What Occhio does

Occhio s.a. is a privately held Belgian precision-instrument manufacturer founded in 2001 and headquartered in Angleur (Parc Scientifique du Sart Tilman), with additional offices in Naucelle, France and Beijing, China. The company designs, manufactures, and sells high-end laboratory instruments and companion software that use ISO-compliant image analysis to characterise the size and shape of powders, aggregates, suspensions, and emulsions.

Its hardware portfolio spans dry-dispersion instruments (500 Nano, 500 Nano XY, Zephyr LDA, Zephyr ESR 2, Morpho 3D, Scan 700, and the standalone VDD270 dispersion accessory) and liquid-dispersion instruments (IPAC 1, IPAC 2, and an automated IPAC 2 variant with an integrated dispensing robot), plus special instruments such as IPAC 2 AR for microbial detection. Underlying capabilities include ultra-high-resolution scientific-grade sensors, patented stereoscopic 90-degree dual-camera imaging for true 3D measurement, microchip flow cells with 100% sample coverage, and the proprietary, multi-instrument Callisto 3D software (CFR21 part 11 compliant) which controls SOPs, statistics, reporting, and data storage. A simplified Granusize software package supports routine QC use cases.

Commercially, Occhio generates revenue from one-time hardware sales (quote-based, not publicly priced), proprietary software licences (Callisto 3D, Granusize), and recurring service, calibration, training, and sample-analysis contracts. The company operates a sales-led, consultative go-to-market combining direct technical sales and an extensive network of localised distributors covering the United States, China, Japan, and most of Europe. Primary customers are biopharmaceutical R&D and production teams (protein aggregation, antibiotic-resistance testing, pharmaceutical powders, microcrystals), with secondary demand from industrial manufacturing QC/production and agricultural/food applications; named customer logos and revenue mix by segment are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Occhio

Legal name

Occhio s.a.

Website

https://occhio-instruments.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Occhio s.a. is a Belgian private manufacturer (founded 2001) of precision laboratory instruments and proprietary software that use image analysis to characterise the size and shape of particles in powders, suspensions, and emulsions, serving biopharma, industrial QC, and agricultural customers across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Particle Characterization Instruments

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Analytical Instruments & Chromatography Systems (HLAGAIAA)

Keywords

• Particle size analysis
• Image analysis instruments
• Laboratory characterization equipment
• Pharmaceutical particle analysis
• Protein aggregation instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Angleur

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Laboratory Instruments Sales: Sale of high-end measurement instruments for particle characterization including dry dispersion instruments (particle size 0.2µm to 50mm), liquid dispersion instruments (particle size 0.2µm to 3mm), and special instruments for specific applications.
2. Software Licenses: Proprietary software products including Callisto 3D (full featured 3D particle characterization) and Granusize (simplified version for quality control operations) that control instrument operation and analysis.
3. Service and Maintenance: Technical support, maintenance contracts, calibration services, training services, and sample analysis services offered to customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Occhio manufactures and sells precision laboratory instruments for particle size and shape characterization using ISO-compliant image analysis technology. The product portfolio includes dry dispersion instruments (500 Nano, 500 nano XY, Morpho 3D, Zephyr LDA, Zephyr ESR 2, Scan 700), liquid dispersion instruments (Ipac 1, Ipac 2), and proprietary software platforms (Callisto 3D, Granusize). Instruments measure particle size, shape, color, transparency, and concentration for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

Product overview

Occhio is a Belgian company (founded 2001) specializing in precision laboratory instruments for particle size and shape characterization using image analysis technology. The product portfolio consists of hardware instruments and companion software platforms. Hardware instruments are divided into dry dispersion instruments (500 Nano, 500 nano XY, Morpho 3D, Zephyr LDA, Zephyr ESR 2, Scan 700, VDD270) and liquid dispersion instruments (Ipac 1, Ipac 2, Ipac 2 with dispensing robot). The software ecosystem includes Callisto 3D (full-featured multi-instrument platform) and Granusize (simplified version). The instruments serve biotechnology/pharmaceutical, quality control, production control, and research applications, measuring particle size, shape, color, transparency, and concentration. The company also offers special instruments like IPAC 2 AR for microorganism detection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 500 nano XY Image analysis instrument for particle size, shape, and color characterization in both dry and liquid applications. Features integrated vacuum dispersion for dry samples and flow cell with syringe for liquid suspensions/emulsions. Particle size range: 0.2 to 300 micrometers (dry) and 0.8 to 300 micrometers (wet). ISO 13322-1 and ISO 9276-6 certified.
• 500 Nano Compact image analysis instrument for particle size and shape characterization with integrated vacuum dispersion device. Suitable for dry or slightly moist samples. Particle size range: 0.4 to 2000 micrometers (0.2 to 2000 micrometers with HR option). ISO 13322-1 and ISO 9276-6 certified.
• Morpho 3D Three-dimensional particle characterization instrument using stereo camera technology. Two synchronized cameras (90-degree orientation) capture true 3D measurements including particle width, length, and actual thickness. For dry samples with vibrating primary dispersion and conveyor belt drive. Particle size range: 500 micrometers to 10mm. Also measures particle color.
• Ipac 2 Image analysis instrument for protein aggregation analysis and liquid applications. Features ultra-high resolution scientific grade sensor, integrated syringe, new microchip cell, 5-magnification motorized lens, and autofocus. Particle size range: 0.3 to 1000 micrometers. Also performs particle counting, shape analysis, and transparency measurement.
• Ipac 1 Image analysis instrument for protein aggregation analysis in liquid applications. Designed for protein solutions stability control for drug and vaccine formulation, storage, and handling. Particle size range: 0.4 to 1000 micrometers. Features special flow cell for minimal sample reduction (covers 90% of analyzed volume).
• Ipac 2 with Integrated Dispensing Robot Automated version of Ipac 2 with integrated dispensing robot for biopharma applications. Automates entire analysis procedure for up to 96 samples. Features automatic dispensing, sample homogenization, cleansing between runs, data collection, and customizable plate support. Reduces working time and eliminates operator errors.
• Zephyr LDA Image analysis alternative to laser diffraction particle size analyzers. Uses high-speed shutter camera instead of laser sensors. For dry particle samples with vibrating and air stream dispersion. Particle size range: 7 micrometers to 5mm (1 micrometer to 5mm with optional high-resolution upgrade). Measures particle size, shape, and transparency.
• Zephyr ESR 2 Image analysis instrument for particle size and shape characterization with sieve correlation capability. Double telecentric lens with homogeneous blue backlight for superior image quality and depth of focus. Particle size range: 30 micrometers to 30mm. Ideal replacement for standard sieve analysis procedures with excellent correlation to ASTM or DIN regulations.
• Scan 700 Image analysis instrument for heterogeneous samples using CCD scanner technology. Large sensor size of 20,000 x 20,000 pixels for analyzing large areas in a single image. Particle size range: 10 micrometers to 50mm. Suitable for samples with variable populations. Also analyzes particle color.
• VDD270 Stand-alone vacuum dispersion device for homogenous dispersion of dry powder samples on flat surfaces such as microscope slides. Particles introduced through membrane on top of vacuum chamber; integrated pump creates vacuum to rupture membrane and disperse particles onto glass slide. Dispersion diameter: 140mm.
• Callisto 3D Multi-instrument software platform for particle characterization via image analysis. Controls entire analysis process including SOP, statistics, reporting, and data storage. Features calibration procedures, production control, measurement comparison, 3D particle characterization, CFR21 part 11 compliance, and correlation with sieve or laser methods.
• Granusize Simplified software for particle size and morphology characterization of powders, suspensions, and emulsions. Multi-instrument interface adapting SOPs to different instruments. Features granulometric and morphologic distribution, statistical tools, particle visualization by size and shape, and report printing.
• IPAC 2 AR Ultra-sensitive particle counter based on IPAC 2 technology for fast detection and quantification of microorganisms. Used for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing in collaboration with UCLL Research and Expertise. Can detect microorganisms up to ten times faster than traditional methods.

Quantifiable outcome

• Antibiotic resistance testing can be done up to ten times faster
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• UCLL Research and ExpertisecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2021Occhio in partnership with UCLL Research and Expertise presents the project 'Bacterial Counting for Antibiotic Resistance Testing'. The collaboration enables antibiotic resistance testing to be done up to ten times faster using the IPAC 2 AR ultra-sensitive particle counter technology developed by Occhio. UCLL organized demonstrations of the technology for fast detection and quantification of microorganisms.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Shimadzu Scientific Instruments: Major Japanese analytical instrument manufacturer with broad particle, materials, and pharma characterization portfolio. Competitor for Occhio in Asian biopharma and industrial QC accounts.
• Anton Paar: Austrian precision instrument manufacturer with particle sizing and characterization solutions (Litesizer, PSA). Comparable to Occhio in European specialty-instrument heritage and serves overlapping R&D and quality-control customers.
• Beckman Coulter Life Sciences: Large life-sciences instrument company with particle counting and characterization tools used in biopharma. Overlaps with Occhio's IPAC protein-aggregation and bacterial-counting product lines, serving similar biopharma QC customers.
• Agilent Technologies: Global analytical instrument leader with broad life-science and materials characterization portfolio. Competes indirectly with Occhio in pharmaceutical QC and research labs through complementary analytical workflows.
• Malvern Panalytical: Global leader in particle characterization and analytical instruments (laser diffraction, dynamic light scattering, image analysis). Direct overlap with Occhio's full particle-sizing portfolio and serves identical biotech, pharmaceutical, and industrial customers, but at vastly larger scale.
• HORIBA Scientific: Major analytical instrument manufacturer with broad particle characterization portfolio including laser diffraction and image analysis. Competes with Occhio across pharmaceutical, materials, and industrial QC markets with greater resources and global reach.

Emerging players

• Bettersize Instruments: China-based specialist in laser diffraction and image-based particle size analyzers. Emerging competitor in similar product categories with growing international presence, particularly relevant given Occhio's China office and Asian distribution.
• TSI Incorporated: US-based manufacturer of particle sizing and counting instruments (Aerodynamic Particle Sizer, Optical Particle Sizer). Overlaps with Occhio's particle counting and biopharma applications, particularly around cleanroom and protein-aggregation measurements.

Direct peers

• Fritsch GmbH: German manufacturer of particle sizing instruments (laser diffraction, dynamic image analysis) and sample preparation equipment. Closely comparable European specialist with similar product categories and customer base in industrial QC.
• Sympatec: German specialist in particle size and shape analysis using laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis. Closest direct competitor to Occhio's dry and wet dispersion instruments, serving similar industrial QC and R&D applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Compliance4 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 Occhio