SensApex
Sensapex Oy is a Finnish privately-held manufacturer of patented ZeroDrift piezo micromanipulators, motorized microscopes, automated pressure controllers, and integrated workstations serving more than 1,000 neuroscience and electrophysiology research laboratories worldwide through direct sales and a global distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersOulu, Finland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SensApex does
Sensapex Oy is a Finnish privately-held scientific instrument company founded in 2011 and headquartered in Oulu, Finland, with a US sales and service subsidiary in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The company designs and manufactures precision micromanipulators, motorized microscopes, automated pressure controllers, and integrated workstation systems for electrophysiology and imaging research, anchored by its patented ZeroDrift piezo technology that delivers drift-free, closed-loop positioning for sensitive applications such as patch clamp recording, in vivo neural recording, and automated microinjection. Its product portfolio is organized under the uMp (manipulators), uMs (microscopes based on the Nikon FN-1 design), uMc (pressure control for patch clamp, pipette cleaning, and injection), uMx (open-source Python SDK and firmware), and uM Workstations and Multiprobe Rigs brands, all manufactured in-house in Finland and protected by multiple US and European patents plus licensed patch clamp and pipette cleaning IP from GTRC and MIT.
The company sells primarily to neuroscience research laboratories in academia and industry, with secondary OEM/white-label customers seeking to integrate Sensapex motion and pressure control technologies into their own products. Go-to-market combines direct sales from Finland and the US with a global distribution network spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia through more than 15 regional distributors including Nikon Instruments and Warner Instruments in the US. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware purchases, pre-configured workstation bundles, accessories, and OEM engineering services, with prices disclosed on a quote basis in EUR. The company serves more than 1,000 laboratories worldwide and markets through scientific conferences (Society for Neuroscience, NWG Göttingen), webinars, and technical application notes. Sensapex is owned by its founders Mikko Vähäsöyrinki (Founder and General Manager) and Tarja Vähäsöyrinki (Operations Director) and operates within the Acuvi Group alongside sister companies Acuvi, Piezomotor, and TPA Motion under common ownership, with no external institutional investment evidenced.
SensApex firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SensApex
- Legal name
- Sensapex Oy
- Website
- https://sensapex.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sensapex Oy is a Finnish privately-held manufacturer of patented ZeroDrift piezo micromanipulators, motorized microscopes, automated pressure controllers, and integrated workstations serving more than 1,000 neuroscience and electrophysiology research laboratories worldwide through direct sales and a global distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SensApex industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scientific Instrumentation (Electrophysiology & Micromanipulation)
- NAICS
- Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC)
Keywords
Where SensApex is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oulu
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
SensApex business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Products: Sale of precision micromanipulators, automated microscope workstations, pressure control products, and accessories. Products are sold as one-time purchases with optional accessories and configuration systems. The company also offers pre-configured workstation bundles.
- OEM/White-label Solutions: Custom engineering and white-label manufacturing services for OEM customers seeking to integrate Sensapex motion and pressure control technologies into their products
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-HUB Lite controller |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-SLD slide module |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-FLP back-flip module |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-ROT rotation module |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-3 micromanipulator |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-4 micromanipulator |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMs-MXY motorized xy-translator |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uM-GND-BAR grounding bar |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMs-MCU motor controller |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uM-CHG charger |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-NPH-2S Neuropixel V2.0 adapter |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-MBS docking base |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-DVT dovetail headstage adapter |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-NPR-200 probe holder rod |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-RHL rod holder adapter |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMp-RW4 rotary wheel controller |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMc-PRF-VAC pressure pre-regulator |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMc-PPC-2 pressure controller |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uM-GND-SET grounding cable set |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uM-GND-400 grounding cables |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uM-GND-500 grounding cables |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | uMs-STA stage adapter |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Automated pipette cleaning system 8-channel |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Automated pipette cleaning system 4-channel |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Automated pipette cleaning system 2-channel |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
SensApex product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sensapex designs, manufactures, and sells ultra-precise micromanipulators (uMp), automated microscope workstations (uMs), and micropipette pressure controllers (uMc), bundled as integrated workstations and multiprobe rigs for electrophysiology, patch clamp, Neuropixels recording, and microinjection. All products are based on the company's patented ZeroDrift closed-loop piezo technology, designed and manufactured in-house in Oulu, Finland, and sold worldwide through direct sales, an owned webstore, and a distributor network. An open-source Python SDK supports custom automation.
Product overview
SensApex offers a comprehensive portfolio of ultra-precise micromanipulation and automated microscope workstation products for electrophysiology and imaging applications. The core product lines include: uMp micromanipulators (uMp-3 and uMp-4 with patented ZeroDrift piezo technology), uMs microscopes (based on Nikon FN-1 design), uMc automated pressure controllers (uMc-PPC for patch clamp, uMc-CLN for pipette cleaning, uMc-INJ for injections), and uMx Software with open-source Python SDK. These integrate into complete uM workstations (uM-Patch Classic, uM-Patch Plus, Quad slice patch clamp) and Multiprobe rigs for in vivo Neuropixel recordings. Products are designed and manufactured in Oulu, Finland, with global distribution.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- uMp: High-precision micromanipulators with ZeroDrift piezo technology for electrophysiology applications
- uMs
- uMc
- uMx
- uM Workstations
- ZeroDrift
Products and services
- uMp micromanipulators High-precision micromanipulators with patented ZeroDrift piezo technology and closed-loop control, available in 3-axis (uMp-3) and 4-axis (uMp-4) configurations. Designed for cell research and electrophysiology applications requiring exceptional stability and positioning accuracy.
- uMs microscopes Integrated, automation-ready motorized microscopes (based on Nikon FN-1 upright design) optimized for highest stability with minimum vibrations, with closed-loop control for sample and objective positioning. Compatible with major manufacturers' optics and imaging products.
- uMc automated pressure control High-accuracy automated micropipette pressure control systems for patch clamp and microinjection, comprising uMc-PPC (patch clamp, +/-100 kPa with 10 Pa resolution), uMc-CLN (automated pipette cleaning, enabling reuse of pipettes for up to 100 cells), and uMc-INJ (automated microinjection of dyes, viruses, DNA vectors).
- uMx Software Fully digital, versatile software platform providing Ethernet-based control of micromanipulators, microscopes, and pressure controllers, with an open-source Python SDK (sensapex.py) on GitHub and a firmware update tool, enabling custom automated research applications.
- uM workstations Complete automated microscope workstations integrating uMs microscopes, uMp micromanipulators, and uMc pressure control. Pre-configured configurations include uM-Patch Classic (single patch clamp with wide-field microscopy), uM-Patch Plus (dual patch clamp with IR-DIC optics and automated pipette cleaning), and Quad slice patch clamp systems.
- Multiprobe rigs Multi-probe positioning systems for in vivo electrophysiology recordings with Neuropixels probes. Available in Single, Dual, and Quad Neuropixel Rig configurations, supporting reproducible placement of over 25 probes and integrated with Virtual Brain Lab's Pinpoint software for multiprobe recording planning.
- OEM/white-label motion and pressure control platform Custom engineering and white-label manufacturing services for OEM customers integrating Sensapex's compact closed-loop motion and pressure control platform, compatible with proprietary piezo drives, nano-resolution sensors, stepper motors, and pressure regulators/valves, into their own products.
- Automated pipette cleaning systems Pre-configured bundled pipette cleaning workstations with pressure controller, pre-regulator, and cleaning inserts for one, four, or eight uMp micromanipulators, enabling automated re-use of patch pipettes across up to 100 cells and increased multi-patch throughput.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 100 cells can be patched without changing the pipette using automated cleaning
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use SensApex
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
SensApex technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature5 records
SensApex partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and moderate.
- ScopProminorNew distribution partner added in December 2023 for France. Long history of working closely with neuroscientists and physiologists in France.
- NPI Electronic (webinar co-host)minorCo-hosted webinar with Daniel Birman (University of Washington) on Pinpoint software for multiprobe recordings in October 2023.
- npi electronic GmbHcoreRegional distribution partner for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Provides full range of Sensapex products with specialized local support for neuroscience and physiology customers.
- Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbHcoreRegional distribution partner covering Europe, Middle East, and Australia. Specializes in multi-channel systems for electrophysiology research.
- Cibertec S.A.minorRegional distribution partner for Spain.
- MICRO MÉCANIQUEminorRegional distribution partner for France (electrophysiologie.fr, micromecanique.fr).
- BergmanLabora ABminorRegional distribution partner for Nordic countries (Sweden and surrounding region).
- NBT LtdminorRegional distribution partner for Israel.
- Monedit LtdminorRegional distribution partner for Hungary.
- Warner Instruments (Harvard Bioscience Inc.)coreUS distribution partner providing Sensapex products to American customers.
- Blactek Inc.minorUS regional distribution partner based in Claremont, NH.
- Nikon Instruments Inc.coreUS distribution partner offering Sensapex products alongside Nikon microscopy equipment. Products are compatible with Nikon optics.
- Inter Medical Co., Ltd.minorRegional distribution partner for Japan.
- Scitech Korea Inc.minorRegional distribution partner for South Korea.
- TeolincminorRegional distribution partner for China (Shanghai region).
- Apex BioScientific Co., Ltd.minorRegional distribution partner for Taiwan.
- Evermountain (Shanghai) Technology Co., LtdminorRegional distribution partner for China (Shanghai/Qingpu district).
- World Precision Instruments ChinaminorRegional distribution partner for China.
- Chengdu Techman Co., Ltd.minorRegional distribution partner for China (Sichuan province).
- Virtual Brain Lab (Pinpoint integration)moderateIntegration with Pinpoint software from Virtual Brain Lab for multiprobe in vivo recording planning. Sensapex's Multiprobe In Vivo Rig shown with full Pinpoint integration.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SensApex competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SensApex social profiles
Digital presenceSensApex financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SensApex leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
SensApex subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
SensApex funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SensApex 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 SensApex
What does SensApex do?
Sensapex designs, manufactures, and sells ultra-precise micromanipulators (uMp), automated microscope workstations (uMs), and micropipette pressure controllers (uMc), bundled as integrated workstations and multiprobe rigs for electrophysiology, patch clamp, Neuropixels recording, and microinjection. All products are based on the company's patented ZeroDrift closed-loop piezo technology, designed and manufactured in-house in Oulu, Finland, and sold worldwide through direct sales, an owned webstore, and a distributor network. An open-source Python SDK supports custom automation.
Is SensApex a public or private company?
SensApex is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was SensApex founded?
SensApex was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SensApex based?
SensApex is headquartered in Oulu, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does SensApex make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Hardware Products are the primary driver. The others are OEM/White-label Solutions.
Does SensApex have an API?
Yes. Sensapex provides an open-source software development kit (SDK) available on GitHub. The SDK enables PC-based control of micromanipulators, microscopes, and pressure controllers via Ethernet interface. The company focuses automated application development on Python, with sensapex.py drivers available on GitHub. Developer documentation is at github.com/sensapex.
What industry is SensApex in?
SensApex's product category is Scientific Instrumentation (Electrophysiology & Micromanipulation). Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAC, General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens). Its NAICS code is 334510 and its SIC code is 3845.