What Unipi Technology does

Unipi Technology s.r.o. is a Czech Republic-headquartered (Brno) industrial automation vendor, originally incubated inside Faster CZ (est. 1994) and reorganized around the Unipi product line starting in 2013 with the 2014 launch of Unipi 1.1. The company develops Linux-based programmable logic controllers (PLCs), IoT gateways, sensors and extension modules that target smart home, building management systems (BMS), industrial/IIoT, energy (notably photovoltaic), and education customers across more than 65 countries.

The product portfolio is structured into multiple hardware lines. Unipi Neuron and the new Unipi Edge are Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4-based PLCs/controllers targeting automation, BMS, HVAC and edge/IIoT use cases. Unipi Patron is the flagship line, built on the proprietary Unipi Zulu single-board computer using an NXP i.MX 8M Mini quad-core processor, and carries a 3-year extended warranty with long-term availability commitments. Unipi 1.1 is a Raspberry Pi extension board PLC; Unipi Gate is an RS485/Ethernet IoT gateway pre-installed with Node-RED; and the Extension xS-series are Modbus RTU I/O expansion modules usable with both Unipi and third-party controllers. Sensors include 1-Wire, resistance temperature, and indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors with up to six measured parameters. The software stack is anchored by the Mervis platform (IEC 61131-3 IDE, SCADA, HMI editor, cloud database, mobile app) and an open, fully documented API with support for ten-plus third-party platforms (Node-RED, OpenHAB, HomeAssistant, FHEM, Pimatic, Domoticz, OpenPLC, Nymea, Homebridge, REXYGEN, IPESOFT D2000). Products are CE/EMC/LVD/RED/RoHS/REACH certified.

Unipi's business model is anchored on hardware sales (PLCs, gateways, sensors, extensions, accessories at unit ASPs ranging from $173 for the 1.1 entry-level board to ~$1,021 for the Patron L527), supplemented by Mervis software licenses (sold separately for 1.1 and Gate units; included with Patron/Neuron), custom OEM services (branding from 20 pieces, hardware modification from 100 pieces, software development), and Mervis training/certification courses (e.g., €200 two-day Basic course in Brno). Distribution combines a direct e-commerce storefront (USD/EUR/CZK, multiple payment methods) with a global certified partner program (installation companies, IIoT/automation integrators, resellers, distributors) across 40+ countries; an OEM sales-assisted motion handles custom enterprise deals. Named enterprise customers include Photon Energy (custom Patron S117 controllers for 393 MWp of photovoltaic capacity), UBS (Lausanne HQ automation), Sauter AG (BMS custom hardware), Solar Global, Smart Energy Link, Edima Solutions, HUTIRA, Zealabs, EASYCON, and Lahoco, alongside academic users including Mendel University and the University of Alberta. The company is privately held with no disclosed institutional funding, no parent company, and no reported revenue.

Name

Unipi Technology

Legal name

Unipi Technology s.r.o.

Website

https://unipi.technology

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Unipi Technology, based in Brno, Czech Republic, develops Linux-based programmable logic controllers, IoT gateways, sensors and extension modules, serving smart home, building management, industrial automation, and energy customers across 65+ countries through direct e-commerce and certified partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Hardware (Programmable Logic Controllers)

NAICS

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

SCADA/HMI Platforms (IMAGABAB)

Keywords

• Programmable logic controllers
• IoT gateways
• Building automation systems
• Industrial automation hardware
• Smart home controls

Headquarters

HQ city

Brno

HQ country

Czechia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of programmable logic controllers (PLC), IoT gateways, sensors, and extension modules. Product lines include Unipi Neuron, Patron, Edge, Gate, Axon, 1.1, and Extension modules along with accessories.
2. Mervis Software Licenses: Mervis Runtime licenses sold separately for Unipi 1.1, Unipi 1.1 Lite, and Unipi Gate products. Neuron, Patron, and complete sets include free Mervis license.
3. Custom Development Services: OEM/custom hardware and software development services including complete solutions, product branding (from 20 pieces), and hardware development (from 100 pieces).
4. Training and Certification: Mervis training courses held in Czech Republic (Basic course €200, SCADA course), certification kits sold separately, and partner certification programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Unipi Technology designs, manufactures, and sells open-source Linux-based programmable logic controllers (PLC), IoT gateways, I/O extension modules, sensors, and supporting automation software. Its product portfolio spans multiple hardware lines (Neuron, Patron, Edge, 1.1, Gate, Zulu) plus the Mervis software platform for PLC programming, SCADA, HMI, cloud, and mobile control, aimed at smart home, building management, industrial automation, and energy applications.

Product overview

Unipi Technology develops and manufactures programmable logic controllers (PLCs), IoT gateways, sensors and systems based on Linux open-source operating systems. The product portfolio comprises multiple hardware product lines: Unipi Neuron (Raspberry Pi-powered PLCs), Unipi Patron (PLCs based on the proprietary Unipi Zulu module with NXP i.MX 8M Mini processor), Unipi 1.1 (Raspberry Pi extension boards), Unipi Gate (RS485/Ethernet IoT gateways), Unipi Edge (combined PLC/RTU/edge/IPC/IIoT gateway using Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4), Unipi Extension modules (I/O expansion via RS-485/Modbus RTU), and Unipi Axon (discontinued, replaced by Patron). Supporting products include 1-Wire sensors, resistance temperature sensors, and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sensors. The software ecosystem is anchored by the Mervis platform (IDE, SCADA, HMI, cloud database, mobile app) and supports multiple third-party platforms (Node-RED, OpenHAB, HomeAssistant, OpenPLC, etc.) via an open API. The company also offers comprehensive custom development services including hardware modification, product branding, and software development starting from small production batches.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mervis: Official supported software platform for Unipi products including development environment, SCADA interface, HMI editor, cloud database and mobile app.
• Unipi Neuron
• Unipi Patron
• Unipi Axon
• Unipi Gate
• Unipi Edge
• Unipi 1.1
• Unipi Zulu
• Unipi Extension

Products and services

• Unipi Neuron Product line of programmable logic controllers (PLC) powered by the Raspberry Pi computer, combining high computing performance with compact dimensions and a wide selection of inputs/outputs and communication interfaces. Based on Linux open-source OS; designed for automation, IoT, remote monitoring, smart home control, sensorics, SCADA and HVAC systems.
• Unipi Patron Product line of programmable logic controllers powered by the proprietary Unipi Zulu computing module based on NXP i.MX 8M Mini quad-core CPU at up to 1.8 GHz with 1 GB RAM and 8 GB eMMC. Provides high computing performance with a 3-year extended warranty, long-term availability, and full customization options for industrial automation, SCADA, photovoltaics, and demanding applications.
• Unipi Edge Controller combining PLC, RTU, edge device, IPC, and IoT/IIoT gateway in a single product. Based on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. Available in hundreds of product variants for BMS, HVAC, photovoltaic power plant control, and home or industrial automation.
• Unipi 1.1 Extension board for Raspberry Pi that adds inputs/outputs and communication interfaces, allowing it to function as a Raspberry Pi PLC. Available in standard and Lite variants. Suitable for basic control and monitoring, simple smart home projects, prototyping and application development.
• Unipi Gate Programmable Linux IoT gateway designed for use with devices communicating through RS485 serial bus. Functions as a data logger, sending aggregated data to local or cloud systems via Ethernet. Pre-installed with Node-RED. Suitable for industrial automation, HVAC, SCADA/MES, edge/cloud computing, and Smart City projects.
• Unipi Zulu Smallest single-board computer (SBC) developed by Unipi Technology. Compact size, high computing power, and software openness allow use in embedded systems, Industry 4.0, IoT platforms, and edge computing. Serves as the computing module for Patron controllers.
• Unipi Extension xS Series I/O expansion modules that extend a project with additional inputs, outputs and communication interfaces via Modbus RTU over RS-485. Compatible with Unipi products and controllers from other manufacturers. Customization options available.
• Mervis Software Platform

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• Installation Companies (Smart Home/BMS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner program for electro installation, HVAC, water heating, cooling, ventilation companies that provide advice, servicing, design and realization services to Unipi customers. Partners receive technical support, marketing materials, and company listing on Unipi website.
• Automation Solution Suppliers (IoT/IIoT)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartners integrating automation into industry including heat pump control, industrial machinery, and industrial building monitoring. Unipi Patron line specifically designed for IIoT with extended operating temperature range and comprehensive certification.
• Resellers and DistributorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorE-shop operators and distributors with access to profitable margins, marketing support, promotional materials, and preferential presentation on Unipi website.
• Custom Software/Hardware DevelopersstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners providing custom-developed solutions who need reliable hardware supplier. Unipi offers custom graphic design options, open software solutions, full SDK support and documentation.
• Universities and Educational InstitutionsminorOthersAcademic partnerships for research projects, curriculum development, and automation teaching. Unipi cooperates with dozens of universities, high schools globally including Mendel University, University of Alberta.
• Developers, Planners, ArchitectsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional partners looking for cost-efficient automation solutions to integrate into construction projects. Unipi provides consultations and presentations of solutions.
• Mendel University in BrnominorOthersAcademic partnership for automation research and educational projects in Czech Republic.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Revolution Pi (Kunbus): Revolution Pi (Kunbus, Germany) builds Raspberry Pi-based industrial PLCs and gateways (Revolution Pi Compact, S series, Gateway) for factory automation, building automation, and IIoT. It is the most direct peer to Unipi — same Raspberry Pi foundation, similar Linux/open-source positioning, similar target customers (SMB and industrial automation integrators).
• Controllino: Controllino (Austria/Germany) makes Arduino-derived open-source industrial PLCs targeting building automation, industrial control, and education. Comparable to Unipi in its open-platform philosophy, mid-market pricing, and similar go-to-market through integrators and direct e-commerce.
• Sfera Labs: Sfera Labs (Italy) manufactures Raspberry Pi-based industrial controllers, IoT gateways, and DIN-rail computing platforms (e.g., Strato Pi, Iono Pi) for automation and BMS applications. Closely mirrors Unipi's Neuron/Edge product concept and Linux/open positioning at a similar scale.
• HMS Networks: HMS Networks (Sweden) specialises in industrial communication — IoT gateways, protocol converters, and remote management (Anybus, Ewon) used across factory automation and BMS. Closely comparable to Unipi's Gate and Edge product lines for industrial IoT connectivity.

Broad incumbents

• WAGO: WAGO (Germany) is a major manufacturer of PLCs, I/O systems, and industrial interconnection products with deep presence in building automation and industrial control. Overlaps with Unipi across PLC and BMS applications but at much larger scale and broader product portfolio.
• Beckhoff Automation: Beckhoff (Germany) supplies PC-based control (TwinCAT), EtherCAT I/O, and PLCs for industrial and building automation. Shares Unipi's PC/Linux-based control philosophy but operates globally with an extensive installed base and broad automation portfolio.
• Schneider Electric (Modicon): Schneider Electric (France) offers the Modicon PLC family plus EcoStruxure building and industrial automation suites. Overlaps Unipi in PLC, BMS, and energy management applications with a global sales and support footprint.
• ABB: ABB (Switzerland) is a major automation vendor covering PLCs, drives, and building/energy automation. Competes with Unipi across industrial control and BMS but at vastly greater scale and with much broader solution portfolios.
• Siemens (SIMATIC line): Siemens SIMATIC is the dominant global PLC platform spanning large, mid, and small automation. SIMATIC IOT2000/2050 also targets Linux-based edge controllers, directly neighbouring Unipi's PLC + IoT gateway positioning across industrial and BMS applications.
• Phoenix Contact: Phoenix Contact (Germany) is a major industrial automation and electrical interconnection vendor with the PLCnext open-control platform. Overlaps Unipi in PLCs and I/O for building and industrial automation while also serving broader factory and process automation markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/unipitechnology
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/unipitechnology
• Facebookfacebook.com/unipi.technology
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/unipi-technology

Compliance6 records

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 Unipi Technology