SY-LAB
SY-LAB is a privately held Austrian manufacturer (founded 1976) of microbiological rapid-testing instruments (RiboFlow, BacTrac, AMP-6000) and MDR-certified computer-controlled cryogenic freezers (IceCube series), serving food, dairy, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and biobanking laboratories worldwide through a distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersVienna, Austria
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
SY-LAB firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SY-LAB
- Legal name
- 'SY-LAB' Geräte, Zubehör und Systeme für Laboratorien Gesellschaft m.b.H.
- Website
- https://sylab.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- SY-LAB is a privately held Austrian manufacturer (founded 1976) of microbiological rapid-testing instruments (RiboFlow, BacTrac, AMP-6000) and MDR-certified computer-controlled cryogenic freezers (IceCube series), serving food, dairy, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and biobanking laboratories worldwide through a distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SY-LAB industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Analytical Laboratory Instruments
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821)
- akta.pro primary industry
- General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Sample Preparation, Storage & Cryogenics (Freezers, Cryovials, Cryostats) (HLAGAIAJ)
Keywords
Where SY-LAB is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Vienna
- HQ country
- Austria
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
SY-LAB business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Instrument Sales: Sale of analytical instruments including BacTrac impedance analyzers, AMP-6000 platforms, RiboFlow instruments, and IceCube controlled rate freezers. Instruments available in standard and medical device (MDR) certified versions.
- Consumables and Reagents: Recurring revenue from culture media, reagents, test kits (RiboFlow assays), measuring cells, and accessories. Includes AmpMedia formulations and specialty growth media for specific detection applications.
- Cryogenic Equipment and Accessories: Sales of liquid nitrogen storage containers (Taylor-Wharton based systems), inventory control systems, sample transport containers, and freezer accessories including racks and temperature sensors.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Quote-based enterprise pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
SY-LAB product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SY-LAB manufactures and distributes microbiological testing instruments, specific culture media and reagents, and rapid biomolecular test systems for the examination of foods, feeds, pharmaceutical products, toiletries and cosmetics. The company also produces computer-controlled rate freezers, liquid-nitrogen storage containers, sample transport systems and cryogenic accessories for cryopreservation of blood, cells, tissues and other biological materials.
Product overview
SY-LAB Geräte GmbH is a manufacturer of analytical instruments operating in two main divisions: Microbiology and Cryobiology. The Microbiology division offers rapid testing systems comprising the BacTrac impedance microbiology platform, RiboFlow molecular flow-based lateral flow detection system, AMP-6000 automated MPN microbiological platform with Scan and Robotic Workstations, anaerobic incubation equipment (nox.18), and associated culture media/reagents (AmpMedia, BiMedia). The Cryobiology division produces the IceCube series of computer-controlled rate freezers (11XS, 14S, 14M, 17M, 17L), Taylor-Wharton liquid nitrogen storage containers (XT, HC, LS, K, LABS series), sample transport systems (CX, CXR), inventory control systems, and security/automation equipment (CryoCon, Gas Bypass). The divisions share common quality management and certifications but operate as distinct product lines serving food safety testing and cryopreservation markets respectively.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SY-LAB Microbiology: Microbiological instrumentation, culture media, reagents, and rapid biomolecular test systems for food, feed, pharmaceutical, toiletry, and cosmetic testing.
- SY-LAB Cryobiology
Products and services
- RiboFlow Molecular Flow-Based Detection System Molecular detection system using lateral-flow technology combined with nucleic-acid hybridisation to detect ribosomal RNA from bacterial pathogens in food samples; includes individual and dual-target assays (e.g., RiboFlow Listeria Twin, RiboFlow Ali Twin) and runs on crude cell lysate without amplification.
- AMP-6000 Automated Microbiological Platform Miniaturized, automated MPN (Most Probable Number) system analyzing 24–96 sample replicates on microtiter plates with automated sample preparation, color/fluorescence detection and AI-assisted result qualification; supports semi-automated and robotic workstation configurations.
- BacTrac Impedance Microbiology System Impedance-based detection and enumeration system that measures changes in electrical impedance caused by microbial metabolism in culture media; supports protocols for bacteria, yeasts and molds.
- IceCube Controlled Rate Freezers (11XS, 14S, 14M, 17M, 17L) Computer-controlled rate freezers covering +40°C to -180°C with cooling rates of 0.01–60°C/min, available with MDR Class IIa medical-device certification for cryopreservation of blood, blood components, cells, tissues, organs and body fluids.
- Taylor-Wharton Cryogenic Storage Containers (XT, HC, LS, K, LABS Series) Liquid-nitrogen cryogenic storage containers with vacuum insulation and multi-layer super-insulation for long-term preservation of vials, blood bags and straws at cryogenic temperatures.
- Sample Transport Containers (CX, CXR Series) Dry transport containers using absorption technology for safe shipping of biological materials at temperatures below -150°C with IATA compliance.
- AmpMedia Specialty Nutrient Media Sterile, ready-to-use nutrient media in 96-well microtiter plates designed for the AMP-6000 system, including AmpMedia 666 chromogenic broth for selective detection of cheese-spoiling clostridia.
- nox.18 Anaerobic Jar High-capacity square anaerobic jar optimized for microtiter plates, providing anaerobic incubation for high-throughput microbiological workflows.
- Security & Automation Systems for Cryogenic Storage (CryoCon, Gas Bypass, Oxygen Monitor) CryoCon fill-level controllers, CryoVent M360 gas-bypass systems for LN2 supply management, oxygen monitors for safety, and personal protective equipment for liquid-nitrogen handling.
- Cryogenic Inventory Control Systems Storage racks and boxes for vials and blood bags manufactured from anodised aluminium or stainless steel, available in multiple sizes for cryogenic sample storage organization.
Quantifiable outcome
- Workload reduction of up to 80% compared to classical microbiological methods
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use SY-LAB
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SY-LAB technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
SY-LAB partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Oxoid (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific)coreOxoid developed BiMedia 404A (One Bouillon Listeria) media formulation which SY-LAB adapted for use with BacTrac impedance analyzers. This collaboration enabled the shortened 2-day Listeria detection protocol. SY-LAB also uses BiMedia 510A for yeast and mold detection in impedance applications.
- mdc medical device certification GmbHcoreNotified body that certified SY-LAB's quality management system according to MDR (EU) 2017/745 for computer-controlled freezers (IceCube series) as Class IIa medical devices. Also certified SY-LAB according to ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 standards.
- Lloyd's RegistercoreIndependent certification body that performed MicroVal validation studies for SY-LAB products (AMP-6000 TMAC protocol, RiboFlow Listeria Twin) according to ISO 16140-2:2016 standard, providing third-party verification of method equivalence to reference standards.
- Taylor-WhartoncoreSY-LAB integrates Taylor-Wharton cryogenic storage containers (XT, HC, LS, K, LABS series) and CryoCon fill-level control systems into their cryobiology portfolio. Taylor-Wharton supplies the storage vessels while SY-LAB provides complementary freezing equipment (IceCube) and inventory control systems.
- International Dairy Federation (IDF)minorSY-LAB's AMP-6000 method has been included in IDF publications (Fact Sheet 22/2022, Bulletin 533/2025) for method comparison and enumeration of cheese-spoiling clostridia. This provides validation recognition but is not a formal commercial partnership.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
SY-LAB competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Planer: UK manufacturer of controlled-rate freezers (Kryo 360, Kryo 750 series) and cryogenic equipment for IVF, cell therapy, and biobanking. Directly comparable to SY-LAB's IceCube product line as a specialist supplier of programmable rate freezers for medical and research cryopreservation.
- Hygiena: US-based provider of rapid microbial testing products (e.g., EnSURE Touch luminometer, BAX PCR, Innovate system). Directly comparable as a specialist in rapid, alternative-method food and environmental microbiology testing, competing for similar QC customers with workflow-simplified platforms.
- Custom BioGenic Systems (CBS): US manufacturer of cryogenic freezers and storage systems for biological samples (e.g., CryoExtra 20, high-capacity LN2 freezers). Closely comparable to SY-LAB Cryobiology division in target customers (biobanks, cord blood banks) and product category (controlled-rate and LN2 storage equipment).
- R-Biopharm: German-based developer of test kits and instruments for food and feed pathogen and residue detection (e.g., RIDA qPCR, Compact Dry). Directly comparable to SY-LAB as a mid-sized European specialist in validated microbiological testing methods for the food/feed industry.
Broad incumbents
- bio-Rad Laboratories: Diversified life science and clinical diagnostics company whose iQ-Check PCR pathogen detection kits and laboratory instruments serve the same food microbiology QC buyers. Overlaps with SY-LAB in providing validated molecular and culture-based microbiology workflows to food and clinical labs.
- bioMérieux: Global leader in industrial and clinical microbiology, offering a broad portfolio of pathogen detection, enumeration, and identification systems (e.g., GENE-UP, TEMPO, VITEK). Comparable to SY-LAB as a microbiology instrumentation supplier to food and pharma QC, but at vastly greater scale and with overlapping validated methods.
- Neogen Corporation: Global food safety company offering pathogen detection kits (e.g., ANSR, Reveal), sanitation diagnostics, and molecular tests. Comparable as a broad food-safety testing solutions provider competing with SY-LAB in pathogen detection for food processors, though Neogen operates at substantially larger scale.
- Chart Industries (MVE Cryogenics): Diversified cryogenic equipment manufacturer including MVE cryogenic freezers and storage tanks serving biobanking, IVF, and cell therapy customers. Comparable to SY-LAB Cryobiology division in target end markets, though Chart operates at far greater scale across industrial and life science cryogenics.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (Oxoid / Remel): Global life sciences leader whose Oxoid and Remel brands supply the culture media (including BiMedia 404A/510A) that SY-LAB's BacTrac workflows depend on, while also offering competing microbiology instruments and molecular food safety assays. Closely comparable both as a competitor and as an upstream media supplier.
- Merck KGaA (MilliporeSigma): Life science tools giant offering microbiology testing consumables (ReadyPlate, EZ-Fluo), instruments, and services for food and pharma QC. Comparable as a broad-incumbent supplier into the same end-user segments, with overlapping culture media and rapid microbial testing product lines.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SY-LAB social profiles
Digital presenceSY-LAB compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
SY-LAB financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SY-LAB leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
SY-LAB funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SY-LAB M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SY-LAB
What does SY-LAB do?
SY-LAB manufactures and distributes microbiological testing instruments, specific culture media and reagents, and rapid biomolecular test systems for the examination of foods, feeds, pharmaceutical products, toiletries and cosmetics. The company also produces computer-controlled rate freezers, liquid-nitrogen storage containers, sample transport systems and cryogenic accessories for cryopreservation of blood, cells, tissues and other biological materials.
Is SY-LAB a public or private company?
SY-LAB is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was SY-LAB founded?
SY-LAB was founded in 1976. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is SY-LAB based?
SY-LAB is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, in the Europe region.
How does SY-LAB make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Instrument Sales are the primary driver. The others are consumables and Reagents and cryogenic Equipment and Accessories.
Who are SY-LAB's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Planer, Hygiena, Custom BioGenic Systems (CBS) and R-Biopharm. Broad incumbents are bio-Rad Laboratories, bioMérieux, Neogen Corporation, Chart Industries (MVE Cryogenics), Thermo Fisher Scientific (Oxoid / Remel) and Merck KGaA (MilliporeSigma).
Does SY-LAB have an API?
No public API is recorded for SY-LAB.
What industry is SY-LAB in?
SY-LAB's product category is Analytical Laboratory Instruments. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAC, General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens), with a secondary code of HLAGAIAJ, Sample Preparation, Storage & Cryogenics (Freezers, Cryovials, Cryostats). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.