Hydroisotop

What Hydroisotop does

Hydroisotop GmbH is a privately held, family-owned analytical laboratory founded in 1982 in Schweitenkirchen, Bavaria, specializing in isotope-based determination of the origin, age, genesis, authenticity, and natural attenuation of water, gas, and solid environmental samples. The firm operates a DAkkS-accredited (DIN EN ISO 17025) facility staffed by 40+ interdisciplinary scientists — chemists, geologists, hydrologists, mineralogists, physicists, and engineers — and offers both stable (18O/16O, 2H/1H, 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 34S/32S, 37Cl/35Cl, 87Sr/86Sr) and radioactive (Tritium, Krypton-81, Krypton-85, Argon-39, Carbon-14, Radon-222) isotope analyses, including rare capabilities such as Krypton-81 dating for very old groundwaters and compound-specific isotope fingerprinting for chlorinated organic contaminants.

The company's commercial model is B2B professional services: clients send physical samples (or Hydroisotop conducts on-site sampling), the laboratory delivers certified analytical results accompanied by scientific interpretation and consulting. Customers span water utilities, geothermal operators, nuclear waste repository programs (notably Switzerland's NAGRA), environmental consulting firms, food producers and regulators, mineral/spa water operators, construction and insurance professionals, and municipal wastewater treatment plants. Distribution is entirely direct — three German offices (Schweitenkirchen, Emmendingen, Dettmannsdorf) plus international reach via research collaborations — with no reseller or platform channel.

Hydroisotop generates revenue through three service streams: accredited laboratory analyses, expert scientific interpretation and consulting, and fee-based training/workshops on isotope methods. The firm maintains active R&D participation in EU Horizon 2020 (CRM-geothermal, REFLECT) and BMBF/BMWi-funded projects (SpheroFilt, EVA-M 2.0, PERFORM), and its personnel have authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications — supporting both thought leadership and method development that reinforces its technical moat.

Name

Hydroisotop

Legal name

Hydroisotop GmbH

Website

https://hydroisotop.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hydroisotop GmbH is a German DAkkS-accredited laboratory specializing in stable and radioactive isotope analysis of water, gas, and solid samples for water utilities, geothermal operators, nuclear waste programs, food authenticity, and environmental consulting clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Analytical Laboratory Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Laboratory Testing & Analytical Services (in-house/contract labs; microbiology, metals, organics) (EUANAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Quality Monitoring, Compliance & Reporting (Sampling, Lab, Regulatory) (EUANAAAG), Groundwater Monitoring & Well Sampling (Monitoring Wells, Plumes) (EUAHACAE), Hydrogeologic Characterization & Aquifer Testing (Pumping/Slug Tests) (EUAHAFAB), Watershed/Source Water & Raw Water Quality Monitoring (intakes, reservoirs, groundwater) (EUANAJAH)

Keywords

• Isotope analysis services
• Environmental laboratory testing
• Groundwater age dating
• Food authenticity testing
• Geothermal fluid characterization

Headquarters

HQ city

Schweitenkirchen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Laboratory Analysis Services: Provision of certified laboratory analyses for isotopes (stable and radioactive), chemistry of gases, water, and solid materials. Includes sampling services, analytical testing, and quality-controlled results (DAkkS accredited).
2. Scientific Interpretation and Consulting: Expert interpretation of isotope data and consulting services regarding genesis, origin, authenticity, age, natural attenuation, quality, biogenic fraction, or technical processing of water, gases, and geological samples.
3. Training and Workshop Services: Professional training programs, workshops, and seminars on isotope methods for clients including workshops on isotopes and water damage, isotopes in groundwater, geothermal energy, mineral/medicinal water dating, and organic contaminants.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Hydroisotop GmbH is a DAkkS-accredited analytical laboratory providing isotope and chemical analysis of water, gas, and solid samples, combined with expert scientific interpretation and consulting. Services cover stable and radioactive isotope analysis, sampling, water/gas/solid analysis, tracer testing, food authenticity verification, geothermal fluid characterization, organic pollutant source attribution, biogenic carbon determination, and water damage origin analysis. Its core differentiator is the integration of certified laboratory measurement with hydrogeological and geochemical interpretation to determine age, origin, genesis, authenticity, natural attenuation, and quality of environmental samples.

Product overview

Hydroisotop GmbH is a laboratory and analytical services company offering a comprehensive portfolio of isotope and chemical analysis services for water, gas, and solid materials. The core offerings include isotope analysis services (both stable and radioactive isotopes), sampling, water analysis, gas analysis, solid analysis, field analysis, interpretation, and consulting services. These services are applied across diverse areas including groundwater monitoring, mineral/medicinal water analysis, geothermal energy, food authenticity testing, filter technology, disposal site monitoring, water damage analysis, organic pollutant analysis, biogenic carbon determination, and air quality monitoring. The company also offers professional training programs/workshops on isotope methods. Hydroisotop operates as a service-based laboratory with accredited testing methods under DIN EN ISO 17025, not as a software or platform product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Isotope Analysis Services DAkkS-accredited laboratory analysis of stable and radioactive isotopes in water, gas, and solid samples for determining age, origin, genesis, authenticity, natural attenuation, quality, biogenic fraction, and processing characteristics. For water utilities, researchers, environmental consultancies, and food producers.
• Sampling Services (Probenahme) Professional on-site sampling of water, gas, and solid materials performed by Hydroisotop field teams, with samples shipped to or analyzed at the Schweitenkirchen laboratory. For enterprises and government clients requiring quality-controlled sample collection.
• Scientific Interpretation and Consulting Services Expert scientific interpretation and consulting on hydrogeology, isotope hydrology, water treatment, and environmental protection based on laboratory results. Addresses questions of genesis, origin, authenticity, age, natural attenuation, quality, biogenic fraction, and technical processing. For hydrogeologists, environmental regulators, geothermal operators, and food producers.
• Food Authenticity Testing Isotope analysis for determining geographical origin of food products, detecting undeclared additives (water, sugar, acids), distinguishing natural vs synthetic products, and identifying biological vs conventional cultivation. For food producers, processors, and regulators combating food fraud.
• Geothermal Energy Services Specialized analysis and consulting for geothermal energy projects including reservoir characterization, fluid monitoring, scaling and corrosion management, and critical raw material extraction from geothermal fluids. For shallow and deep geothermal operators in Europe and East Africa.
• Water Damage Origin Analysis Isotope methods for determining the origin of water-caused damage in buildings and infrastructure. For surveyors, architects, building biologists, insurance companies, and expert witnesses needing evidence for legal or insurance processes.
• Organic Pollutant Source Attribution Analysis Analysis and interpretation of isotope contents in chlorinated hydrocarbons (LCKW), aromatic compounds (BTEX), and petroleum hydrocarbons for contamination source attribution and natural attenuation monitoring. For environmental consulting firms, site investigators, and regulatory authorities.
• Biogenic Carbon Determination Determination of biogenic carbon content in renewable resources, sewage sludge, flue gases, and materials using Carbon-14 analysis. For municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, sustainability reporting, and climate impact assessments.
• Tracer Tests (Markierversuche) Tracer testing for groundwater flow characterization, connection testing, and geothermal reservoir assessment. For water utilities, geothermal operators, and hydrogeological investigations.
• Filter Technology Development (SpheroFilt) Development and testing of innovative filter systems (SpheroFilt glass bead filtration) for selective removal of undesirable components from drinking, medical, and mineral water. Includes demonstration units showcased at the IFAT trade fair. For water treatment operators and facility managers.
• Professional Training Programs and Workshops Workshops and seminars on isotope methods in hydrogeology, geothermal energy, water damage, mineral/medicinal water dating, organic contaminants, and biogenic carbon. For hydrogeologists, environmental consultants, food scientists, and water industry professionals.
• Disposal Site Monitoring (Deponieüberwachung) Monitoring and analysis for landfill and disposal sites including groundwater protection assessment and contamination tracking. For landfill operators, environmental regulators, and remediation project managers.
• Air Quality Monitoring (Luftqualität) Air quality analysis services for spas and resorts including NO2 monitoring and air hygiene assessments. For spa operators, resort managers, and local health authorities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Groundwater age determination for deep thermal waters in the Upper Jurassic limestone of the Molasse Basin using Krypton-81 isotopes — enabling unprecedented dating of waters thousands to hundreds of thousands of years old
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoforschungszentrumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in the EU Horizon 2020 CRM-geothermal project (2022-2026), focusing on extracting critical raw materials from geothermal fluids. The German Research Centre for Geosciences contributes to reservoir characterization and fluid analysis methodologies.
• University of MiskolcminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal project contributing research expertise on raw materials from geothermal fluids.
• International Raw Materials ObservatoryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal focusing on global raw materials data and market analysis.
• La Palma Research Center S.L.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal providing research coordination and dissemination support.
• Jacobs University BremenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal project for critical raw materials research.
• UK Research and InnovationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing UK research capabilities.
• University of NeuchâtelminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing Swiss research expertise on geothermal fluids.
• University of PaduaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal for Italian research perspective on geothermal resources.
• Dr. Brill InstitutminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing environmental assessment expertise.
• University of IcelandminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing expertise on Icelandic geothermal systems.
• Cornish LithiumminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal bringing industry perspective on lithium extraction from geothermal fluids.
• Geothermal Engineering LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing UK geothermal industry expertise.
• Izmir Institute of TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing Turkish research expertise on geothermal resources.
• European Federation of GeologistsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal providing professional network and industry standards perspective.
• Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing Belgian technology and research expertise.
• University of NairobiminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing East African perspective on geothermal resource development.
• INLECOM Innovation Astiki Mi Kerdoskopiki EtaireiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal providing innovation management and project coordination expertise.
• Levin SourcesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal contributing raw materials consulting and market analysis.
• Pfalzwerke GeofutureminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partner in CRM-geothermal bringing German geothermal industry perspective and infrastructure access.
• EVA-M ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2021EVA-M 2.0 is a follow-up project to EVA-M focused on scale prevention in the Bavarian Molasse Basin through CO2 injection and inhibitor addition. Hydroisotop contributes hydrochemical monitoring and analytical expertise.
• REFLECT Consortium (EU Horizon 2020)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2021REFLECT (Redefining Fluid Properties at Extreme Conditions to Optimise Future Geothermal Energy Extraction) is an H2020 project developing improved thermodynamic and kinetic models for fluid properties in geothermal systems. Hydroisotop contributes expertise on hydrogeochemistry and fluid characterization.
• Institut für Wasserchemie und Chemische Balneologie, Technische Universität MünchenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2020Collaborating on the development of online enrichment methods for S- and Se-bearing organic compounds, GC-qMS determination methods, and Se isotope ratio analysis for an algae bloom early warning system.
• NAGRA (National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste, Switzerland)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Long-standing research collaboration on deep groundwater characterization, porewater analysis, and matrix diffusion studies for geological repository site assessment in Switzerland. Multiple publications and NAGRA working reports authored by Hydroisotop personnel.
• University of BerncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Joint workshop on deep geothermal energy held in Bern (September 2023), initiated by University of Bern and Hydroisotop GmbH, supported by EnergieSchweiz. Collaborative research on geothermal reservoir characterization.
• PERFORM Consortium (BMWi)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2018PERFORM (Improving Geothermal System Performance through Collective Knowledge Building and Technology Development) — Hydroisotop contributes the sub-project 'Development of a tool for the economic operation of a filter system in geothermal plants'.
• Umweltbundesamt Deutschland (German Federal Environment Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Hydroisotop led a research project for the German Federal Environment Agency on biogenic carbon content in sewage sludge and biogas, resulting in findings that significant fossil carbon exists in municipal WWTP sludge.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• SGS Société Générale de Surveillance: World-leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company with environmental and food testing labs including isotope capabilities; a much larger incumbent competing for the same institutional testing budgets.
• ALS Global: International laboratory services group offering environmental, food, and geochemical testing with isotope analysis capabilities; broad incumbent that competes for water, environmental, and food testing contracts.
• Eurofins Scientific: Global testing laboratory group offering food, environmental, and pharmaceutical testing including isotope services at scale; provides competitive pressure on Hydroisotop's food authenticity and water testing work despite broader portfolio.

Direct peers

• Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC): UK research center operating commercial isotope analysis (14C, stable isotopes) for environmental, archaeological and geological applications; comparable in combining research-grade isotope capability with commercial services.
• Beta Analytic: US-based leading radiocarbon (14C) dating laboratory serving archaeology, geosciences, and environmental clients; directly comparable in radioactive isotope dating capability and commercial scientific services model.
• Iso-Analytical: UK-based commercial laboratory specializing in stable isotope ratio analysis (13C, 15N, 2H, 18O, 34S) for food authenticity, environmental, and forensic applications; comparable niche commercial isotope lab with similar customer base.
• IsoForensic: UK-based isotope forensics laboratory specializing in food authentication, origin verification, and environmental tracing; closely comparable niche commercial stable isotope testing business.

Others

• NAGRA (National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste): Swiss organization responsible for radioactive waste disposal with internal hydrogeological and isotope analysis capability; both a key Hydroisotop customer and an adjacent technical institution with overlapping nuclear waste site characterization expertise.
• GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam: German national research center for geosciences with major isotope geochemistry laboratories and active research partnerships with Hydroisotop (CRM-geothermal, deep groundwater); functions as both partner and adjacent research provider.
• Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ): German environmental research center with isotope hydrology and contaminant tracing capabilities; adjacent research institution that competes for and complements Hydroisotop's environmental monitoring and remediation work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/hydroisotopgmbh
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/hydroisotop
• Instagraminstagram.com/hydroisotop.gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 Hydroisotop