Ikeda Rika

What Ikeda Rika does

Ikeda Rika (株式会社池田理化), also operating as IKEDA SCIENTIFIC Co., Ltd., is a Japan-based specialized trading company (専門商社) founded on June 1, 1931, by Taizo Ikeda as 'Ikeda Shop.' The company distributes bioscience-related equipment and scientific/laboratory instruments imported from global manufacturers to Japanese research institutions, universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and reproductive medicine clinics. Its catalog spans cell culture products (Corning, Matrigel, Quick-Tissue iPS differentiation kits), automated cell processing systems (CliniMACS Prodigy, Quantum Flex, Xuri W25, Signata CT-5), closed-system cryogenic storage (CellSeal vials, ThawSTAR), reproductive medicine instruments (LYKOS-DTS laser, GM508 CultActive, GM501 SpermMobil), live-cell imaging (IncuCyte S3, CM20/CM30, STELLARIS 8), flow cytometry (BD FACSLyric), and laboratory automation/dispensing (epMotion, INTEGRA VIAFLO). The company has a headcount of 251–500 employees and operates with geographic restriction to Japan-domestic sales.

The business operates on a B2B distribution model with primarily quote-based pricing (most catalog items marked 'price upon inquiry'), supplemented by a small portfolio of original products (Simp-system equipment management software, RMS-GD microbial culture automation). Distribution occurs through an online catalog, direct inquiry forms, and field sales via a branch network including the recently relocated Yokohama Branch (June 2026). The SAITAS sub-brand (launched 2021) focuses on regenerative medicine research support and runs the Ikeda Rika Grant program (¥300,000–¥500,000 annually to young researchers since 2014), alongside co-hosted webinars with manufacturers such as BD, Illumina, and Japan Control System, JASIS exhibition participation, and an active YouTube channel (IKEDA ONLINE).

Revenue is not publicly disclosed in available sources despite the company publishing financial information for its August 2025 fiscal period on its corporate website. The company is privately held with no parent company, no subsidiaries, and no external funding rounds. Its primary revenue streams are one-time sales of distributed instruments, consumables, and reagents (cell culture reagents, cryopreservation equipment, cultivation reagents) plus service revenue from its original products and grant/advisory engagement with the research community. The company celebrated its 95th anniversary in June 2026 and is led by representative Takahashi.

Name

Ikeda Rika

Legal name

IKEDA SCIENTIFIC Co.,Ltd.

Website

https://ikedarika.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1931

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Ikeda Rika is a 95-year-old Japanese specialized trading company that imports and distributes bioscience and laboratory instruments from global manufacturers (Corning, BD, Illumina, Terumo BCT, etc.) to Japanese universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and reproductive medicine clinics. It operates the SAITAS regenerative-medicine sub-brand and the Ikeda Rika Grant program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Instrument Distribution

NAICS

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Wholesale-Misc Durable Goods (5090)

akta.pro primary industry

Catalog & eProcurement Enablement (Punchout, Item Master) (BPAAAJAI)

Keywords

• Scientific instrument distribution
• Laboratory equipment supply
• Bioscience research instruments
• Cell culture equipment
• Regenerative medicine products

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Scientific Instrument Distribution: Ikeda Rika acts as a specialized trading company (商商/专业经销商) importing and distributing bioscience-related equipment and scientific/laboratory instruments from global manufacturers to Japanese research institutions, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.
2. Laboratory Consumables and Reagents: Sale of cultivation reagents, cell culture products, cryopreservation equipment, and other laboratory consumables through the online catalog system.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Ikeda Rika is a Japanese specialized trading company that distributes scientific and bioscience laboratory instruments, consumables, and equipment to research institutions, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. Its catalog spans cell culture, reproductive medicine, regenerative medicine, single-cell analysis, microscopy, and microbial testing categories. The company also develops a small number of original products (e.g., instrument management system) and curates niche regenerative-medicine offerings under the SAITAS sub-brand.

Product overview

Ikeda Rika (株式会社池田理化) is a specialized trading company (商社の) for bioscience and laboratory scientific instruments, founded in 1931 and celebrating its 95th anniversary in 2026. The company distributes a broad portfolio of products from Japanese and international manufacturers, primarily serving research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and medical institutions. Its product range includes: cell culture equipment and reagents (Corning®, Matrigel®, Quick-Tissue™ iPS differentiation kits, FCeM® 3D culture kits); automated cell culture and processing systems (CELLA i4.0, Xuri W25, Quantum Flex, CliniMACS Prodigy®, Sepax, LOVO, Cue); closed-system cryogenic storage and transport (CellSeal® Vial/Connect/CryoCase, ThawSTAR, BioBox PLUS, iP-TEC® Premium BOX series); reproductive medicine instruments (LYKOS-DTS laser perforation, GM508 CultActive oocyte activator, GM501 SpermMobil); live-cell imaging and analysis (IncuCyte® S3, CM20/CM30 monitoring, STELLARIS 8 FALCON); flow cytometry (BD FACSLyric™); dispensing and liquid handling automation (Signata CT-5, epMotion, INTEGRA VIAFLO/MINI96/ASSIST); and GMP-grade cleanroom solutions (Air Barrier Booth, All-in-One CP Unit). The company operates a sub-brand, SAITAS, focused on regenerative medicine research support, which curates specialized products and provides a research grant program (Ikeda Rika Award) for young researchers. The company also publishes webinars and blog content for research community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SAITAS: 再生医療研究・開発向けのサブブランド。専門スタッフの目利きにより研究者のニーズに応じた製品を厳選し、 blog・ウェビナー等のイベント開催による最新情報の提供、若手研究者向け研究費助成「池田理化賞」により再生医療の研究・開発をサポートしている。

Products and services

• LYKOS-DTS Laser Perforation Device Distributed laser perforation device used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and embryology workflows, including assisted hatching and embryo biopsy procedures.
• GM508 CultActive
• GM501 SpermMobil
• Signata CT-5 Closed-System Automated Dispensing System
• CellSeal Vial / CellSeal Connect / CellSeal CryoCase
• SAITAS Regenerative Medicine Product Line
• CliniMACS Prodigy®
• Quantum Flex Cell Expansion System
• Xuri Cell Expansion System W25
• BD Rhapsody™ Single-Cell Analysis System
• IncuCyte® S3 Live-Cell Analysis System
• STELLARIS 8 FALCON Confocal Microscope
• BD FACSLyric™ Flow Cytometer
• iP-TEC® Premium BOX / BioBox PLUS / CellArray-Heart™ / Quick-Tissue™ Cell Culture Series
• SimpReag Instrument Management System
• Microbial Culture Testing Automation System
• CELLA i4.0 AI Quality Management System
• Laboratory Equipment Reuse Service
• Laboratory Relocation Consulting Service

Quantifiable outcome

• SAITAS grant program has supported young researchers since 2014, with annual grants of ¥300,000-¥500,000 awarded to multiple researchers each year.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered standard and core.

• Japan Control System (日本コントロールシステム)standardGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Co-hosted webinar on SimpReag chemical management system, held July 14-16, 2026.
• Illumina (イルミナ)standardGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 April 2026Co-hosted webinar on multi-omics and latest sequencing technologies, held May 26, 2026 (LIVE) with recorded sessions June 2-3, 2026.
• Japan Becton Dickinson (日本ベクトン・ディッキンソン)standardGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 January 2026Co-hosted webinar on single-cell multi-omics analysis using BD Rhapsody system, held February 26, 2026 with recorded sessions available March 4-5, 2026.
• Sexton BiotechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationSexton Biotechnologies is a core partner for cell therapy industrialization products including Stemulate human platelet-derived growth factors, CellSeal closed cryovials, and Signata CT-5 automated dispensing systems.
• Terumo BCTcoreTechnology or IntegrationTerumo BCT provides cell expansion systems (Quantum Flex) and sterile connection devices (SCD IIB) for cell therapy manufacturing.
• Corning Japan (コーニングジャパン)standardTechnology or IntegrationCorning provides cell culture products including HYPERStack cell culture vessels, BioCoat products, CoolRack temperature control systems, and various other laboratory consumables.
• Hamilton ThornestandardTechnology or IntegrationProvides LYKOS-DTS laser perforation device for reproductive medicine applications including biopsy and AHA procedures.
• GynemedstandardTechnology or IntegrationProvides reproductive medicine products including GM508 CultActive (oocyte activator) and GM501 SpermMobil (immotile sperm activator) for assisted reproduction.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AS ONE Corporation: Japan's largest scientific and laboratory consumables/equipment distributor with a comprehensive online catalog. Directly comparable to Ikeda Rika in serving Japanese research institutions, universities, and medical labs with multi-manufacturer scientific products via B2B catalog-driven sales.
• Yamato Scientific (Yamato Science): Long-established Japanese distributor of scientific and laboratory equipment serving research, medical, and industrial customers. Comparable to Ikeda Rika in operating as a specialized scientific instrument trading company with broad manufacturer relationships and B2B distribution focus.
• Sanyo Trading Co., Ltd. Japanese trading company distributing scientific instruments, life-science products, and industrial equipment. Directly comparable in business model and customer base to Ikeda Rika's scientific instrument distribution business.

Broad incumbents

• Shimadzu Corporation: Major Japanese scientific instrument manufacturer with broad analytical and life-science product lines. While primarily a manufacturer rather than distributor, Shimadzu's direct presence in Japanese research labs competes for the same equipment budgets that Ikeda Rika's catalog addresses.
• Olympus Corporation: Major Japanese manufacturer of microscopes and life-science instruments with a deep direct-sales footprint. Comparable as a broad incumbent in Japanese research instrumentation whose direct customer relationships compete with Ikeda Rika's distributor model.

Emerging players

• Sartorius Japan (Sartorius K.K.): Global bioprocessing and lab equipment supplier whose products Ikeda Rika distributes (e.g., IncuCyte). Comparable as both an overlapping product category player in Japan and a partner/supplier whose strategic decisions directly affect Ikeda Rika's portfolio.
• Eppendorf Japan: German life-science laboratory equipment supplier with direct presence in Japan. Comparable as both a category peer in cell culture and liquid handling and a supplier whose distribution arrangements shape Ikeda Rika's competitive position.
• Miltenyi Biotec Japan: Manufacturer of cell processing and cell therapy systems (e.g., CliniMACS Prodigy) that Ikeda Rika distributes in Japan. Comparable as a partner whose product roadmap and direct-sales strategy directly impacts Ikeda Rika's regenerative-medicine segment.

Regional players

• Carl Zeiss Japan: German optics and microscopy leader operating in Japan through direct presence. Comparable in microscopy and live-cell imaging categories that overlap with Ikeda Rika's STELLARIS and other distributed imaging products.

Others

• Ricoh Biosciences (Quick-Tissue supplier): Manufacturer of iPS cell differentiation kits (Quick-Tissue) that Ikeda Rika distributes. Comparable as a strategic technology partner whose product IP and pricing decisions materially shape Ikeda Rika's regenerative-medicine offering.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/ikedarikaonline

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 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 Ikeda Rika