M2-Automation

What M2-Automation does

M2-Automation GmbH is a Berlin-based, privately held precision engineering company founded in 2003 by Martin Müller that designs and manufactures ultra-low volume microdispensing instruments for life sciences, diagnostics, and biotechnology applications. The company's product portfolio spans four core instrument platforms — the compact iFOUR entry-level unit, the flexible iTWO for R&D, the ultra-fast iONE for batch production, and the iZERO for fully automated in-line production — combined with interchangeable microdispenser heads covering piezoelectric (PDMD, picoliter), solenoid-valve (M2MD, nanoliter to microliter), contact-pin (PinDMD), and multi-channel modalities. All instruments are controlled by the proprietary InDot software platform, and the integrated Quattro-Dispensing Technology allows tool-free switching between dispenser types on a single bracket to cover pL to mL volume ranges in both contact and non-contact modes. Supporting accessories include the THEO thermo-generator and DHUM dehumidifier, and engineered features such as stroboscopic droplet monitoring and the JATS auto-tuning system address quality control and parameter optimization in production environments.

M2-Automation generates revenue through direct capital sales of instruments and microdispensers, recurring service/support contracts, training programs, contract manufacturing via partner facilities, assay development collaborations, and a leasing/rental option that lowers purchase-commitment risk for prospective buyers. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; demo spotting and feasibility studies are offered with the first half day free of charge. The company serves four primary verticals: life sciences research and diagnostics companies (protein/DNA/RNA microarrays, allergen panels, multiplex assays), biosensor and lab-on-a-chip manufacturers, pharmaceutical and biotech research labs, and academic/research institutions, with a secondary OEM integration segment. Named enterprise customers include Macro Array Diagnostics (Austrian allergy diagnostics producer running 4 iONE-1200s for daily allergen panel production), EUROIMMUN, BioCopy, Chipron, fzmb, GenExpress, and Innobiochips, alongside academic users such as Vrije Universiteit Brussels.

Distribution combines direct enterprise sales from Berlin headquarters with a regional partner network: axiVEND (exclusive Americas distributor since 2019, Winter Garden, FL), APG Bio (China, Shanghai), and InnovoTechX (Australia/NZ/Oceania, partnership announced 2024). A 2025 strategic partnership with IIN Group Oy extends the model into embedded OEM integration with modular automation platforms. The company maintains active presence at major industry conferences including SLAS, MEDICA, and MicroTAS, and operates with a small organization (1-10 employees) that has shipped several hundred systems across more than 100 countries since inception.

Name

M2-Automation

Legal name

M2-Automation GmbH

Website

https://m2-automation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

M2-Automation GmbH is a Berlin-based precision engineering company that designs and manufactures ultra-low volume (picoliter to microliter) microdispensing instruments and software for life sciences, diagnostics, and biotechnology laboratories worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Microdispensing Instrumentation

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Lab Automation, Instrument Control & Workflow Orchestration Software (HLAGAJAG), Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)

Keywords

• Precision microdispensing instruments
• Ultra-low volume liquid handling
• Microarray spotting systems
• Picoliter piezoelectric dispensing
• Laboratory automation instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Microdispensing Instruments and Microdispensers: Sale of precision microdispensing instruments (iFOUR, iTWO, iONE, iZERO series) and microdispensers (PDMD, M2MD, PinDMD). Instruments range from compact benchtop systems to production-ready high-throughput platforms. One-time capital purchase with pricing based on configuration and capabilities.
2. Service and Support: Technical support, training (remote or on-site), maintenance, and after-care services. Includes basic training for new customers and advanced training for experienced users. Ongoing support relationship with customers post-sale.
3. Contract Manufacturing Services (CMS): Pilot production services through trusted partners with complete microarray spotter capabilities. From a few targets to several thousands, enabling customers to validate system performance before purchase.
4. Assay Development Services: Diagnostic test and multiplex assay development support through trusted partners who specialize in assay development using M2-Automation instruments.
5. Leasing/Rental Options: Flexible leasing and renting options allowing customers to test instruments and services before making a purchase decision.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

M2-Automation GmbH designs, manufactures and sells precision microdispensing instruments and microdispensers for ultra-low volume (picoliter to microliter) liquid handling used in life sciences research, diagnostics, and biotechnology applications. The company offers four instrument platforms (iFOUR, iTWO, iONE, iZERO) supported by interchangeable dispenser heads (PDMD, M2MD, PinDMD, Multi-Channel), unified under the proprietary InDot control software and the Quattro-Dispensing Technology bracket system, complemented by training, maintenance, contract manufacturing and assay development services.

Product overview

M2-Automation offers a portfolio of precision microdispensing instruments and dispensers for ultra-low volume liquid handling from picoliter to microliter volumes. The core instruments include iFOUR (compact entry-level), iTWO (flexible R&D/academic), iONE (ultra-fast production), and iZERO (in-line automated) microarray spotters. Supporting technologies include PDMD (piezo-driven picoliter dispenser), M2MD (solenoid-driven nanoliter dispenser), PinDMD (contact-based pin dispenser), and Multi-Channel dispensers. All instruments are controlled via InDot software. The Quattro-Dispensing Technology combines multiple dispenser types at one universal bracket. Accessories include THEO thermo-generator and DHUM dehumidifier. Products are manufactured in Berlin, Germany since 2003.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• M2-Instruments: Brand mentioned in context of iFOUR product distribution and booth presence at SLAS Europe 2025. Related brand entity under the M2-Automation group.

Products and services

• iFOUR Compact Entry-Level Microdispensing Instrument Compact Entry-Level microdispensing instrument in a 50 cm cube form factor with a 200 x 220 mm working area, designed for picoliter to microliter droplet dispensing for entry-level and smaller-scale users.
• iTWO Flexible Microarray Spotter for R&D and Academic Use Flexible microarray spotter for R&D and academic use with a broad range of features, configurable on demand and upgradeable to a fully automated high-end liquid-handling system; showcases common applications including lab-on-a-chip, compound library screening, biosensors, drug discovery, immunoassays, cell transfection assays and lateral flow applications.
• iONE Ultra-Fast High-Precision Microarray Spotter Ultra-fast, high-precision microarray spotter for batch production scale with ultra-fast magnetic XYZ-drives on all three axes (speed up to 1 m/s, acceleration up to 10 m/s²); used by diagnostics manufacturers such as Macro Array Diagnostics (4 iONE-1200 units producing allergen panels) and EUROIMMUN for continuous-mode spotting.
• iZERO Highly Automated Production In-Line Microarray Spotter Highly automated production in-line microarray spotter offering a modular, scalable production environment with in-line QC, database connection, barcode scan, and Quattro-Jet-Technology for high-throughput manufacturing environments.
• PDMD Piezo-Driven MicroDispenser Non-contact, picoliter-range piezoelectric microdispenser using the inverse piezoelectric effect with PZT piezo ceramic and glass capillary for precise pressure wave generation and droplet ejection; supports pulse shaping via arbitrary waveform generation for optimized droplet formation.
• M2MD M2-MicroDispenser (Solenoid-Driven) Non-contact solenoid-driven nanoliter dispenser using pressurized reservoir and fast electromagnetic microvalve for nanoliter to microliter droplet generation; two control parameters (reservoir pressure and valve-opening time) manage two flow regimes for a flexible 10 nL to 5 µL volume range.
• PinDMD Pin-Driven MicroDispenser Contact-based pin microdispenser using surface-energy transfer for spot transfer, with capillary pins retaining liquid in internal channels for multiple spot transfers and blunt-end pins carrying liquid on flat tips; approximately 350 pL to 25 nL range and supports parallel pin arrays for high-density microarray printing.
• Multi-Channel Non-Contact Dispenser Non-contact multi-channel dispenser enabling simultaneous dispensing of multiple channels in the nano/microliter range for efficient high-density microarray printing.
• InDot Control Software Proprietary control software for all M2-Automation instruments offering experiment design, droplet monitoring, auto-tuning, intuitive workflows, multi-user run management, and real-time reliability for precise and reproducible dispensing (Windows 10 compatible).
• Training, Maintenance and After-Sale Support Services Technical support, training (remote or on-site), maintenance, and after-care services for M2-Automation instruments; basic training for new customers and advanced training for experienced users, including hands-on commissioning training.
• Contract Manufacturing Services (CMS) Pilot microarray production services delivered through trusted partners with complete microarray spotter capabilities, covering from a few targets to several thousands, enabling customers to validate system performance before instrument purchase.
• Assay Development Services Diagnostic test and multiplex assay development support provided through trusted partners who specialize in assay development using M2-Automation instruments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 8 positions per second dispensing speed
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• IIN Group OycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Long-term strategic partnership to deliver complete, high-performance manufacturing systems. Combines M2's precision microdispensing with IIN's modular automation platforms for end-to-end solutions. Enables faster development, standardized solutions, and exceptional system performance for next-generation production environments.
• InnovoTechXcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Strategic distribution partnership for Australia, New Zealand and broader Oceania region. Enhances support for customers in sectors demanding ultra-precise liquid handling and laboratory automation. Based in Melbourne, Australia.
• axiVEND LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Exclusive distribution agreement signed in 2019 for North and South America. axiVEND distributes the complete M2-Automation product line in the Americas with sales, service and support capabilities. Based in Winter Garden, Florida, USA.
• APG Bio Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional partner for China sales, service and support. Located in Shanghai, China, providing localized support for Chinese customers.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• BioDot: BioDrop/Ultra and DropSaver series are direct competitors to M2-Automation's iTWO/iONE in low-volume dispensing for diagnostics and life sciences. Highly comparable product portfolio targeting microarray printing and biosensor applications.
• Scienion (BICO Group): sciFLEXARRAYER and sciDROP pico piezo/pin dispensing systems directly compete with M2's PDMD and PinDMD technologies in microarray production and biosensor functionalization. Most direct technology overlap in the niche.
• Dispendix (Beckman Coulter Life Sciences): Single-cell and picoliter dispensing (I.DOT, CELLINK) directly competes with M2's piezoelectric PDMD for non-contact picoliter dispensing in genomics and cell biology applications. Now backed by Beckman Coulter's distribution scale.
• Gesim: Germany-based nanodispenser and microarray spotter manufacturer (Nano-Plotter, Piccolo) offering direct competition to M2's iONE in picoliter-range non-contact spotting, particularly in academic and biotech research.
• Arrayjet: Arrayjet offers the SuperMariner and Marathon microarray printers for protein and DNA applications, competing head-on with M2's iTWO and iONE in the same R&D-to-production microarray spotting workflow.

Broad incumbents

• Tecan: Global leader in laboratory automation with Cavro, Fluent, and Drobio/Portfolio liquid handling platforms. While Tecan's portfolio is broader, it competes for the same diagnostic and biotech lab automation budgets and increasingly targets low-volume dispensing use cases.
• Hamilton Company: Microlab STAR and NIMBUS liquid handling workstations serve overlapping life sciences and diagnostics customers with broader-throughput automation. Less specialized in picoliter range but competes at the customer-account level.
• PerkinElmer (Revvity): Provides lab automation, microarray readers, and diagnostics workflows including Janus and Explorer workstations. Acquired several life sciences automation assets and competes broadly for diagnostic production budgets.
• Gilson: Manufacturer of PIPETMAN and automated liquid handling platforms (PIPETMAX, GX-271) targeting life sciences labs. Less specialized in picoliter range but competes for academic and biotech lab automation budgets where M2's iTWO also sells.

Emerging players

• Cytena (BICO Group): Single-cell dispensing technology (single-cell printers, B.G. Lightning) is adjacent to M2's low-volume dispensing expertise and shares the biotechnology production-tools customer base. Potential technology adjacency if BICO expands into broader dispensing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/M2TechChannel
• Facebookfacebook.com/M2AutomationGmbH
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/m2-automation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 M2-Automation