MiniOne Systems

What MiniOne Systems does

MiniOne Systems, a product line of Embi Tec (itself a trademark of C.C. IMEX), designs and sells compact molecular biology equipment and consumables purpose-built for K-12 and undergraduate biology classrooms. The portfolio is anchored by the MiniOne Electrophoresis System, which uses blue LED illumination and a 42V low-voltage reed-switch safety architecture to complete DNA separation in approximately 20 minutes without UV light, and the MiniOne PCR System, a 16-sample thermal cycler using Peltier elements with Bluetooth LE app control that completes a DNA amplification cycle in roughly 45 minutes. Supporting products include the SpiniOne portable centrifuge, programmable incubator, Winston Fluorescence Reader, variable micropipettes, the ePipette electronic pipette, and pre-stained GreenGel GelCups, all sold alongside bundled classroom sets and curriculum-aligned MiniLab reagent kits.

The company monetizes primarily through direct-to-educator hardware sales priced from $199 (entry electrophoresis unit) to $9,299 (10-unit PCR classroom pack), supplemented by recurring consumables and MiniLab kits priced $13–$144, plus bundled packages (e.g., PCR + Electrophoresis at $1,194; Bioscience Classroom Starter at $5,988). Go-to-market is product-led e-commerce on theminione.com with regional storefronts for Europe (eu.theminione.com) and Hong Kong, supplemented by phone sales for school district purchase orders (processed via Embi Tec) and conference presence at NABT, ABLE, and WSTA. Customer segments span middle/high school science educators, university faculty, home-school and individual learners, and healthcare/vocational programs; marketing emphasizes single-class-period lab completion, teacher-friendly prep, and safety for student use.

Operationally, MiniOne is a small private entity (11–50 employees) headquartered in San Diego at 7738 Arjons Dr, with no disclosed external funding, venture investment, or public listing. Products are supported by ISO 8655-compliant and ISO 13485-manufactured micropipettes, CE-marked power supplies, and the issued US patent 8,974,651 covering the PrepOne Sapphire oblique LED illuminator. Revenue, leadership, and team composition are not publicly disclosed.

Name

MiniOne Systems

Legal name

Embi Tec

Website

https://theminione.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MiniOne Systems designs and sells compact molecular biology equipment, including electrophoresis, PCR, and fluorescence imaging systems, along with consumables and lab kits, for K-12 and undergraduate biology classrooms. The company sells direct-to-educator through its own e-commerce storefronts in the US, Europe, and Hong Kong.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Laboratory Equipment

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC), Biology & Life Science Enrichment (Biotech, Genetics, Anatomy) (EDAMABAF)

Keywords

• Educational lab equipment
• Classroom electrophoresis systems
• PCR thermal cyclers
• Molecular biology kits
• Biology teaching tools

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Equipment Sales: One-time sale of electrophoresis systems, PCR thermal cyclers, centrifuges, micropipettes, and accessories. Equipment prices range from $199 (electrophoresis system) to $9,299 (classroom pack of PCR systems). Free validation kits included with equipment purchases.
2. Consumables and Reagents: Recurring sales of GelCups, micropipette tips, microcentrifuge tubes, PCR tubes, buffer solutions, DNA markers, and loading dyes. Consumable prices range from $13-$36 per item. MiniLabs (lab kits) priced $54-$144 provide complete reagents for individual lab activities.
3. Complete Lab Packages: Bundled packages combining electrophoresis and PCR systems with accessories. Prices from $1,194 (basic combo) to $5,988 (bioscience classroom starter package). Includes free micropipettes with most packages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

MiniOne Systems designs, manufactures, and sells compact, classroom-optimized molecular biology equipment and complete lab kits for biology education from middle school through university. Core hardware includes the MiniOne Electrophoresis System (blue LED DNA visualization, 20-minute runs), the MiniOne PCR System (Bluetooth LE mobile-controlled thermal cycler, 45-minute amplification), The Winston Fluorescence Reader, micropipettes, centrifuges, and a programmable incubator, supported by GreenGel GelCups consumables, MiniLabs reagent kits, bundled classroom packages, and replacement parts.

Product overview

MiniOne Systems produces molecular biology equipment and lab kits designed specifically for biology classrooms, operating as a subsidiary of Embi Tec. The product portfolio centers on three core systems: the MiniOne Electrophoresis System for real-time DNA separation, the MiniOne PCR System for DNA amplification via thermal cycling, and The Winston Fluorescence Reader for documenting fluorescent assay results. These are complemented by MiniLabs—complete inquiry-based reagent kits covering genetics, forensics, and molecular biology topics—and essential lab equipment including micropipettes, centrifuges, and an incubator. The MiniOne ecosystem includes various bundled classroom packages (electrophoresis-only sets, PCR-only packs, and combined PCR+electrophoresis packages) ranging from individual student configurations to classroom sets of 10. Consumables include GreenGel GelCups (pre-stained agarose gels), micropipette tips, microcentrifuge tubes, and PCR tubes. The company also offers carrying cases for transport and storage, replacement parts for all major components, and distance learning solutions enabling hands-on lab instruction outside traditional classroom settings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MiniOne Electrophoresis System: Safe, engaging, and reliable electrophoresis system for biology classrooms - completes DNA separation in 20 minutes
• MiniOne PCR System
• MiniOne MiniLabs
• The Winston Fluorescence Reader
• SpiniOne Centrifuge
• Let it Glow Bacterial Transformation MiniLab
• PrepOne Sapphire

Products and services

• MiniOne Electrophoresis System Compact real-time DNA separation electrophoresis unit with built-in blue LED illuminator for biology classrooms, completing gel casting to DNA band visualization in a single class period (20 minutes). Includes carriage, gel tank, casting system, amber filter photo hood, and power supply. Low voltage (42V) for classroom safety.
• MiniOne PCR System Classroom thermal cycler for DNA amplification with 16-sample capacity, 4°C to 99°C temperature range, heated lid, and Peltier element for rapid heating/cooling. Controlled via iOS/Android mobile app over Bluetooth LE. Completes amplification in 45 minutes within a single class period.
• The Winston Fluorescence Reader Fluorescence reader for visualizing and documenting results from bacterial transformation and other fluorescent assays used with the MiniOne ecosystem, including the Let it Glow Bacterial Transformation MiniLab.
• MiniLabs Complete inquiry-based lab kits providing reagents, precast gels, and supplies for hands-on molecular biology education. Topics include genetics, forensics, electrophoresis, and PCR, designed for middle school, high school, and university use. Individual kits priced $54-$144.
• GreenGel GelCups Pre-stained, pre-cut, pre-weighed, and packaged agarose gels that eliminate post-staining and de-staining. Ready to cast by microwaving for 20 seconds. Recyclable, with no hazardous waste generation.
• SpiniOne Portable Centrifuge USB-rechargeable, battery-powered portable mini centrifuge accommodating up to four 0.65 mL or four 0.2 mL PCR tubes. Designed for portable use in distance learning and minimal-space classroom settings. Priced at $114.
• MiniOne Incubator (M2040) Programmable incubator with precise temperature control for lab tasks requiring uniform heating over extended periods. Features innovative shelving to hold up to 12 gloTrays from the Let it Glow Bacterial Transformation MiniLab. Priced at $299.
• Let it Glow Bacterial Transformation MiniLab Bacterial transformation MiniLab using pre-aliquoted reagents and pre-poured gloTray that delivers reliable results with easier prep. Uses a hands-free heat shock protocol (heating and cooling in the MiniOne PCR system) and produces results that can be viewed and documented on The Winston Fluorescence Reader.
• Pipetting and Gel Loading Practice Kit Classroom kit for teaching essential pipetting skills. Includes ten 2-20 µL adjustable micropipettes, twenty precast agar gels, practice sheets, dye samples, microcentrifuge tubes, and pipette tips. Priced at $739.
• MiniOne Micropipettes Variable and fixed volume micropipettes in sizes 2-20 µL, 20-200 µL, and 100-1000 µL, with durable ergonomic design for educational use. Manufactured to ISO 8655 (calibration tested) and ISO 13485 standards. Individual 2-20 µL unit at $69; three-unit set at $219.
• MiniOne Multi-Speed Centrifuge Compact classroom centrifuge with intuitive design and quiet operation. Accommodates multiple tube sizes with multiple speed settings for quick spins and cell pelleting.
• MiniOne ePipette (M2080) Electronic pipette that eliminates thumb fatigue and human error, allowing pipetting and aliquoting of multiple samples from 10-200 µL with a single tap. Available with $75 promotional discount when bundled with three MiniLabs through Dec 31, 2026.
• PrepOne Sapphire Illuminator First-of-its-kind blue LED illuminator using an oblique illumination design to visualize fluorescent stained DNA bands without requiring a protective mask or filter. Includes amber filter and photo hood for smart devices. Covered by USPN 8,974,651 patent. Priced at $659.
• MiniOne PCR and Electrophoresis Packages Bundled packages combining PCR and electrophoresis systems with optional accessories. Options include the M4011 PCR + Electrophoresis combo at $1,194, the M4039 PCR + Electrophoresis Package IV at $5,369, the M4040 Bioscience Classroom Starter at $5,988, and the M4211USBASIC Biotech Basics Set at $1,296.
• Classroom Packages and Sets Classroom-sized bundles including the MiniOne Electrophoresis Classroom Set of 10 with carrying cases ($2,090, promotional from $3,349), the Classroom Pack of 10 PCR Systems ($9,299), and Distance Learning Kits ($479 single / $4,679 classroom set).
• Consumables (Pipette Tips, Microcentrifuge Tubes, PCR Tubes) One-time-use laboratory plastics including micropipette tips (multiple sizes in racked and bulk packaging), microcentrifuge tubes (0.65 mL and 1.7 mL), and PCR tubes (0.2 mL thin-walled). Prices $13-$36 per item.
• MiniOne Replacement Parts and Carrying Cases Individual replacement components for MiniOne systems including Carriage Unit ($299), Gel Tank ($59), Casting System ($59), Photo Hood ($34), Power Supply ($24), and Gel Tray Platforms ($24 each); plus rugged foam-cutout carrying cases for organizing and transporting equipment ($49-$104).

Quantifiable outcome

• Electrophoresis labs can be completed in 20 minutes (vs. longer traditional methods)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• MassBioEd / BioTeach ProgramminorOthersMiniOne referenced collaboration with MassBioEd's BioTeach program for pipette training activities. A biology teacher at East Boston High School used a BioTeach-created activity for teaching micropipette use.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Global life-science research and clinical diagnostics company with a long-standing education division (Bio-Rad Explorer) that sells electrophoresis, PCR, and genetics kits to K-12 and university classrooms. Direct overlap in core product categories (electrophoresis and PCR systems) and overlapping customer base of biology educators.
• Fisher Science Education: Education-focused arm of Thermo Fisher supplying lab equipment, reagents, and curriculum-aligned kits to K-12 and higher-education institutions. Competes for district-level molecular biology and biotech lab budgets.
• Ward's Science: Supplier of science teaching kits, equipment, and consumables for K-12 and higher education, with a life science catalog that includes electrophoresis and genetics labs. Direct competitor for district-level biology procurement budgets.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Education): Global life sciences leader that supplies educational institutions with molecular biology instruments, reagents, and kits. Education-targeted product lines (e.g., Invitrogen and Applied Biosystems teaching tools) compete for the same classroom budget as MiniOne.
• Carolina Biological Supply: Long-established distributor and manufacturer of K-16 science teaching supplies including life science, biotechnology, and molecular biology kits. Overlaps with MiniOne in classroom DNA/electrophoresis experiments and the broader biology curriculum supply chain.
• 3B Scientific: Global supplier of educational and medical simulation products including life science and biotechnology teaching materials. Comparable channel into universities and science educators with adjacent molecular biology lab offerings.

Regional players

• Boreal Science: Educational science supplier offering life science kits, microscopes, and lab equipment to North American schools. Overlaps with MiniOne on consumable classroom lab supplies and through shared K-12 biology procurement channels.

Direct peers

• Edvotek: Specialist provider of biotechnology and molecular biology education kits, equipment, and curricula for middle school, high school, and college classrooms. Competes head-to-head with MiniOne in electrophoresis reagents, PCR, and inquiry-based lab kits sold to biology teachers.

Emerging players

• Vernier Software & Technology: Education-focused scientific data-collection and instrumentation company best known for probeware and sensors; also serves life science and biotech teaching labs. Comparable channel (biology teachers, school district sales) with overlapping STEM education positioning.
• MicroLAB: Provider of compact, classroom-oriented scientific instruments and data interfaces for high school and college science labs. Comparable focus on simplified, classroom-safe, low-cost lab equipment with overlap in measurement-oriented biology experiments.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/minionesystem

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 MiniOne Systems