Confocal Science

What Confocal Science does

Confocal Science (株式会社コンフォーカルサイエンス) is a privately held Japanese scientific services company founded in 1994 by Hiroaki Tanaka and headquartered in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. The company specializes in protein crystallization technology for both ground-based research and microgravity experiments aboard the International Space Station, operating from a base of approximately 30 years of accumulated domain expertise in counter-diffusion, gel-tube, and DPOC (Diffusion Pair Osmotic Concentration) crystallization methods.

Its product portfolio spans flight-qualified space hardware (JCB-SGT and JCB-SGT-DX crystallization containers with extensive ISS heritage), ground-based research kits (C-Kit Ground Pro XRD and ND, C-Tube LCDM, C-Bag/C-Bag-DX deoxygenation products), complementary software (C-Profile sequence-based physicochemical calculation, C-Kit Pro Advanced Tool VBA optimization programs), and a STEM education line (C-Kit Education/Space and C-Kit ABE). Its service offering is anchored by three integrated ground services — C-Platform (full structural analysis workflow), C-ClinicAD (crystallization troubleshooting), and C-Collection (X-ray diffraction data collection at the Diamond Light Source synchrotron in the UK) — alongside technical support for space missions.

The company generates revenue through professional services contracts (JAXA PCG missions 1-18 since 2009, JAMSS Kirara missions 1-6 since 2019, AXIOM SPACE professional services contract since September 2020) and product sales distributed through specialized channel partners (Cosmo Bio USA internationally from April 2023, Ikeda Rikaka in Japan for education products). Pricing is not publicly disclosed, with all quotes handled via direct email/phone contact. Customers span pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers, academic institutions, Japanese and international space agencies, and secondary-school STEM programs.

Name

Confocal Science

Legal name

株式会社コンフォーカルサイエンス

Website

https://confsci.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Confocal Science is a privately held Japanese scientific services company providing protein crystallization products and microgravity experiment technical support to pharmaceutical researchers, academic institutions, and space agencies including JAXA, JAMSS, and AXIOM SPACE.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Protein Crystallography Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA), Space & Astronomy Programs (EDAMABAE)

Keywords

• Protein crystallization services
• Structural biology research
• Microgravity experiments
• X-ray diffraction analysis
• Crystallography reagents

Headquarters

HQ city

Setagaya

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Space Experiment Services: Technical support services for protein crystallization experiments conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) and other space platforms, including support for JAXA PCG missions and JAMSS Kirara missions. Also includes professional services contract with AXIOM SPACE for ISS crystallization experiments.
2. Ground Experiment Services (C-Platform, C-ClinicAD, C-Collection): Contract services for high-resolution protein crystallography including C-Platform (integrated structural analysis service), C-ClinicAD (troubleshooting service), and C-Collection (X-ray diffraction data collection at Diamond Light Source).
3. Space Experiment Products: Manufacturing and sales of specialized crystallization containers and devices for space experiments, including JCB-SGT and JCB-SGT-DX containers for microgravity protein crystallization.
4. Ground Experiment Products (C-Kit series, C-Tube, C-Bag): Sale of protein crystallization kits, capillaries, and accessories for ground-based research including C-Kit Ground Pro XRD, C-Kit Ground Pro ND, C-Kit Pro Advanced Tool, C-Tube LCDM, C-Profile, C-Bag, and C-Bag-DX.
5. STEM Education Products (C-Kit Education/Space): Sale of protein crystallization experiment kits for junior and senior high school students, distributed through Ikeda Rikaka (株式会社池田理化) in Japan and Cosmo Bio USA internationally.
6. Protein Expression Services: Recombinant protein expression services using E. coli expression system and insect cell-baculovirus expression system, initiated in 2008 through partnership with Maruwa Foods and Biosciences Inc.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Confocal Science provides integrated protein crystallization products and services for both space-based microgravity experiments and ground-based structural biology research. The company manufactures proprietary crystallization containers and kits (e.g., JCB-SGT, C-Kit Ground Pro series) and offers custom crystallography services including C-Platform (end-to-end structural analysis), C-ClinicAD (troubleshooting), and C-Collection (synchrotron X-ray data collection at Diamond Light Source). The firm also delivers technical support for ISS space experiments through JAXA PCG missions, JAMSS Kirara missions, and an AXIOM SPACE professional services contract.

Product overview

Confocal Science offers a portfolio of protein crystallization products and services for both space and ground-based experiments. Space experiment services include technical support for the JAMSS Kirara ISS program and a professional services agreement with AXIOM SPACE. Ground services include C-Platform (integrated crystallography), C-ClinicAD (troubleshooting), and C-Collection (synchrotron data collection at Diamond Light Source). Space products include the JCB-SGT and JCB-SGT-DX crystallization containers. Ground experiment products include the C-Kit Ground Pro XRD and ND kits (counter-diffusion/DPOC methods), C-Kit Pro Advanced Tool (software), C-Tube LCDM (large crystal growth), C-Profile (sequence analysis), and C-Bag/C-Bag-DX (deoxygenation). Education products include C-Kit Education/Space and C-Kit ABE for active learning at the junior/high school level.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• C-Kit: Protein crystallization experiment kits for educational and research use, including C-Kit Education/Space for junior and senior high school students, C-Kit Ground Pro XRD for X-ray diffraction experiments, and C-Kit Ground Pro ND for neutron diffraction experiments.
• C-Platform
• C-ClinicAD
• C-Collection
• C-Tube
• C-Bag
• JCB-SGT
• C-Profile

Products and services

• C-Platform Integrated service for high-resolution protein crystal structure analysis, covering sample evaluation, crystallization condition optimization, crystallization, and X-ray diffraction data collection. Designed for pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic customers needing full-service crystallography support.
• C-ClinicAD Comprehensive troubleshooting service for protein crystallization experiments providing solutions for problems in protein purification, crystallization, and structural analysis. Target users are researchers experiencing challenges in obtaining diffraction-quality crystals.
• C-Collection X-ray diffraction data collection service utilizing the Diamond Light Source synchrotron facility in the UK. Provided for customers who need high-quality diffraction data without managing synchrotron access directly.
• Kirara Technical Support Service Space experiment technical support service for the JAMSS Kirara protein crystallization mission aboard the International Space Station. Supports Kirara missions 1 through 6 (launched 2019-2025) including experiment hardware, sample loading support, and post-flight analysis.
• AXIOM SPACE Professional Services Professional services contract providing crystallization experiment services on the International Space Station through AXIOM SPACE's commercial space station platform, enabling research customers access to ISS-based protein crystallization.
• JCB-SGT Flexible crystallization container designed for space experiments with extensive flight heritage aboard the International Space Station. Used in JAXA PCG and JAMSS Kirara missions.
• JCB-SGT-DX Flexible crystallization container for space experiments capable of performing experiments under deoxygenated (oxygen-free) conditions. Extends JCB-SGT family for oxygen-sensitive experiments.
• C-Kit Ground Pro XRD Protein crystal growth research kit for X-ray diffraction experiments. Uses counter-diffusion and DPOC methods with a Self-Searching Mechanism; does not require large-scale screening and offers a logical, low-cost workflow. International distribution via Cosmo Bio USA since April 2023.
• C-Kit Ground Pro ND Protein crystal growth research kit for neutron diffraction experiments. Includes tools for condition screening and 2 mm diameter quartz large crystallization cells for step-by-step neutron diffraction research.
• C-Kit Pro Advanced Tool Set of two Excel VBA calculation programs combined with a crystal extraction manipulation tool to optimize crystallization conditions.
• C-Tube LCDM Large-bore capillary crystallization cell for dialysis and diffusion-based growth of large protein crystals. Used by researchers needing larger crystals suitable for neutron diffraction and other demanding analyses.
• C-Profile Software program that calculates the physicochemical properties of protein samples from FASTA amino acid sequences, supporting crystallization condition decision-making.
• C-Bag Oxygen-absorbing storage bag set designed to prevent oxidation and degradation of sensitive protein samples and reagents.
• C-Bag-DX Compact deoxygenated culture set enabling easy culture of cancer cells, stem cells, and anaerobic bacteria under oxygen-free environments. Product page added April 2022.
• C-Kit Education/Space Science literacy experiment kit on protein crystallization for high school students. C-Kit Education covers classroom-based active learning; C-Kit Space extends the same methods to ISS experiment classes via the JAMSS Kirara program. Distributed through Ikeda Rikaka in Japan.
• C-Kit ABE Protein crystallization kit for batch method experiments, designed for STEM education and hands-on science learning activities.
• Active Learning Services for Junior High and High School Students Active learning programs and technical support on protein crystallization for middle and high school students, spanning ground-based condition screening experiments to ISS space experiment participation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully grew high-quality protein crystals in microgravity on ISS for 18+ JAXA PCG missions and 6 JAMSS Kirara missions
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AXIOM SPACE (United States)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 September 2020Professional service contract signed in September 2020 for the purpose of providing crystallization experiment services on the International Space Station. This partnership enables Confocal Science to serve commercial and research customers accessing ISS through AXIOM SPACE's commercial space station platform, expanding beyond government space agency customers to the emerging commercial space sector.
• JAMSS (Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 December 2019Technical support partnership for the JAMSS 'Kirara' protein crystallization space experiment project on the ISS. Confocal Science has provided technical support for Kirara missions 1 through 6 (launched 2019-2025), including experiment hardware, sample loading support, and post-flight analysis. The partnership also extends to the 'Space Science Lab' STEAM education program where Confocal Science supports student protein sample preparation activities at Miraikan museum.
• JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2009Confocal Science has been a qualified service provider/coordinator for protein crystallization utilization on the International Space Station since 2009, providing technical support for JAXA's PCG (Protein Crystallization Growth) missions. The partnership spans PCG missions 1 through 18, with Confocal Science supporting sample preparation, crystallization container technology, experiment design, and post-flight crystal analysis. This is the company's foundational strategic partnership enabling its space experiment services business.
• Diamond Light Source (UK)coreTechnology or IntegrationC-Collection service provides X-ray diffraction data collection at Diamond Light Source, a UK synchrotron radiation facility. Confocal Science leverages Diamond Light Source for the C-Collection service, offering customers access to high-quality diffraction data. Featured in DLS Industrial Liaison Case Studies in 2012.
• Maruwa Foods and Biosciences Inc. (株式会社丸和栄養食品)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for protein crystallization experiment setup and sample loading activities conducted in Nara, Japan. Maruwa Foods served as the site for crystallization experiment preparation work for JAXA PCG missions 1 through 5 (2009-2012). Also partnered on recombinant protein expression services since July 2008 (E. coli and insect cell-baculovirus expression systems).
• Wako Pure Chemical Industries (和光純薬工業)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWako Pure Chemical became the successor to Maruwa Foods' life science business in April 2010, continuing the C-Platform service partnership. Confocal Science exhibited C-Platform at Wako's booth at the 10th International BIO EXPO in June 2011.
• Ikeda Rikaka (株式会社池田理化)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJapanese distributor for C-Kit Education/Space educational experiment kits. Confocal Science's STEM education products (C-Kit Education and C-Kit Space) are exclusively distributed through Ikeda Rikaka, reaching junior and senior high schools across Japan.
• Cosmo Bio USAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational distributor for C-Kit Ground Pro XRD, C-Kit Ground Pro ND, and JCB-SGT crystallization containers. Cosmo Bio USA began international sales of C-Kit GroundPro XRD in April 2023, expanding Confocal Science's reach beyond Japan to global research markets.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Molecular Dimensions: Molecular Dimensions manufactures crystallization plates, screens, and instrumentation for X-ray crystallography. It is a direct competitor in protein crystallization consumables and instrumentation serving the same structural biology labs as Confocal Science.
• TTP Labtech: TTP Labtech offers automated crystallization screening and imaging instrumentation (e.g., mosquito, Dragonfly) used in structural biology workflows. It competes with Confocal Science for crystallization workflow budgets in pharma and academic core facilities.
• Hampton Research: Hampton Research is a leading supplier of protein crystallization screens, reagents, plates, and tools for structural biology. It competes directly with Confocal Science's C-Kit Ground Pro XRD/ND and counter-diffusion consumables for the same pharma and academic crystallization customers.
• Douglas Instruments: Douglas Instruments makes crystallization plates and Oryx crystallization robots used in protein crystallography. It is a direct peer for Confocal Science's crystallization consumables and tools in academic and pharmaceutical structural biology labs.
• Art Robbins Instruments: Art Robbins Instruments produces crystallization screening robots (e.g., CrysCam, Gryphon) and plates for protein X-ray crystallography. It is a direct competitor in the structural biology instrumentation market served by Confocal Science.
• Jena Bioscience: Jena Bioscience provides reagents, crystallization screens, and tools for protein crystallography and structural biology. It overlaps with Confocal Science's C-Kit product family and serves similar academic and pharma customers in Europe and globally.

Others

• Cosmo Bio: Cosmo Bio is a Japanese life science distributor that also sells internationally via Cosmo Bio USA. It is comparable as the channel partner/distributor through which Confocal Science's C-Kit Ground Pro XRD, ND, and JCB-SGT products reach international research customers.
• JAMSS (Japan Manned Space Systems): JAMSS operates the Kirara protein crystallization payload and 'Space Science Lab' STEAM program on the ISS, and is Confocal Science's primary customer/partner for space experiment services. It is comparable as a closely linked ecosystem participant in the same space biology market.

Broad incumbents

• Rigaku: Rigaku is a broad incumbent in X-ray crystallography instrumentation, including protein crystallography beamline equipment and home-source diffractometers. It is comparable as a much larger incumbent operating across the same structural biology workflow that Confocal Science supports via services and consumables.
• Bruker (AXS / Biospin): Bruker manufactures X-ray crystallography systems, NMR spectrometers, and structural biology instruments. As a broad incumbent, it operates across the same structural biology value chain where Confocal Science sells crystallization consumables and services to pharma customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Confocal Science