What Projectina does

Projectina AG is a Swiss precision forensic instruments manufacturer founded in 1946 in Altstätten, Switzerland by Hans Böhlen, inventor of the projection microscope, and currently headquartered in Heerbrugg. The company designs, develops, and manufactures specialized forensic science instruments organized into three product categories: comparison microscopes for ballistic and tool mark analysis (flagship VisionX, PAG1000, PAG800), video spectral comparators and document examination systems (Spectra Pro+, Spectra Flex, Spectra Check, Spectra Pocket, Docubox HD, Docutester, Inspec-6, PAGScan 3000, Docustat DS-220), and crime scene investigation equipment (PAGLAB MSA-810, CSL-Shoe, SL-450, fuming chambers, drying cabinets). Core technical competencies include precision optics, photonics, imaging technologies, comparison microscopy, spectral analysis across 350-1100nm wavelengths, LED-based multi-spectral illumination systems, and precision optomechanical engineering. The company also offers OEM engineering services providing bespoke optical, precision mechanical, and electronic component design and manufacturing to customers in medical diagnostics, industrial, textile, metrology, laser technology, and machine vision sectors.

Projectina serves law enforcement agencies, national security agencies, border control and immigration authorities, forensic laboratories, banks, insurance companies, and OEM customers globally through direct enterprise field sales, a certified global partner network established in the 1990s, and active participation in 10+ leading industry events annually. The company operates a quote-based, multi-year contract pricing model with no public pricing or e-commerce, indicating high-touch consultative enterprise sales. Revenue is generated through one-time capital equipment purchases, technical support and servicing (preventive maintenance, repairs, spare parts, extended warranties), OEM engineering services, and training services. The company employs 1-10 people and has been under the ownership of UK private equity firm Heligan Group since August 2021; in 2026, Projectina merged with Scanwel to form the Scanwel Group. The company has been acquired and divested multiple times historically (Armor Holdings in 2006, subsequently BAE Systems; Heligan Group in 2021), reflecting its position as a niche specialty asset within larger industrial and security platforms.

Name

Projectina

Legal name

Projectina AG

Website

https://projectina.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Projectina AG is a Swiss precision forensic instruments manufacturer founded in 1946, specializing in comparison microscopes for ballistics, video spectral comparators for document examination, and crime scene investigation equipment, serving law enforcement, border control, forensic laboratories, and OEM customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Forensic Instruments

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (811210)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Criminal Investigations & Forensics (Detectives, Crime Labs, CSI) (BPAIAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems (HLAGAIAA), Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB), Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards) (HLAGAIAL)

Keywords

• Forensic instruments
• Comparison microscopes
• Document examination
• Crime scene equipment
• Ballistics analysis

Headquarters

HQ city

Heerbrugg

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Forensic Instruments (Hardware): Projectina designs, manufactures, and sells precision forensic instruments including comparison microscopes (VisionX, PAG1000, PAG800), document examination systems (Spectra Pro+, Spectra Flex, Spectra Check, Spectra Pocket, Docubox HD, Docutester, Inspec-6, PAGScan 3000, Docustat DS-220), and crime scene equipment (PAGLAB MSA-810, CSL-Shoe, SL-450, fuming chambers, drying cabinets). These are sold as one-time capital purchases to law enforcement, forensic labs, and government agencies.
2. Technical Support and Servicing: Projectina offers technical support, preventive maintenance, repairs, spare parts supply, emergency breakdown response, and extended warranty packages. Services include hotline support, on-site or in-factory repairs, and certified partner network for global emergency support.
3. OEM Engineering Solutions: Projectina provides bespoke optical, precision mechanical and electronic component design, development, and manufacturing services to OEM customers. Covers the full process from consulting and feasibility studies through prototyping to serial production. Applied in medical, industrial, textile, metrology, laser technology, optical measuring, and machine vision sectors.
4. Training Services: Projectina offers training services conducted at customer sites, at company offices, or remotely via online conferencing. Covers specific instruments or general overviews across multiple applications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Projectina designs, manufactures, and sells precision forensic instruments used by law enforcement and government agencies worldwide. Its portfolio includes comparison microscopes for ballistic and tool-mark analysis (VisionX, PAG1000, PAG800), video spectral comparators and document examination systems for authentication of passports, banknotes, and security documents (Spectra Pro+, Spectra Flex, Spectra Check, Spectra Pocket, Docubox HD, Docutester, Inspec-6, PAGScan 3000, Docustat DS-220), and crime scene equipment for trace evidence collection (PAGLAB MSA-810, CSL-Shoe, SL-450, fuming chambers, drying cabinets). The company also provides OEM engineering services and technical support, training, and maintenance.

Product overview

Projectina is a Swiss precision forensic instruments company offering a portfolio of specialized products across three main categories: Comparison Microscopes for ballistics and forensic analysis (VisionX, PAG1000, PAG800); Document Examination systems ranging from high-end spectral comparators to compact portable devices (Spectra Pro+, Spectra Flex, Spectra Check, Spectra Pocket, Docubox HD, Docutester, Inspec-6, PAGScan 3000, Docustat DS-220); and Crime Scene Equipment for trace evidence collection (PAGLAB MSA-810, CSL-Shoe, SL-450, Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chambers, Vacuum Fuming Chambers, Drying Cabinets). The product architecture is designed as modular, specialized instruments rather than a unified platform, with higher-end products like Spectra Pro+ and VisionX serving as flagship category-leading systems, while mid-range and portable options provide flexibility for different use cases. Projectina also offers OEM engineering services for custom optomechanical solutions and comprehensive technical support including remote diagnostics, maintenance, and training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Scanwel Group: Parent company formed from the merger of Projectina and Scanwel in 2026. Projectina brings precision optics and forensic technology to the group.

Products and services

• VisionX Comparison Microscope The most powerful and effective comparison microscope for firearm and tool-mark comparison. Features apochromatically corrected objectives with adjustable apertures, synchronized three-step magnification changer, parfocal optical system, motorized X/Y/Z movement, autofocus function, 95-233mm working distance, and ergonomic adjustable binocular tube with constant 30-degree viewing angle. Magnification range from 1.3x to 243x.
• PAG 1000 Stereo Microscope Premium stereo zoom microscope with 8x optical zoom, parallel-optics type system, and magnification range up to 60x (expandable to 480x depending on objective). Features ring light and spotlight illumination with optional high-resolution digital camera connectivity, used in forensics, biology, industry, and medicine.
• PAG 800 Stereo Microscope Stereo zoom microscope offering brilliantly sharp, high-contrast stereo images with 6.3:1 zoom ratio and 115mm working distance. Features C-mount video output for digital documentation and is suited for laboratory applications in forensics, biology, industry, and medicine.
• Spectra Pro+ Video Spectral Comparator The ultimate Video Spectral Comparator for forensic labs, security printers, and immigration authorities. Features a 24.5MP digital camera with spectral range 350-1100nm, optical magnification up to 500x on a 32-inch 4K monitor, and extensive light sources for inspection of UV-activated features, OVDs, holograms, anti-Stokes inks, retro-reflective features, OVI, watermarks, laser images, latent images, birefringent features, and fibers.
• Spectra Flex Document Examination System Flexible mid-range document examination system with modular design allowing agencies to choose specific modules. Features Flexband MSL technology, the all-new Halo Ringlight, motorized stage, and optical magnification up to 108x on a 27-inch monitor. Designed for border control, customs, financial institutions, and forensic laboratories.
• Spectra Check Document Verification Device Compact all-in-one document verification device with 14-inch 4K touchscreen, 15 integrated LED light sources, camera exceeding 90 Lp/mm with fast autofocus, magnification up to 240x, integrated passport and ID reader, automated face recognition, and automated examination routines. Designed for police, border control, immigration authorities, banks, and insurance companies.
• Spectra Pocket Portable Document Examiner Compact digital high-definition handheld document examination device with 10x-35x magnification, 2MP camera, 5-inch full HD touch display, LED lighting (incident, IR, UV, oblique white, UV torch), USB Type-C connectivity, 32GB internal TF card storage, video output to external display, and 5000mAh battery for full-day use. Weighs 260g.
• Docubox HD Document Verification System Compact document verification system with 14 integrated light sources, motorized 30x zoom optics, and Full HD 1920x1080 IR colour camera with spectral range 350nm-1100nm. Features image capture via USB, up to 200 control settings storage, and sequence mode for automated inspection.
• Docutester Front-Line Verification Workstation Robust front-line document verification workstation with tough metal housing and 4 integrated illumination systems (surface light, transmitted light, UVA 365nm, side light). Designed for border posts, banks, and harsh environments, handling documents up to A4 size.
• Inspec-6 Desktop Document Verification System Desktop document verification system handling documents up to A4/Letter size (210x300mm) with 8 integrated illumination systems including UV-A, UV-C, UV-B, white transmitted light, and oblique light. Includes an external 10x LED magnifier and a toughened carry case for transport.
• PAGScan 3000 Passport Scanner Compact full-page single-step passport scanner with automatic document detection, face comparison between data page photo and RFID information, and 700 PPI LED-based imaging under visible white, IR, and UV 365nm. ISO and ICAO standards compliant with support for BAC, EAC, PA, AA, and PACE.
• Docustat DS-220 Electrostatic Indented Writing System Non-destructive electrostatic system for visualization of indented writing using corona unit charging, developing powder, and adhesive film technique. Features user-friendly design with easy toner emptying and time/voltage control for individual process control.
• PAGLAB MSA-810 Multispectral Light Source Professional multispectral light source for trace evidence investigation covering 320-720nm with 10 illumination filter bands. Features motorized filter changer via magnetic remote control and liquid light guide, designed for detection and verification of fingerprints, body fluids, fibres, hair, and other trace evidence.
• CSL-Shoe Portable Crime Scene Light Portable crime scene light specifically designed for identification and recovery of shoe print evidence. Features 55W high-intensity dimmable LED array with linear light emission for sharp contrast on various surfaces, telescopic handle, and approximately 120 minutes continuous operation.
• SL-450 Portable Forensic Lamp Portable forensic lamp with powerful Xenon light source and 90 minutes of cable-free battery power. Features 7 built-in filter settings (white light, UV 365, 415, 450, 470, 505, 530nm), telescopic arm for evidence recovery, and high-impact resistant, dust-proof, chemical-resistant housing.
• Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chambers Crime scene and laboratory fuming chambers used for development of latent fingerprints via cyanoacrylate (super glue) fuming. Sold as standalone units in Projectina's crime scene equipment portfolio.
• Vacuum Fuming Chambers Vacuum fuming chambers for laboratory development of latent fingerprints and trace evidence under controlled vacuum conditions. Sold as standalone units in Projectina's crime scene equipment portfolio.
• Drying Cabinets Drying cabinets for forensic laboratory and crime scene use to safely dry evidence items. Sold as standalone units in Projectina's crime scene equipment portfolio.
• OEM Engineering Services Custom optomechanical engineering services including R&D, design, and production for medical industry, industrial applications, textiles, metrology, laser technology, optical measuring, machine vision, and optical special solutions. Covers the full process from consulting and feasibility studies through prototyping to serial production.
• Technical Support and Servicing Comprehensive customer service including hotline triage, tailored service and preventive maintenance packages, fast repair turnarounds, spare parts despatch, emergency breakdown support, and extended warranty packages. Remote diagnostics available via TeamViewer Online Support.
• Training Services Training services conducted at customer sites, at Projectina offices, or remotely via online conferencing. Covers specific instruments or general overviews across multiple forensic applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• VisionX magnification range: 1.3x to 243x with autofocus
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Scanwel GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026In 2026, Projectina merged with Scanwel to form the Scanwel Group. Scanwel brings engineering expertise while Projectina brings precision optics and forensic technology. Together they aim to provide better solutions for science, industry, and forensics. This represents a significant corporate restructuring combining two complementary engineering companies.
• Volpi AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProjectina and Volpi AG collaborate on custom microscope objective development for in-vitro diagnostics and life sciences instruments. Projectina optimized a sophisticated high numerical aperture microscope objective for Volpi's new measuring system, including controlled series production and cost optimization. Collaboration began end of 2022; prototype development completed mid-2023; pilot series in production. Both companies are interested in continuing and extending the partnership.
• Uster Technologies AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership of approximately 30 years where Projectina supplies highest quality optical sensors for Uster's yarn quality testing equipment. The optical sensors are part of the 'heart' of the Uster tester. Projectina's reliability in quality and deadlines is of central importance. Both companies have undergone fundamental changes during the partnership which has remained strong throughout.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Foster + Freeman: UK-based manufacturer of forensic science equipment best known for the VSC (Video Spectral Comparator) range, which directly competes with Projectina's Spectra Pro+/Spectra Flex for video spectral document examination. Both companies serve law enforcement, immigration, and border agencies globally with comparable technology and product positioning.
• Regula: Belarus-headquartered manufacturer of document authentication and identity verification devices for border control, immigration, banking, and law enforcement. Regula's product range (including Regula document readers and video spectral comparators) overlaps directly with Projectina's Spectra line and PAGScan 3000 in serving passport/ID authentication customers.
• Leica Microsystems: Danaher-owned German manufacturer of microscopy systems including comparison microscopes (Leica FS C, FS M, FS CB) used in forensic ballistics and tool mark analysis. Directly competes with Projectina's VisionX, PAG1000, and PAG800 in the forensic comparison microscopy segment for ballistics evidence.
• Sirchie Acquisition Company: US-based forensic supplier offering crime scene investigation equipment, fingerprint and trace evidence kits, and forensic light sources. Overlaps with Projectina's crime scene equipment category (PAGLAB MSA-810, CSL-Shoe, SL-450) for trace evidence detection and shoe print recovery.

Broad incumbents

• Carl Zeiss Microscopy: German global leader in microscopy and precision optics with a much broader product portfolio spanning research, life sciences, and industrial applications. Their stereo and comparison microscopes serve overlapping forensic ballistics and questioned-document customers, but Zeiss does not specialize in forensic workflows to the depth Projectina does.
• Evident (formerly Olympus Scientific Solutions): Spun off from Olympus in 2023, Evident manufactures industrial and life-science microscopy instruments including stereo microscopes used in forensic and industrial inspection. Comparable to Projectina's PAG series comparison microscopes at the broader microscopy level but without Projectina's forensic-specific optimisation.
• Bruker Corporation: US-listed manufacturer of scientific instruments including mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, and analytical systems used in forensic laboratories. Comparable to Projectina's spectral analysis product line at the broader analytical-instrument level but serves forensic as one of many verticals.
• HORIBA Scientific: Division of HORIBA Ltd manufacturing spectroscopy, fluorescence, and analytical instruments used in materials and life science research. Some overlap with Projectina's spectroscopy capabilities in document examination and trace detection applications.
• IDEMIA: French identity and security solutions provider (formerly OT-Morpho / Oberthur) offering biometric and document authentication solutions for border control, immigration, and identity programmes. Competes with Projectina's PAGScan 3000 and document examination systems for border and immigration authority budgets but at a much larger scale with broader identity solutions.

Emerging players

• ChemImage Forensic Solutions: Pittsburgh-based developer of hyperspectral imaging technology used in forensic evidence analysis including trace detection, questioned documents, and chemical imaging. Represents an emerging threat to traditional spectral comparator products like Spectra Pro+ with newer hyperspectral approaches.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/projectina-ag

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 Projectina