Ionplus

What Ionplus does

Ionplus AG is a privately held Swiss scientific instrument manufacturer founded in 2013 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich's Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics (LIP). The company designs, builds, and services Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) systems and supporting sample-preparation equipment used for radiocarbon (14C) dating and multi-isotope analysis. Its core technology centers on a patented low-energy, helium-stripping AMS architecture with a vacuum-insulated accelerator terminal that eliminates the need for SF6 insulation gas. The product portfolio spans four AMS instruments — MILEA (multi-isotope, 300 kV), MILEA light, MICADAS (the 200 kV flagship with 20+ units delivered since 2004), and LEA (60 kV, the world's most compact 14C-AMS at 2.6m x 1.8m) — supported by an integrated ecosystem of graphitization (AGE 3), gas interfaces (GIS, HTI, CHS 2), automated magazine charging (AMC), consumables, accessories, and a proprietary software stack (ACS, LMP, and the 2025-launched BioLMP for regulated pharmaceutical environments).

Ionplus serves a horizontal set of scientific end markets — archaeology, environmental science, marine research, materials science (including biofuels certification), biomedicine, forensics, geology, and anthropogenic nuclide monitoring — across academic, government, and research-institute buyers. Commercial activity is led by CEO Joël Bourquin (Sales and Administration) and President Dr. Thomas Niklaus, combining direct enterprise sales with a six-region trading partner network (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Lithuania, Türkiye) for local service. Revenue is generated primarily through capital-equipment sales of AMS instruments and sample-prep modules, complemented by recurring software (ACS, LMP, BioLMP), consumables (cathodes, vials, gas references), spare parts and upgrades (e.g., helium stripping retrofit kits for MICADAS), and professional services including training and engineering support. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, with quotes obtained through direct sales contact; 2025 has seen an aggressive product cadence (BioLMP, Laser ID, Innosuisse-funded BioAMS robotics) targeting the pharmaceutical and high-throughput regulated-environment vertical as a growth lever.

Name

Ionplus

Legal name

Ionplus AG

Website

https://ionplus.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ionplus AG is a Swiss scientific instrument manufacturer spun out of ETH Zurich that designs and builds compact Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) systems, automated graphitization equipment, and gas interfaces for radiocarbon and multi-isotope analysis, serving research institutes and regulated-industry laboratories worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Instruments - Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations) (HLAGAIAD), Maintenance, Service Contracts & Equipment Repair (Field Service, Parts) (HLAGAIAN)

Keywords

• Accelerator mass spectrometry
• Radiocarbon dating instruments
• AMS laboratory equipment
• Sample preparation systems
• Isotope analysis instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Dietikon

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. AMS Instruments: Sale of scientific instruments including AMS systems (MICADAS, MILEA, LEA), sample preparation equipment (AGE 3, CHS 2), and interfaces (GIS, HTI). Complete turnkey solutions with hardware, software, training and acceptance testing included.
2. Software Licenses: ACS (Accelerator Control Software), LMP (Lab Management Package), BioLMP for pharmaceutical compliance. Web-based access through control computers.
3. Consumables: Cathodes for solid and gas samples, vials and tubes for AGE 3, CHS 2 and TSE, reference and blank gas mixtures for GIS.
4. Spare Parts & Upgrades: Spare parts and upgrades for all instruments including helium stripping for MICADAS, 40 position magazine sample changer, IT and software upgrades.
5. Services: Engineering services for custom solutions, training on operating and maintenance, sample cleaning and preparation, 14C analysis and data interpretation.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Ionplus develops, manufactures, and sells scientific instruments for radiocarbon (14C) dating and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS), including fully automated AMS systems (MICADAS, MILEA, LEA), automated sample preparation and graphitization equipment (AGE 3, CHS 2), gas interface systems (GIS, HTI), and proprietary control and lab management software (ACS, LMP, BioLMP). The company offers complete turnkey solutions including hardware, software, training, factory acceptance testing, and ongoing support for research laboratories worldwide.

Product overview

Ionplus develops and manufactures scientific instruments for radiocarbon (14C) dating and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS), offering both standalone instruments and modular systems. The core product portfolio centers on four AMS instruments: MILEA (multi-isotope low-energy AMS covering isotopes including 10Be, 14C, 26Al, 41Ca, 129I, U, Pu), MILEA light (compact version for 10Be, 14C, 26Al), MICADAS (flagship 14C dating system, the industry standard with 20+ units delivered), and LEA (lowest-energy 14C AMS at 60kV, most compact at 2.6m x 1.8m). Supporting these instruments is a comprehensive ecosystem of software and sample preparation modules: ACS software controls all AMS systems via web interface; LMP provides lab management and data reduction; BioLMP extends LMP for GxP-regulated pharmaceutical environments. Gas measurement interfaces include GIS (versatile gas handling for 3-100 microgram samples), HTI (high-throughput screening at 300 samples/day), and CHS 2 (automated carbonate handling). Sample preparation includes AGE 3 (automated graphitization, 21 samples/day), IRMS (stable isotope analysis), and accessories like the PSP sample press, FED iron dispenser, MCD manual cracker, and TSE tube sealer. Products integrate with third-party Elemental Analyzers and third-party IRMS instruments for expanded analytical capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MILEA (Multi-Isotope Low-Energy AMS) Next-generation multi-isotope AMS system covering 10Be, 14C, 26Al, 41Ca, 129I, U, Pu and actinides. Compact 3.5m x 7m footprint with 300 kV vacuum insulated accelerator combining MICADAS ion source technology with ETH TANDY high-energy spectrometer layout. For research laboratories in geology, earth sciences, and environmental nuclide monitoring.
• MILEA light Simpler, smaller, and more affordable alternative to MILEA for highest performance measurements of 10Be, 14C, and 26Al. Compact 3.0m x 4.8m design. Designed for geology and radiocarbon research applications requiring multi-isotope capability.
• MICADAS (Mini Carbon Dating System) Flagship AMS system for 14C applications with 200 kV tandem accelerator, helium stripping technology, and hybrid cesium sputter ion source. Dimensions 3.2m x 2.6m x 2m, 4,500 kg weight, 2.5 kW power consumption, precision 0.2% or better for F14C, dating back to 50+ kyr. More than 20 instruments delivered worldwide since 2004.
• LEA (Low Energy AMS) Lowest-energy AMS system running at just 60 kV accelerator voltage, the most compact AMS in the world at 2.6m x 1.8m. Uses patented helium stripping technology with 48% transmission, fully air-cooled, power consumption less than 2.5 kW, no SF6 or cooling water needed. Successor to MICADAS for dedicated 14C applications.
• ACS (Accelerator Control Software) Web-based control software for operating AMS systems. Enables scheduled wake-up tasks, self-tuning, automated batch measurements, workflow saving, secure user management, and event logging. Accessible through browser from any device. Sold as licensed software recurring revenue.
• LMP (Lab Management Package) Comprehensive hardware and software package for sample handling, preparation tracking, instrument control, measurements, and 14C data reduction. Includes database storage, label printer, barcode reader, and BATS data reduction tool.
• GIS (Gas Interface System) Most versatile gas handling system for 14C-AMS measurements of CO2. Direct measurements of ultra-small samples (3-100 microgram carbon) with GIS+MICADAS/MILEA coupling. Handles 60-150 samples per day with software-controlled automation for 8-40 samples per run.
• HTI (High Throughput Interface) High Throughput Interface optimized for screening, materials testing, and biomedical applications. No moving parts, maintenance-free operation. Analysis in under 5 minutes per sample with throughput of up to 300 samples per day.
• AMC (Automated Magazine Charger) Automated Magazine Charger with collaborative robot and magazine storage platform. Enables continuous measurements on AMS systems with up to 10 magazines (40 samples each). Hot swap of magazines and designed for collaborative safe operation.
• CHS 2 (Carbonate Handling System) Second generation head-space sampling system for carbonates, DIC, and liquid combustion samples. Designed for efficient flushing, oxidizing/hydrolyzing and sampling from septum-sealed vials. Fully automated with heater block for up to 64 samples.
• AGE 3 (Automated Graphitization Equipment) Third generation automated graphitization system, most compact on market, used in 30+ laboratories worldwide. Combines sample combustion and graphite production for AMS. Runs completely unattended, produces 21 samples per day in 120 minutes with processing blank under 0.002 F14C.
• IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer) Third-party Elementar precisION IRMS instrument interfacing with Ionplus AGE 3 and GIS systems. Performs delta13C and delta15N measurements during graphitization or gas measurements for archaeological, forensic, materials testing, and tracer study applications.
• BioLMP Software Package GxP compliant, 21 CFR Part 11 lab management software with complete audit trail for pharmaceutical and regulated environments. Simplifies sample management, measurement preparation, data evaluation, and supports planning/execution of measurement series with hundreds of samples. Validated by pharmaceutical customers.
• Ionplus Engineering and Training Services Engineering services for custom solutions, training on operating and maintaining instruments, sample cleaning and preparation, 14C analysis, and data interpretation. Includes in-house laboratory training courses and on-site factory/site acceptance testing as part of complete turnkey packages.

Quantifiable outcome

• Precision of 0.2% or better for F14C (fM) with modern reference materials
• +5 more outcomes

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ETH Zurich (Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMILEA was developed in collaboration between Ionplus and ETH Zurich. The multi-isotope AMS system combines established accelerator and ion source technology of MICADAS with the high-energy spectrometer layout of ETH's TANDY instrument. Ionplus founders include members from ETH's LIP.
• BAOSONminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrading partner for China market, providing local customer services.
• Elementar Japan K.K.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrading partner for Japan market, Mr. Yuji Hirohata contact.
• Inospectra (Energenas)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrading partner for Lithuania market.
• ABNEXO CO.,LTDminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrading partner for South Korea market, Mr. K. J. Lee contact.
• Elementar India Pvt. Ltd.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrading partner for India market, Mr. Kamlesh Joshi contact.
• Radyokarbon Bilimsel Araştırma Hizmetleri Limited ŞirketiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrading partner for Türkiye market.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Electrostatics Corp (NEC): US-based designer and manufacturer of tandem Pelletron accelerators used as AMS systems. Closest head-to-head competitor to Ionplus for new AMS installations, particularly in academic and national labs.
• High Voltage Engineering Europa (HVE): Builds tandetron AMS systems and Pelletron accelerators for radiocarbon and isotope research, directly competing against MICADAS, MILEA and LEA in research tenders.
• Elementar Analysensysteme: Manufacturer of elemental analyzers and IRMS systems that integrates with Ionplus AGE 3 / GIS and serves overlapping radiocarbon and stable-isotope customers. Elementar is both a technology partner and an adjacent competitor in isotope analysis.
• Sercon (Sercon Group): UK-based specialist in isotope ratio mass spectrometry and continuous-flow IRMS used in 14C/AMS sample preparation, competing for stable-isotope and AMS-prep budgets alongside Ionplus' AGE 3 / GIS / CHS 2.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Global mass spectrometry and laboratory-instruments incumbent with broader portfolio (IRMS, isotopic MS, sample prep) that overlaps with parts of Ionplus' customer base at academia, pharma and environmental labs.
• Bruker: Diversified analytical instruments and mass spectrometry vendor; overlaps with Ionplus in life-science, materials and isotope research instrumentation accounts.
• Agilent Technologies: Major mass spectrometry and laboratory-instrument vendor serving pharma, environmental and forensic customers that Ionplus also targets with MICADAS-based microtracing and forensics applications.

Emerging players

• Picarro: Specialist in cavity ring-down spectroscopy instruments for isotopic and trace-gas analysis; competes for carbon-cycle and environmental customers who might otherwise choose an AMS-based workflow.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ionplus-ag

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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 Ionplus