational product lines (PCR, DNA extraction). Competes with miniPCR's reagent/consumable offering and partners with similar educational distributors.
- New England Biolabs: Major reagent manufacturer whose products (polymerases, buffers, ladders) are used alongside miniPCR equipment. Overlaps on consumables and has an established education program (NEBsional) targeting the same teaching labs.
- Bio-Rad Laboratories: Established life science instrument and education supplier offering the Biotechnology Explorer program and PCR/electrophoresis kits for K-12 and university labs. Competes with miniPCR in the same educational molecular biology category but with a much broader product portfolio and global distribution.
Others
- miniPCR Dx: Sister division of miniPCR bio focused on molecular diagnostic testing. Uses the same portable PCR platform but for point-of-need diagnostic applications, making it thematically adjacent rather than directly competitive.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
miniPCR social profiles
Digital presenceminiPCR financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
miniPCR leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
miniPCR funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
miniPCR 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 miniPCR
What does miniPCR do?
miniPCR (legally Amplyus LLC) designs, manufactures, and sells portable, low-cost molecular biology hardware — including PCR thermal cyclers, gel electrophoresis systems, fluorescence viewers, microcentrifuges, and incubators — paired with curriculum-aligned educational kits (Learning Labs) covering PCR, CRISPR/Cas gene editing, cell-free protein synthesis, and DNA barcoding. The offering is targeted primarily at K-12 schools, colleges, and field researchers seeking affordable, classroom-safe biotech tools.
Is miniPCR a public or private company?
miniPCR is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was miniPCR founded?
miniPCR was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is miniPCR based?
miniPCR is headquartered in Boston, United States, in the North America region.
How does miniPCR make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are learning Labs and Educational Kits and reagents and Consumables.
Who are miniPCR's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ward's Science, Edvotek, Carolina Biological Supply, OpenPCR and 3B Scientific. Broad incumbents are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Promega Corporation, New England Biolabs and Bio-Rad Laboratories. miniPCR Dx is listed as an others.
Does miniPCR have an API?
No public API is recorded for miniPCR.
What industry is miniPCR in?
miniPCR's product category is Educational Biotechnology Lab Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAF, Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays), with a secondary code of HLAAAIAD, Synthetic Biology & Genetic Circuit Design Platforms (pathway engineering, chassis development). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.