What BioTools does

BioTools Pty Ltd is an Australian privately held company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Moreton Shire, serving as a distributor and reseller of third-party laboratory equipment and consumables for the life sciences sector. Its product portfolio spans laboratory automation and integration (Hudson SOLO robotic pipettor, Tomtec Quadra5 liquid handling workstation, Dynamic Devices Lynx, Brooks PreciseFlex DD robotic arm, Hudson RapidWash microplate washer), sample storage and cryopreservation (Azenta BioArc and CryoArc automated storage, Strex CytoSAVER controlled-rate freezers, Pinnacle ultra-low freezers), colony picking and imaging (Singer Instruments PIXL, Hudson ARI Scorpion), and consumables (4titude PCR plates, SPL cell culture plates, Matrical glass bottom plates, Next Advance grinding kits, BioCision modules). Integration capabilities include SoftLinx software with 200+ third-party instrument integrations, software APIs on multiple devices, LIMS compatibility, and robotic arm interoperability.

The company serves research universities, hospitals, and medical institutes, and dedicated research institutes across Australia and New Zealand, with sales roles organized by geography (AUS & NZ, plus VIC/NSW/TAS/SA). Revenue is generated through hardware sales and consumables distribution on a quote-based, consultative sales process via a Product Enquiry and Add to Quote Request system; no public pricing is listed. The team is small (1-10 employees), led by Managing Director Hardi Schwarting alongside two Sales Managers (James Sundholm for AUS & NZ, Adam Enriquez for VIC/NSW/TAS/SA). BioTools has no disclosed external funding, no parent company, and no M&A history; its differentiation rests on curated multi-brand portfolio access, customised workflow solutions, and local service and support for research institutions in the ANZ region.

Name

BioTools

Legal name

BioTools Pty Ltd

Website

https://biotools.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BioTools Pty Ltd is an Australian distributor of laboratory automation, sample storage, cryopreservation, and life science consumables, serving universities, hospitals, and research institutes across Australia and New Zealand via a quote-based sales model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821), Wholesale-Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies (5047)

akta.pro primary industry

Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations) (HLAGAIAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Laboratory Consumables & Plasticware (Tips, Tubes, Plates, Filters) (HLAGAIAH), Cell Culture & Bioprocess Lab Equipment (Bioreactors, Single-Use Systems, Controllers) (HLAGAIAG)

Keywords

• Laboratory equipment distribution
• Life science automation
• Lab consumables supply
• Sample storage solutions
• PCR products supply

Headquarters

HQ city

Moreton Shire

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Laboratory Equipment and Consumables Distribution: BioTools generates revenue by distributing and reselling laboratory automation, liquid handling, sample storage, cell biology, and PCR equipment and consumables from multiple brand partners to research institutions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

BioTools Pty Ltd distributes and resells third-party life science laboratory automation equipment and consumables from multiple international brands (Azenta, Hudson Lab Automation, Tomtec, Singer Instruments, Scinomix, Brooks, Strex, Dynamic Devices, Inheco, QInstruments, SPL, Next Advance, Matrical, Pinnacle Scientific, NanoEntek, 4titude) to research universities, hospitals, and institutes across Australia and New Zealand. The company provides customised workflow solutions, sales, installation support, and ongoing service for laboratory automation, liquid handling, colony picking, sample storage, cryopreservation, cell biology, and PCR consumables.

Product overview

BioTools is an Australian distributor specializing in life science laboratory equipment and consumables, serving universities, hospitals, and research institutes. The product portfolio comprises multiple interconnected systems for laboratory automation: automated liquid handling platforms (SOLO, Lynx, Tomtec Quadra5) for sample preparation workflows including SPE, magnetic bead cleanup, and dilutions; colony picking and imaging systems (PIXL, Scorpion) for microbial work; sample storage solutions (BioArc, CryoArc, FluidX) for cryogenic preservation; and supporting equipment including microplate washers, incubators, plate mixers, tube handlers, and cell counters. The offering also includes comprehensive consumables including PCR plates and seals (4titude), cryopreservation containers (BioCision), cell culture plates, grinding kits, and custom freezer racks. Key integration capabilities are enabled through SoftLinx software (200+ third-party integrations), software APIs, and compatibility with robotic arms from multiple manufacturers, allowing customers to build custom automated workstations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SOLO Robotic Pipettor Low-cost, flexible automated pipettor by Hudson Lab Automation with 4-12 deck nests and single, 8- or 12-channel pipettors, featuring SoftLinx software with integrations to over 200 third-party lab instruments.
• PIXL Colony Picker Ultra-reliable microbial colony picker by Singer Instruments that automates imaging, colony recognition, colony selection, and picking from Petri dishes to multiwell plates using sterile disposable PickupLine tips, with computer-vision agar surface detection.
• RapidWash Microplate Washer High-speed microplate washer for 96-well and 384-well microplates offering high throughput washing for ELISAs and cellular assays, with software API for scheduler integration.
• Tomtec Quadra5 Liquid Handling Workstation Intuitive pipetting system with six stations supporting SPE, magnetic bead cleanup, dilutions, and standards additions, with fixed-head air displacement syringe design and LIMS integration.
• Lynx Automated Liquid Handler Robot Automated liquid handler robot by Dynamic Devices for flexible laboratory automation workflows.
• Scorpion Automated Pipetting Robot Single-channel automated pipetting robot by Hudson ARI for normalisation and cherry picking applications.
• BioArc Flex -80°C Automated Sample Storage System Automated sample storage system by Azenta Life Sciences for ultra-low temperature sample management at -80°C.
• CryoArc Deca -190°C LN2-Based Automated Storage System Liquid nitrogen-based automated storage system maintaining samples at -190°C for long-term cryopreservation.
• Scinomix RapidCAP2 Automated Capper & Decapper Small benchtop automated capping and decapping system for 0.5ml to 2.0ml cryovials, processing tubes in 4.75 seconds per tube with cap color sensor detection.
• ADAM MC Plus Automated Cell Counter Automated cell counter by NanoEntek for efficient and accurate cell counting in research applications.
• CytoSAVER Controlled-Rate Freezer FZ-3200 Large controlled-rate freezer by Strex for cryopreservation down to -80°C, FDA Title 21 CFR Part 11 (cGMP) compliant with IQ/OQ and validation available.
• Pinnacle -86°C Ultra Low Temperature Freezer Ultra-low temperature freezer by Pinnacle Scientific with 730L capacity and dual cooling system for reliable sample preservation.
• Ziath Mirage Connect Rack Reader Camera-based rack reader with Cryoprotection technology, 16MP imaging sensor, reads 2D DataMatrix codes in under 2 seconds, AI-enabled no-tube detection, and network connectivity via DP5 software.
• PreciseFlex DD 4-axis Robotic Platform Brooks Automation 4-axis robotic arm for laboratory automation and integration applications.
• 4titude PCR Consumables Range Comprehensive range of PCR consumables by 4titude including plates, tubes, tube strips, seals, lids, and accessories for manual and robotic use, manufactured in ISO 7 cleanroom.
• BioCision Sample Cooling & Cryopreservation Products Full range of sample cooling and heating workstations, tube and plate modules, cryo boxes, CoolCell freezing containers, ice pans, tube grippers and accessories for sample integrity throughout the lifecycle.
• Custom Freezer Racks (Vertical, Horizontal, Drawer, LN2) Stainless steel custom-made freezer racks (vertical, horizontal drawer, and standard LN2 variants) for chest, upright, and liquid nitrogen freezers, with optional dividers, numbering systems, and ID tags.

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Singer InstrumentscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2024BioTools, as Australian distributor for Singer Instruments, supported the installation of the PIXL colony picker inside an anaerobic chamber for the Australian Human Microbiome Biobank (AHMB). The PIXL automates imaging, colony recognition, selection, and picking from Petri dishes to multiwell plates. BioTools oversaw the installation as part of a semi-automated workcell custom-built to meet AHMB's high-throughput microbiome banking needs.
• Azenta Life Sciences (BioCision, 4titude, Ziath, fluidX brands)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes a broad range of Azenta Life Sciences brands including BioCision (sample cooling/heating/cryopreservation), 4titude (PCR consumables), Ziath (tube readers), and fluidX (sample storage tubes and accessories). BioTools features extensive product listings and brand-specific pages for all these Azenta brands.
• Hudson Lab Automation (Hudson Robotics, Hudson Tomtec, Hudson ARI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Hudson Lab Automation products including Hudson Robotics (SOLO pipettor, RapidWash, PlateCrane EX), Hudson Tomtec (Tomtec Quadra5 liquid handling workstation, Tomtec Cell Harvester), and Hudson ARI (Scorpion pipetting robot, ARI Screen Builder). These products are featured prominently on BioTools' automation & integration category pages.
• Brooks AutomationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Brooks Automation products including the PreciseFlex DD 4-axis robotic platform, featured under the laboratory automation category.
• ScinomixminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Scinomix products including the RapidCAP2 automated capper/decapper and 96 & 384 pin replicators, featured under the tube capper/decappers and automation categories.
• StrexminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Strex CytoSAVER controlled-rate freezers (FZ-2200, FZ-3100, FZ-3200) designed for cGMP-compliant cryopreservation without liquid nitrogen, featured under cold chain storage.
• Dynamic DevicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Dynamic Devices Lynx Automated Liquid Handler Robot, featured under the automation & integration category.
• InhecominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Inheco Single Plate Incubator, a space-saving heated plate incubator with fast temperature response designed for integration with liquid handling platforms, featured under integrated devices.
• QInstrumentsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes QInstruments TiltStation plate mixer, a walk-away automation device for cell culture applications on liquid handling platforms, featured under integrated devices.
• SPL Life SciencesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes SPL Life Sciences cell culture plates including black plate (PS/FLux) products for fluorescence experiments, featured under cell biology.
• Next AdvanceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Next Advance grinding and bead lysis kits (LYS2GRG-R, LYS2T28, LYS2S48-R, LYS2B5) for sample homogenisation, featured under sample homogenisation.
• MatricalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Matrical MatriPlate glass bottom plates (384-well and 96-well) for high-throughput cell-based assays and fluorescence microscopy, featured under optically clear plates.
• Pinnacle ScientificminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes Pinnacle Scientific ultra-low temperature freezers, featured under equipment and sample storage.
• NanoEntekminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBioTools distributes NanoEntek ADAM MC Plus automated cell counter, featured as a focus product.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Bio-Strategy: Australian life-science distributor offering molecular biology, cell biology, and lab automation products to research customers, directly comparable as a regional value-added reseller in the same AUS/NZ market.
• In Vitro Technologies: Australian distributor of life-science and diagnostic research products, operating a similar channel-partner model serving universities, hospitals, and research institutes in Australia.
• GeneWorks: Australian life-science supplier providing molecular biology reagents, instruments, and consumables to research customers in Australia, comparable as a regional life-science distribution peer.

Regional players

• DKSH: Swiss-listed market expansion services group with a scientific products distribution business across Asia-Pacific, comparable as a regional life-science distributor operating outside BioTools' core AUS/NZ territory.

Broad incumbents

• Hamilton Company: US-headquartered manufacturer of automated liquid handling and laboratory robotics whose products overlap with BioTools' Hudson/Brooks portfolio; comparable as a broader automation incumbent serving similar research customers.
• Tecan: Swiss manufacturer of laboratory automation and liquid handling platforms, comparable as a broader incumbent in the same workflow automation category that BioTools distributes into.
• Eppendorf: German manufacturer of liquid handling, cell handling, and lab consumables, comparable as a broader life-science equipment incumbent serving the same research customer base.
• Fisher Scientific: Global laboratory supplies distributor (part of Thermo Fisher) with broad portfolio across lab equipment and consumables, comparable as a large-scale incumbent competing for the same research customer wallet.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories: US life-science manufacturer and supplier of research and clinical laboratory products, comparable as a broader incumbent in the same customer base that BioTools serves with PCR and cell biology products.
• Beckman Coulter: Global laboratory automation and life-science instrumentation company (Danaher), comparable as a broader incumbent providing liquid handling and lab automation products into research customers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 BioTools