What KNAUER does

KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH is a Berlin-based, family-owned manufacturer of high-end scientific instruments founded in 1962 and operating as a private German GmbH. The company designs and produces liquid chromatography systems and life-science manufacturing equipment, all developed and built in Germany. Its product architecture centers on the AZURA platform spanning analytical (U)HPLC, preparative HPLC, FPLC, GPC/SEC, and simulated moving bed (SMB) systems, complemented by dedicated life-science systems: IJM (Impingement Jets Mixing) lipid nanoparticle production skids for mRNA and nucleic acid therapeutics, and OligoScaler oligonucleotide synthesizers. A K-7400S freezing-point osmometer and a line of BlueOrchid pipettes round out the hardware surface.

The technical backbone is the proprietary IJM technology, in which two high-velocity streams collide in a jet-mixing chamber to encapsulate APIs into lipid nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency and low PDI. The IJM NanoScaler product family covers R&D screening through GMP-ready manufacturing with GAMP 5, CFR21 Part 11, and stainless-steel construction. On the software side, KNAUER ships its own knauerOS browser-based CDS, PurityChrom 6 for purification workflows, Mobile Control, and knauerFLOW, alongside drivers and OEM integrations for third-party platforms (ClarityChrom, OpenLab EZChrom, Thermo Chromeleon). A modular component catalog (pumps, detectors, valves, liquid handlers, columns including Sepapure oliGO) enables both standalone systems and OEM supply to other instrument manufacturers.

KNAUER monetizes primarily through capital equipment sales (direct enterprise, e-commerce store, and a global distributor network) supplemented by recurring software licensing (knauerOS Community/Commercial/Annual, PurityChrom license tiers) and consumables. End markets are diversified across pharmaceutical and biotechnology (the primary segment, including mRNA and nucleic acid therapeutic developers), research laboratories and academia, food/feed/beverage testing, environmental testing, and the chemical/polymer industry. The company recently expanded with KNAUER Life Science Inc., a wholly-owned North American subsidiary founded in 2025, and maintains partnerships with ModuVision Technologies and Labomatic Instruments for OEM and preparative LC adjacencies. Ownership remains concentrated with Alexandra Knauer, who continues to lead brand positioning, including receiving the Pittcon Heritage Award in March 2026.

Name

KNAUER

Legal name

KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH

Website

https://knauer.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

KNAUER is a Berlin-based manufacturer of liquid chromatography systems, lipid nanoparticle formulation skids using IJM technology, and oligonucleotide synthesizers, serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, food, environmental, and chemical laboratories globally through direct sales, distributors, and an OEM business.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Liquid Chromatography Instruments

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems (HLAGAIAA)

Keywords

• Liquid chromatography systems
• HPLC instruments
• Lipid nanoparticle formulation
• Oligonucleotide synthesizers
• Osmometry equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. HPLC/UHPLC/FPLC Systems and Modules: KNAUER manufactures and sells analytical and preparative liquid chromatography systems, including AZURA brand systems, along with modular components (pumps, detectors, valves, liquid handlers, columns). Revenue generated through direct sales, distributor network, and e-commerce store.
2. LNP Formulation Systems: Impingement Jets Mixing systems for lipid nanoparticle production used in mRNA vaccine and therapeutic applications. Includes IJM NanoScaler for R&D and IJM Custom NanoProducer for commercial production.
3. Oligonucleotide Synthesizers: OligoScaler systems for high-quality oligonucleotide synthesis for research and GMP production, including associated columns (Sepapure oliGO).
4. Software Licenses: knauerOS software with Community (free), Commercial, and Annual editions; PurityChrom 6 with various license options including standard, high flow, LNP, upgrade, and GMP licenses; ClarityChrom CDS and other chromatography software.
5. Consumables and Columns: HPLC/UHPLC columns, LC supplies, consumables including pipettes, measuring heads for osmometers, and LNP accessories.
6. OEM Components: KNAUER OEM division provides pumps, detectors, liquid handlers, and valves to other manufacturers for integration into their products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

KNAUER develops, manufactures, and sells high-end scientific instruments for liquid chromatography (analytical (U)HPLC, preparative HPLC, FPLC, GPC/SEC, and SMB systems) under the AZURA® brand, along with modular HPLC components, proprietary Impingement Jets Mixing (IJM) systems for lipid nanoparticle formulation used in mRNA therapeutics and vaccines, OligoScaler oligonucleotide synthesizers, and K-7400S freezing-point osmometers. The portfolio is complemented by an in-house chromatography software ecosystem (knauerOS®, PurityChrom®, Mobile Control, knauerFLOW®) and OEM supply of pumps, detectors, liquid handlers, and valves to other instrument manufacturers.

Product overview

KNAUER is a German manufacturer of high-end scientific instruments for research, routine analysis, quality assurance, and production applications. The product portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the AZURA® liquid chromatography family, which includes analytical UHPLC systems (HTQC, 862 bar, 1240 bar), preparative HPLC systems (Compact, Lab, Pilot scales), FPLC systems for protein purification, GPC/SEC systems for polymer/biomolecule analysis, and SMB systems for continuous chromatography separations. Complementing the LC platform are dedicated life science systems: LNP Systems using proprietary Impingement Jets Mixing (IJM) technology for lipid nanoparticle production in mRNA therapeutics, and OligoScaler for oligonucleotide synthesis. The K-7400S Freezing Point Osmometer provides osmolality measurements. Software spans proprietary platforms (knauerOS® browser-based CDS, PurityChrom® 6 purification software, Mobile Control, knauerFLOW app) and support for third-party CDS (ClarityChrom®, OpenLab® EZChrom, Chromeleon™). The modular architecture extends through a comprehensive range of HPLC/UHPLC components (pumps, detectors, valves, columns, liquid handlers). The company also operates OEM services and subsidiaries including KNAUER Life Science Inc. (North America), ModuVision Technologies B.V., and Labomatic Instruments AG. All products are developed and produced in Germany with over 60 years of experience since 1962.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AZURA: Brand for KNAUER's liquid chromatography systems including analytical UHPLC, preparative HPLC, FPLC, GPC/SEC, and SMB systems
• PurityChrom
• knauerOS
• Sepapure
• BlueOrchid
• IJM (Impingement Jets Mixing)

Products and services

• AZURA® LC Systems Comprehensive family of liquid chromatography systems including analytical UHPLC, preparative HPLC, FPLC, GPC/SEC, and SMB systems for research, routine analysis, quality assurance, and production applications.
• LNP Systems (IJM) Impingement Jets Mixing (IJM) systems for scalable lipid nanoparticle production used in mRNA vaccines and nucleic acid therapeutics, ranging from R&D screening to GMP-ready manufacturing.
• OligoScaler Advanced oligonucleotide synthesizers enabling precise synthesis, purification, and scalable workflows for high-quality results in research and GMP production environments.
• K-7400S Freezing Point Osmometer Semi-micro osmometer that determines the exact freezing point of aqueous solutions for osmolality measurement in pharmaceutical and food/beverage applications.
• knauerOS® Modern browser-based chromatography software (CDS) with centralized server architecture for efficient acquisition, evaluation, and management of HPLC data, supporting multiple detectors and users with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
• PurityChrom® Next-generation purification software designed for all separation tasks in biopurification and preparative HPLC, supporting GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
• Mobile Control Hand-held monitoring and control software allowing complete overview of all devices on one screen with remote parameter checking, device control and monitoring capabilities.
• ClarityChrom® CDS Easy-to-use chromatography data system for workstations with complete LC control, support for devices from 45+ suppliers, optional extensions for PDA, GPC, SST, LC/MS, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
• HPLC/UHPLC Modules Comprehensive range of HPLC components including pumps (dosing, high performance, high precision, preparative), liquid handlers, autosamplers, fraction collectors, columns, column tempering, detectors (UV, DAD, RID), valves, and consumables.
• KNAUER OEM Custom OEM solutions utilizing KNAUER's pumps, detectors, liquid handlers and valves for partners seeking customized analytical instrumentation.
• Sepapure® oliGO Columns HPLC/UHPLC columns for IP-RP separation of oligonucleotides with low back pressure and UHPLC-level performance on standard HPLC systems, ideal for QC and impurity profiling.
• KNAUER Life Science Inc. North American subsidiary of KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH founded in 2025, providing direct sales, support, and application services for KNAUER products in the US and Canadian markets.
• KNAUER Dosing Pumps High-pressure dosing pumps including the 40P, 80P, P 4.1S, P 2.1L, P 6.1L, and P 8.1L models with flow rate range 0.001-1000 ml/min, max pressure 650 bar, exchangeable pump heads, and various material options for chemical resistance.

Quantifiable outcome

• High encapsulation efficiency and low PDI values for LNP production
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• KNAUER Life Science Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025North American subsidiary of KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH, founded in 2025. Brings KNAUER's innovation closer to North American customers, providing direct sales, support, and application services.
• ModuVision Technologies B.V.minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerTechnical team of seasoned analytical specialists with 100+ years combined experience offering high-quality OEM products for the analytical instrumentation market.
• Labomatic Instruments AGminorStrategic or Co-development Partner40+ years of experience in preparative high-performance, medium-pressure and high-pressure liquid chromatography with reliable expertise and care.
• Verulam Scientific LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for KNAUER products in their territory.
• GMI Trusted Laboratory SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for KNAUER products in their territory.
• iChrom SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for KNAUER products in their territory.
• KNAUER by MAZETminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for KNAUER products in their territory.
• Lab Service AnalyticaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for KNAUER products in their territory.
• MetrohmminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for KNAUER products in their territory.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Agilent Technologies: Agilent is a leading global manufacturer of HPLC, UHPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry systems serving pharmaceutical, biotech, and analytical chemistry customers. It directly competes with KNAUER's AZURA LC family in pharma QC and research labs, with overlapping GMP-compliant software ecosystems.
• Waters Corporation: Waters is a premier HPLC/UPLC and LC-MS vendor with strong pharmaceutical and biopharma presence through its ACQUITY and Alliance systems and Empower CDS software. It competes head-to-head with KNAUER in analytical and preparative chromatography for regulated customers.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Bio-Rad's NGC and BioLogic FPLC systems compete with KNAUER's AZURA FPLC family for protein purification workflows in academic and biopharma labs. Both serve biomolecule purification and chromatography data system needs.
• Cytiva (Danaher): Cytiva's ÄKTA FPLC/Pure systems and Precision Nanosystems LNP/mRNA manufacturing platforms are direct competitors to KNAUER's FPLC and IJM NanoScaler offerings in bioprocess and nucleic acid therapeutic production.
• Shimadzu Corporation: Shimadzu's Prominence/Nexera HPLC and UFPLC platforms serve the same pharmaceutical, food, and environmental testing customers as KNAUER's AZURA systems. Both companies compete for preparative LC and GPC/SEC polymer analysis workloads globally.
• Hitachi High-Tech: Hitachi High-Tech provides HPLC systems (Chromaster, Primaide) and amino acid analyzers serving pharmaceutical and analytical labs. It directly competes with KNAUER's modular AZURA platform in routine and research chromatography.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher's Vanquish HPLC and Chromeleon CDS compete with KNAUER in pharma QC, while its broader analytical instruments and bioproduction portfolios dwarf KNAUER's footprint. Overlap is significant but KNAUER competes only on the LC and LNP equipment subsets.
• PerkinElmer: PerkinElmer's Flexar and Arc HPLC systems, plus broader analytical instruments portfolio, compete in pharma and environmental testing labs. Larger scale but less specialized than KNAUER's modular German-engineered approach.

Others

• Knauer subsidiary ModuVision Technologies: ModuVision is KNAUER's OEM partner developing analytical instrumentation products; included as an adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a true competitor. Useful as a reference for the OEM components channel strategy KNAUER pursues.

Emerging players

• Jasco Inc. Jasco is a mid-sized Japanese specialist in HPLC, SFC, and spectroscopy systems with comparable modular product philosophy. It competes with KNAUER in research and specialized analytical applications, particularly in chiral and preparative separations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KNAUER_HPLC

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KNAUER