Ina Korea

What Ina Korea does

Ina Korea (주식회사 아이엔에이코리아) is a Seoul-based specialized B2B distributor of advanced scientific analysis equipment, serving Korean research institutions, universities, national laboratories, and industrial manufacturers. The company was established in 2010 when the advanced equipment business was carved out of parent DK Science (founded 2001), and it operates today under the DK Enviro Group umbrella. Ina Korea holds exclusive Korean distribution rights for 11 international manufacturers, organized around four product categories: Surface Analysis (XPS and SPM systems from SPECS, KRATOS, UNISOKU, and ultra-high-vacuum components from FERROVAC), Mass Spectrometry (IRMS systems from ELEMENTAR and portable environmental instruments from ESS), Sample Preparation (HERZOG automation, SELFRAG electrodynamic fragmentation, MIURA POPs prep), and Electrochemistry (EL-CELL battery test cells). The company also distributes associated proprietary software platforms (Nanonis SPM control, lyticOS, ESCApe, PrepMaster) and consumables from Elemental Microanalysis and HERZOG spare parts.

The business model combines high-ticket capital equipment sales (XPS spectrometers, IRMS systems, full automation laboratories typically priced in the hundreds of thousands to multi-million-dollar range) with recurring revenue from spare parts, consumables, and technical support services. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales: direct engagement with research institutions and industrial customers requiring technical consultation, equipment demonstration, installation, and ongoing after-sales service in Korean. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The installed base spans 50+ major instrument placements at marquee customers including POSCO, Samsung SDI, Seoul National University, Hanyang University, POSTECH, KBSI, IBS, and PAL. The company maintains a single-country footprint focused on South Korea, with one documented overseas project at POSCO ZPSS. Revenue, headcount, and ownership financials beyond the parent-subsidiary structure are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Ina Korea

Legal name

주식회사 아이엔에이코리아

Website

http://www.inakorea.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Ina Korea is a Seoul-based B2B distributor of advanced scientific analytical equipment — XPS, SPM, IRMS, sample preparation, and electrochemistry systems — exclusively representing 11 international manufacturers for Korean research institutions, universities, national labs, and industrial manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Instrumentation Distribution

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment, Nec (5065), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Science & STEM Lab Equipment & Supplies (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Makerspaces) (EDAEAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards) (HLAGAIAL)

Keywords

• Scientific equipment distribution
• Analytical instrumentation
• Surface analysis equipment
• Mass spectrometry systems
• Laboratory sample preparation

Headquarters

HQ city

Mapo

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Scientific Equipment Sales: Revenue generated from the sale of advanced analytical instruments including surface analysis systems (XPS, SPM), mass spectrometers (IRMS), sample preparation equipment, and electrochemistry instruments. The company acts as a Korean distributor for international manufacturers including SPECS, KRATOS, UNISOKU, ELEMENTAR, HERZOG, FERROVAC, ESS, EL-CELL, SELFRAG, and MIURA.
2. Spare Parts and Consumables: Sales of spare parts and consumables for the distributed equipment brands, including HERZOG spare parts and Elemental Microanalysis consumables for elemental analyzers.
3. Technical Support Services: Technical support and after-sales service for customers, including installation, maintenance, and consultation services for scientific analysis equipment.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

INA Korea distributes and supports advanced analytical and scientific instruments from multiple international manufacturers for Korean research institutions, universities, government laboratories, and industrial manufacturers. Its offering spans surface analysis systems (XPS, SPM/STM, LEEM, NAP-XPS), isotope ratio and portable mass spectrometers (IRMS, GC-IRMS), automated sample preparation equipment, electrochemistry testing instruments, and related consumables, spare parts, and software. The company provides localized equipment introduction, installation, integration, and after-sales technical support.

Product overview

Ina Korea (아이엔에이코리아) is a specialized distributor of advanced scientific equipment for research institutions and industrial laboratories in South Korea. The company operates as a multi-brand distribution and technical support organization, representing international manufacturers of surface analysis, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, and sample preparation equipment. The product portfolio centers on four main categories: Surface Analysis equipment (including XPS from KRATOS and SPECS, SPM from UNISOKU, and vacuum components from FERROVAC); Mass Spectrometers (ELEMENTAR IRMS systems and ESS environmental monitoring instruments); Sample Preparation systems (HERZOG automation equipment, SELFRAG electrodynamic fragmentation, and MIURA POPs analysis systems); and related consumables and spare parts. Supporting software includes Nanonis SPM control systems, lyticOS IRMS software, ESCApe XPS acquisition software, and PrepMaster laboratory automation platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SPECS Surface Analysis Equipment Surface analysis instruments from German manufacturer SPECS including EnviroESCA (NAP-XPS), PHOIBOS energy analyzers, ASTRAIOS ARPES analyzers, KREIOS electron momentum spectrometers, FOCUS X-ray sources, and LEEM/PEEM microscopy systems. Distributed to Korean research institutions.
• KRATOS Surface Analysis Equipment X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instruments from UK manufacturer KRATOS Analytical including AXIS Supra+ and AXIS Nova spectrometers for surface chemical analysis. Distributed to Korean universities and research institutions.
• UNISOKU SPM Systems Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) systems from Japanese manufacturer UNISOKU including USM series ultra-low temperature STM (USM1200, USM1300, USM1400, USM1500, USM1600) with superconducting magnets for surface science research.
• FERROVAC Vacuum Components Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) components from Swiss manufacturer FERROVAC including wobblestick manipulators, linear/rotary feedthroughs, sample transporters, and UHV suitcases for sample transfer under vacuum conditions.
• ELEMENTAR IRMS Systems Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) systems from German/UK manufacturer ELEMENTAR including isoprime precisION and inlet systems (EA-IRMS, GC-IRMS, LC-IRMS, TOC-IRMS, DI-IRMS) plus headspace analyzers for stable isotope analysis.
• ESS Mass Spectrometers Portable environmental gas analysis mass spectrometers from US manufacturer ESS (Environmental Sampling Solutions) including EcoSys-P for environmental monitoring and CatalySys for catalytic process monitoring.
• EL-CELL Electrochemistry Equipment Electrochemical test cells and equipment from German manufacturer EL-CELL for battery research and testing applications.
• HERZOG Sample Preparation Equipment Automated sample preparation systems from German manufacturer HERZOG Maschinenfabrik for metallurgical analysis including grinding, milling, crushing, pulverizing, pelletizing, fusion, sampling/splitting/dosing, and complete automation labs (HS-F1000, HS-FF2000, Prepmaster) for steel and cement industries.
• SELFRAG Lab System Laboratory-scale electrodynamic high voltage pulse power (HVP) batch processing system from Swiss manufacturer SELFRAG for fragmentation of complex materials including ores, electronics, and recycled materials. Used in over 45 universities and research institutions worldwide.
• MIURA Sample Preparation Equipment Automatic sample preparation systems from Japanese manufacturer MIURA including GO-EHT series Full Automatic Sample Preparation System and GO column sets for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), environmental, and food/feed sample analysis.
• Elemental Microanalysis Consumables Consumables and supplies from UK manufacturer Elemental Microanalysis for elemental analyzers, including crucibles, reagents, standards, capsules, O-rings, and reference materials compatible with CHN/O/S, C/S, N/O, H, N/Protein, and Trace/TOC analysis on major analyzer brands.
• HERZOG Spare Parts Replacement parts for HERZOG sample preparation equipment including grinding vessels, tubes, couplings, and wear components distributed to Korean customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50+ major instrument installations including 50th IR-MS (Precision), 15th Axis Supra+, multiple automation systems

Named customers13 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• SPECS (Germany)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSPECS is a German manufacturer of surface analysis equipment including XPS systems, NAP-XPS, LEEM/PEEM, energy analyzers, X-ray sources, and SPM control systems. INA Korea serves as the Korean distributor, providing equipment introduction, installation, and technical support for products including EnviroESCA, PHOIBOS analyzers, ASTRAIOS ARPES, KREIOS, FOCUS monochromators, and Nanonis SPM control systems.
• KRATOS (UK)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKRATOS Analytical is a UK-based manufacturer of XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) surface analysis spectrometers. INA Korea distributes Axis-Supra+ and Axis-Nova XPS systems in Korea, with multiple installations at Korean universities and research institutions.
• UNISOKU (Japan)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUNISOKU is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in ultra-low temperature Scanning Probe Microscopy (STM/AFM) systems with superconducting magnets. INA Korea distributes USM series SPM systems including USM1200, USM1300, USM1400, USM1500, and USM1600 for Korean research institutions.
• ELEMENTAR (Germany/UK)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorELEMENTAR is a manufacturer of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) systems. INA Korea distributes the isoprime precisION IRMS and related inlet systems including EA-IRMS, GC-IRMS, LC-IRMS, TOC-IRMS, DI-IRMS, and headspace analyzers for Korean customers. Notable milestone of 50th IR-MS installation achieved.
• HERZOG (Germany)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHERZOG Maschinenfabrik is a German manufacturer of automated sample preparation systems for elemental analysis. INA Korea distributes grinding, milling, crushing, pulverizing, pelletizing, fusion, sampling, and automation systems including HS-F1000, HS-FF2000, Prepmaster, and complete automation labs for steel and cement industries.
• FERROVAC (Switzerland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFERROVAC is a Swiss manufacturer of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) components including wobblestick manipulators, linear/rotary feedthroughs, sample transporters, and UHV suitcases for sample transfer under vacuum conditions.
• ESS - Environmental Sampling Solutions (USA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorESS manufactures portable mass spectrometer systems for environmental monitoring applications. INA Korea distributes EcoSys-P (portable environmental gas analysis) and CatalySys (catalytic process monitoring) systems in Korea.
• EL-CELL (Germany)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEL-CELL is a German manufacturer of electrochemistry testing equipment for battery research and development applications. INA Korea distributes EL-CELL products in the Korean market.
• SELFRAG (Switzerland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSELFRAG is a Swiss manufacturer of laboratory electrodynamic fragmentation systems using high voltage pulse power technology for processing complex materials such as ores, electronics, and recycled materials. The SELFRAG Lab system is used in over 45 universities and research institutions worldwide.
• MIURA (Japan)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMIURA is a Japanese manufacturer of automated sample preparation systems for POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) analysis. INA Korea distributes the GO-EHT series Full Automatic Sample Preparation System and GO column sets for environmental and food/feed sample analysis. MIURA received equivalence recognition from Korean Ministry of Environment in 2025.
• Elemental Microanalysis (UK)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based manufacturer of consumables and supplies for elemental analyzers, including crucibles, reagents, standards, capsules, and ICP-MS components. INA Korea serves as the domestic distributor for CHN/O/S, C/S, N/O, H, N/Protein, and Trace/TOC analysis consumables compatible with major analyzer brands.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Young In Scientific Co., Ltd. Korean scientific instrument distributor offering analytical and lab equipment from multiple international principals to Korean research institutions and industry. Direct competitive overlap with INA Korea in serving the same Korean customer base with imported analytical instrumentation.
• SCINCO: Korean distributor and integrator of analytical/scientific instruments, including spectroscopy and chromatography products from global manufacturers. Comparable as a Korean B2B distributor of advanced analytical equipment to research and industrial customers.
• K-MAC: Korea-based distributor of scientific and analytical instrumentation serving universities, government labs, and industry. Operates a multi-brand distribution model similar to INA Korea's representative relationships with international manufacturers.
• Scienta Omicron: Manufacturer of surface analysis systems (XPS, ARPES, STM) that competes directly with INA Korea's distributed SPECS and KRATOS brands. Comparable as a manufacturer-principal operating in INA Korea's primary surface analysis product category.

Broad incumbents

• DKSH: Large Asia-Pacific market expansion services company providing scientific instrument distribution, application support, and after-sales across multiple Asian markets. Comparable in multi-brand scientific instrument distribution, though at significantly greater scale and geographic breadth than INA Korea.
• Bruker: Global manufacturer of analytical instruments (mass spectrometry, XPS, NMR) that competes with several of INA Korea's distributed brands (KRATOS, ELEMENTAR) for Korean customer wallet share, particularly in elite research accounts.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Largest global scientific instrument manufacturer with direct Korean sales operations, competing with INA Korea's principals (especially mass spectrometry and surface analysis brands) for premium Korean research and industrial accounts.
• JEOL: Japanese manufacturer of electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, and NMR systems with established Korean sales. Competes with INA Korea's mass spectrometry and surface analysis portfolio for similar Korean research customers.
• Shimadzu: Japanese analytical instrument manufacturer with strong Korean presence in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy. Comparable as a direct manufacturer peer competing for INA Korea's customer base across multiple analytical instrument categories.

Regional players

• Park Systems: Korean manufacturer of atomic force microscopy (AFM/SPM) systems competing with INA Korea-distributed UNISOKU STM products. Comparable as a Korean-headquartered player in the surface analysis instrumentation market that INA Korea serves.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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 Ina Korea