microdrop Technologies

What microdrop Technologies does

microdrop Technologies GmbH is a German manufacturer of precision non-contact microdispensing equipment, established approximately in 1994 and headquartered in Norderstedt near Hamburg. The company produces modular systems based on piezo-driven inkjet technology for picoliter-volume dispensing (20-500 pl) and valve-based solenoid and piezovalve technology for nano- to microliter dispensing, integrated with xyz-positioning platforms that drive up to eight dispenser units simultaneously. Its dispenser heads are rated for more than 100 billion cycles and handle viscosities from 0.4 to 2,000,000 mPas, addressing demanding applications across life sciences and diagnostics (microarray printing, lab-on-a-chip, point-of-care diagnostics, biosensors, tissue engineering), material science (printed electronics, graphene, functional polymers), and industrial manufacturing (microbonding, microlubrication, wafer marking, adhesive application).

Revenue derives primarily from hardware sales of dispenser heads, Autodrop pipettes, MD-E-series electronic controllers, and Autodrop Gantry positioning systems, supplemented by laboratory services (liquid feasibility tests, application/prototyping tests), customer training, and strategic development partnerships with material suppliers and chip manufacturers. The company sells capital equipment directly from its German headquarters and through a network of regional distributors covering Japan, China/Hong Kong/Macau, and India, with direct factory contacts in Italy, the USA, Korea, Taiwan, and Australia. Named reference customers span Roche, Samsung SDI, BASF, Corning, Airbus, Robert Bosch, DuPont, Kodak, Zeiss, and research institutions including Fraunhofer Institutes, Max-Planck-Institutes, and EPFL, indicating enterprise-grade adoption across multiple verticals.

microdrop operates as a privately held GmbH with co-Managing Directors Wilhelm Meyer and Dr. Georg Hochwimmer, supported by Scientific Advisor Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert. No external investors, parent company, funding rounds, or public financial disclosures are recorded in the available data; revenue figures are not publicly reported.

Name

microdrop Technologies

Legal name

microdrop Technologies GmbH

Website

https://microdrop.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

microdrop Technologies GmbH is a German manufacturer of precision non-contact microdispensing equipment based on piezo-driven inkjet and valve technology, serving life sciences, printed electronics, and industrial manufacturing customers with modular hardware systems, automation platforms, and application engineering services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Norderstedt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Precision Microdispensing Equipment: Sale of precision microdispensing systems including dispenser heads, pipettes, valves, electronics, and positioning systems. Products range from single dispenser units to complete automated platforms for R&D and production environments.
2. Software and Control Systems: Microdrop Software for system control, visual parameter control, and dispensing process management included with systems.
3. Laboratory and Engineering Services: Liquid tests for dispensing capability evaluation, application tests and prototyping, process development services to optimize customer-specific applications.
4. Customer Training: Individualized training programs for customer personnel on Microdrop Systems tailored to specific applications.
5. Strategic Partnership Development: Exclusive strategic partnerships focused on specific production steps, new ink development, coating of implant materials, combining microdispensing expertise with partner expertise.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

microdrop Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells precision non-contact microdispensing equipment — including piezo-driven inkjet dispenser heads, autopipettes, solenoid and piezovalves, positioning systems, and control electronics — that dispense fluids from picoliters (20 pl) to microliters (>200 μl) at viscosities from 0.4 mPas up to 2,000,000 mPas. Offerings are complemented by Microdrop control software, application peripherals (vacuum tables, ionizer, laminar flow, washing station), and laboratory/engineering services (liquid tests, application tests, customer training, strategic partnerships) for life science, material science, and industrial customers.

Product overview

microdrop Technologies offers a modular portfolio of precision non-contact microdispensing equipment spanning three main dispensing technology categories: (1) Picoliter Dispensing based on piezo-driven inkjet technology using Microdrop Dispenser Heads (MD-K-130, MD-K-140, MD-K-801) and Autodrop Pipettes (AD-K-901, AD-K-902, AD-KH-501) driven by MD-E-5000 and MD-E-4000 electronics; (2) Nano- to Microliter Dispensing using solenoid and piezovalve technology including Nanojet Dispenser Head MJ-K-102-L, Nanojet Electronic MJ-E-4010, and Nanojet Piezovalves (MDV series) for viscosities up to 2,000,000 mPas; (3) Automation Solutions featuring positioning systems (Autodrop Gantry eco, Autodrop Gantry II Customized, Autodrop Gantry II Printing System, and Autodrop Gantry II Liquid Handling Spotter variants) that integrate dispenser heads, pipettes, or valves with optional peripherals (pipette washing station, vacuum tables, ionizer, laminar flow). The portfolio covers Life Science applications (microarray printing, lab-on-a-chip, biosensors, tissue engineering) and Industrial/Material Science applications (printed electronics, microbonding, microlubrication, 3D structures). Services include liquid tests, application tests, customer training, and strategic partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Autodrop: Brand for positioning systems and automation solutions including Autodrop Gantry eco, Autodrop Gantry II Printing System, and Autodrop Gantry II Liquid Handling Spotter.
• Nanojet

Products and services

• Microdrop Dispenser Heads (MD-K-130 / MD-K-140 / MD-K-801) Piezo-driven inkjet dispenser heads for non-contact picoliter dispensing of fluids from 20 pl to 380 pl, with viscosity handling from 0.4 mPas up to 10,000 mPas (MD-K-801 high-temperature model), nozzle diameters of 30–100 μm, and a lifetime exceeding 100 billion cycles. Used by life-science, material-science, and industrial customers for microarray printing, biochip manufacturing, printed electronics, and microbonding.
• Autodrop Pipettes (AD-K-901 / AD-K-902 / AD-KH-501) Glass-based piezo-driven autopipettes for microarray spotting, biochip printing, and life-science liquid handling with storage volumes of 25–1000 μl, dead volumes of 12–20 μl, and droplet volumes of 20–380 pl. Designed for non-contact dispensing of proteins, nucleic acids, and cell cultures.
• Microdrop Electronics (MD-E-5000 / MD-E-4000) Control electronics for Microdrop dispenser heads and autopipettes. The MD-E-5000 supports up to 4 units with manual software control or external command interface; the MD-E-4000 OEM controller fits 19-inch subracks and drives up to 2 dispenser heads or autopipettes. Bundled with Microdrop control software for system operation.
• Nanojet Solenoid Valve System (MJ-K-102-L / MJ-E-4010) Solenoid valve-based dispenser head with laminar liquid flow preventing atomization, dispensing from 100 nl with viscosities of 0.4–50 mPas, nozzle diameters of 50–500 μm, and maximum working pressure of 350 kPa. Paired with the MJ-E-4010 controller for trigger, gate, and manual release modes. Used for nano- to microliter dispensing in industrial applications.
• Nanojet Piezovalves (MDV 3010+ / MDV 3020+ / MDV 3080 / MDV 3280) Piezo-driven valve dispensers covering low- to highest-viscosity fluids up to 2,000,000 mPas, with dispensable quantities from 0.5 nl to more than 200 μl per cycle. Compatible with aqueous fluids, organic solvents, weak acids, and bases, and used in microelectronics, medical technology, and semiconductor applications.
• Autodrop Gantry Positioning Systems (AD-P-9020 / AD-P-9100 / AD-P-9140 / AD-P-9180 / AD-P-9280) XYZ positioning systems integrating Microdrop dispenser heads, autopipettes, or valves with ±20 μm positioning accuracy and ±5 μm repetition accuracy. Range spans tabletop R&D systems (Gantry eco, 2 units, 210×210×110 mm) to modular industrial printing systems and life-science spotters that drive up to 8 pipettes for protein, cell, DNA microarrays, diagnostic biochips, lab-on-a-chip, and high-throughput screening.
• Autodrop Peripherals (Pipette Washing Station, Holders, Vacuum Tables, Ionizer, Laminar Flow Module) Peripherals for Autodrop positioning systems including an automated pipette washing station for up to 4 or 8 autopipettes, microtiter plate and glass slide holders, vacuum tables (standard, heated up to 100°C, or heated/cooled 10–65°C), an integrated ionizer to eliminate electrostatic charges on plastic substrates, and a laminar flow module for clean workspace conditions.
• Laboratory and Engineering Services (Liquid Tests, Application Tests, Customer Training) Professional services including liquid tests to assess dispensability and select optimal dispenser heads, application and prototyping tests to optimize material deposition on test substrates, and tailored customer training on Microdrop systems for production or R&D applications.
• Strategic Partnership Program Exclusive strategic partnerships combining microdrop's microdispensing and inkjet expertise with partner expertise to develop new production steps, inks, and coatings — including coating of implant materials — in material sciences, micro/nanotechnology, and life science.

Quantifiable outcome

• Positioning accuracy of ±20 μm with repetition accuracy of ±5 μm
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ZEG-MEDcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2026Cooperation between ZEG-MED (microfluidic chip manufacturing), PPTechSales (dispensing technology supplier), and microdrop Technologies for point-of-care diagnostics and IVD microfluidic cartridge systems. Combines custom chip manufacturing with precision dispensing technology from R&D to fully automated production.
• One Stop Microfluidics ShopcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2026Partnership for microfluidic cartridge and POCT diagnostic systems combining microfluidic design and manufacturing expertise with microdrop's dispensing technology through PPTechSales distribution.
• PPTechSalescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 November 2025Sales and distribution partnership for Life Science/IVD/Biotech sector. PPTechSales brings extensive market expertise, strong customer network, and understanding of customer needs with tailored solutions through selected technology providers.
• Life Science NordminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional cluster cooperation in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein for medical technology and biotechnology/pharma. Cluster represents ~500 innovation-oriented companies with 42,300 employees and 4.0 bn Euro gross value generated in 2014.
• European Commission (BASMATI Project)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU Horizon 2020 research project (Grant No. 646159) focused on developing and testing printed electronics materials including copper ink patterns.
• SIJTechnology Inc. (Japan)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distributor for Japan, providing local sales, technical support, and customer service for microdrop products in the Japanese market.
• Yixin Technology (China/Hong Kong/Macau)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor with offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai covering Greater China market with sales and technical support capabilities.
• RVL Scientific & Engineering Pvt. Ltd. (India)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor based in Lucknow, India, handling sales and technical support for microdrop products in the Indian market.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Gilson: Pipette and liquid handling specialist serving life science and analytical labs. Competes with microdrop in precision pipetting and automated dispensing, particularly for low-volume applications in life sciences.
• Hamilton Company: US manufacturer of precision liquid handling workstations, automated pipetting, and laboratory automation. Competes directly with microdrop's Autodrop Gantry systems for life science and clinical diagnostics applications.
• GeSiM: German manufacturer of microdispensing and microfluidic instrumentation based near Dresden. Directly comparable niche competitor in piezo-based non-contact dispensing for life sciences and material science.
• Scienion: Berlin-based precision dispensing company specializing in microarray spotting, biosensor production, and picoliter-to-nanoliter dispensing. Highly comparable to microdrop's piezo-driven Autodrop Pipette and Gantry II Liquid Handling Spotter portfolio.
• Tecan: Swiss-headquartered leader in laboratory automation and precision liquid handling for life sciences and diagnostics. Directly competes with microdrop in microarray printing, biochip manufacturing, and nanoliter pipetting, but at significantly larger scale.
• BioDot: Specialist in low-volume dispensing for diagnostics, life sciences, and lateral flow assay manufacturing. Closely comparable to microdrop's microdispensing focus and shares the same diagnostics and biosensor customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Agilent Technologies: Major analytical instrument and life science automation provider with microarray and automated liquid handling products. Competes broadly with microdrop but as part of a much larger portfolio across mass spectrometry, chromatography, and cell analysis.
• Beckman Coulter Life Sciences: Acquired Labcyte (acoustic dispensing) and offers broad liquid handling and lab automation solutions. Competes in the same low-volume dispensing category as microdrop, including the acoustic dispensing technology that threatens piezo inkjet.
• PerkinElmer: Global life sciences and diagnostics instrumentation company with broad microarray and lab automation offerings. Overlaps with microdrop in microarray printing and biochip manufacturing as part of a much wider analytical instruments portfolio.

Emerging players

• M2-Automation: German specialist in microdispensing and pipetting for life sciences and diagnostics. Comparable niche focus to microdrop, with similar piezo-based precision liquid handling offerings for OEM integration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/microdrop-technologies-gmbh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 microdrop Technologies