Tecan
Tecan Group Ltd. is a Swiss multinational corporation specializing in the development, production, and distribution of automation solutions, laboratory instruments, consumables, and software for the life sciences, diagnostics, and biopharmaceutical sectors.[1] Founded in 1980 by four engineers, including Heinz Abplanalp, in the village of Hombrechtikon, Switzerland, the company initially focused on measurement, analysis, and laboratory automation technologies.[2] Headquartered in Männedorf, Switzerland, Tecan employs more than 3,300 people worldwide and maintains manufacturing, research, and development facilities in Europe and North America, with a sales and service network spanning over 70 countries.[1][3][4][5] The company's origins trace back to a renovated farmhouse where the founders developed early pipetting workstations, such as the Tecan Samplers 500 series launched in 1985, marking the first automated systems for precise liquid handling in laboratories.[2] Key milestones include its initial public offering on the Zurich Stock Exchange in 1987, the acquisition of Cavro Scientific Instruments in the same year to expand into the U.S. market, and becoming fully publicly traded in 1999 following a share placement by PerkinElmer.[2] Subsequent growth involved establishing subsidiaries in Japan (1992) and opening an Asia Pacific headquarters in Shanghai (2008), alongside innovations like the Fluent® automation platform and NGS DreamPrep® for next-generation sequencing library preparation introduced in 2019.[2] In 2021, Tecan completed its largest acquisition to date by purchasing Paramit Corporation, enhancing its capabilities in medical device manufacturing and contract development.[2][1] Tecan's business is divided into two main segments: Life Sciences, which offers automation for research in genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery; and Partnering Business, providing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) services and customized solutions for diagnostic instrument makers and biopharmaceutical production.[6][7] The company is recognized for products like the Veya™ multi-omics workstation launched in 2025, the D300e Digital Dispenser for high-throughput assays, and Resolvex® systems for sample preparation in mass spectrometry.[2][8] With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Tecan supports scalable healthcare advancements, including clinical diagnostics automation that improves efficiency and safety in laboratory workflows.[6] As of 2025, it continues to lead in enabling reproducible and compliant lab processes under CEO Monica Manotas, who succeeded Achim von Leoprechting.[2]History
Founding and Early Development
Tecan was founded in 1980 by four engineers in the Swiss village of Hombrechtikon, initially operating out of a renovated farmhouse that served as the family home of co-founder and CEO Heinz Abplanalp. The company started under the name Technische Analysegeräte, commonly abbreviated as Tecan, with a primary aim to develop innovative measurement, analysis, and laboratory automation devices tailored for the life sciences sector.[2] From its inception, Tecan concentrated on creating tools to streamline repetitive laboratory processes, addressing the growing need for precision and efficiency in scientific research and diagnostics. In 1982, the company took its first international step by establishing Tecan US in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to handle sales, marketing, and manufacturing operations in the American market. This early expansion laid the groundwork for Tecan's global presence while maintaining its Swiss roots in Hombrechtikon.[2] A pivotal milestone came in 1985 with the launch of the Tecan Samplers 500 series, recognized as the world's first process-controlled, fully automated pipetting workstations, which revolutionized laboratory workflows by enabling precise, high-throughput liquid handling. By 1986, Tecan had grown to employ 80 staff and achieved sales of 20 million CHF, earning it the title of Swiss Company of the Year from Zurich industrialists and publishers. The company's rapid progress culminated in 1987 when it floated on the Zurich Stock Exchange, marking a significant transition to public ownership and fueling further development.[2]Expansion and Key Milestones
Following the establishment of its North American presence, Tecan expanded its U.S. operations in 1982 by opening Tecan US in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as a dedicated sales and marketing unit to serve the region, alongside Tecan Production Corp., which focused on manufacturing products tailored for the U.S. market. This move marked an early step in internationalizing operations beyond Switzerland, enabling localized support and production to meet growing demand in life sciences automation.[2] In the 1990s, Tecan achieved a significant operational milestone with the 1994 ISO 9001 certification across all three of its manufacturing entities, ensuring standardized quality management processes that bolstered its reputation for reliability in laboratory automation. The company also established Tecan Japan Co., Ltd. in Tokyo in 1992 to strengthen its foothold in the Asian market. Building on the 1987 acquisition of Cavro Scientific Instruments, which integrated advanced liquid handling components into Tecan's portfolio, the firm advanced its technology with innovations like the XL series pipetting systems in the early 1990s, enhancing precision and automation for research workflows.[2][9][10] The 2000s saw further geographic expansion, including the creation of a subsidiary in Belgium in 2000, along with offices in Barcelona to cover Spain and Portugal, and in the Netherlands, which improved direct sales and service across Europe. In 2008, Tecan opened its Asia Pacific headquarters in Shanghai, China, to enhance regional support and direct sales to major life sciences firms. During this period, key advancements in liquid handling included the development of air displacement pipetting technology as an alternative to traditional methods, improving efficiency and reducing contamination risks in high-throughput applications.[2][11][12] In 2020, Tecan celebrated its 40th anniversary, reflecting on four decades of contributions to laboratory automation while facing heightened global demand for its solutions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company's liquid handling and automation systems played a critical role in scaling diagnostic testing and research efforts, with strong sales growth in products supporting viral detection workflows.[2][13]Acquisitions and Recent Events
In 2018, Tecan acquired NuGEN Technologies, a US-based provider of next-generation sequencing (NGS) reagents, for USD 54.5 million to expand its dedicated solutions into the genomics market segment.[14] This acquisition integrated NuGEN's sample preparation kits with Tecan's automation expertise, enhancing offerings for NGS workflows.[15] The year 2019 saw a leadership change when Dr. Achim von Leoprechting, previously Head of the Partnering Business Division, was appointed CEO effective April 1, succeeding Dr. David Martyr upon his retirement.[16] In 2020, Tecan marked its 40-year milestone since founding, reflecting on its evolution in supplying laboratory automation to life sciences and clinical sectors.[2] Tecan's largest acquisition to date occurred in 2021 with the purchase of Paramit Corporation, a US-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), for USD 1 billion.[17] Completed in August, this deal bolstered Tecan's OEM services in life sciences and in vitro diagnostics (IVD) by adding Paramit's expertise in high-volume manufacturing and expanding operations in the US and Asia.[18] In early 2025, Tecan pursued further growth in diagnostics through an asset purchase from Cisbio Bioassays SAS on April 3, acquiring manufacturing processes for four ELISA kits—two for IVD and two for research use only—to broaden its specialty diagnostics portfolio.[19] Later that month, on April 8, Tecan subsidiary IBL International announced a partnership with Grifols to develop advanced biomarker panels for neurological, oncological, and other conditions, utilizing Grifols' single molecule counting (SMC) platform for high-sensitivity immunoassays.[20] In May, Tecan expanded its collaboration with HP, launching the Duo Digital Dispenser on May 20—a system combining single-cell isolation and reagent dispensing, enabling surfactant-free operations up to 40 times faster than traditional methods for low-volume applications in drug discovery and cell research.[21] Tecan also introduced the Veya™ workstation in January 2025, a multi-omics liquid handling platform designed for scalable automation with intuitive digital interfaces to streamline lab workflows and provide real-time insights.[22] A significant leadership transition occurred in July 2025, with the Board of Directors appointing Monica Manotas as CEO effective August 1, succeeding Dr. Achim von Leoprechting after his nearly 6.5-year tenure; Manotas, who joined the Board in April 2024, brings over 24 years of experience from Thermo Fisher Scientific in scaling healthcare innovations globally.[23]Business Operations
Organizational Segments
Tecan Group operates through two primary business segments: Life Sciences Business and Partnering Business. The Life Sciences Business segment focuses on automation solutions for research, clinical diagnostics, forensics, and biopharmaceutical applications, enabling advancements in areas such as genomics, proteomics, cell analysis, and drug discovery to support healthcare innovation.[24][25][26][27] The Partnering Business segment specializes in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and custom solutions, collaborating with partners to develop and manufacture tailored laboratory automation systems, including for in-vitro diagnostics and medical devices.[28][29] These segments contribute to Tecan's strategic emphasis on empowering healthcare innovation, with the Life Sciences Business division playing a pivotal role in driving progress in genomics and cell analysis technologies.[24][30] In the Life Sciences Business segment, recurring sales from services, consumables, and reagents accounted for 62.1% of segment sales in the first half of 2025, up from 59.4% in the prior year.[25] In the third quarter of 2025, Tecan achieved mid-single-digit growth in local currencies across its segments, aligning with expectations and confirming the full-year outlook.[7] This performance underscores the segments' synergistic roles in sustaining Tecan's position in laboratory automation, supported by a global workforce exceeding 3,000 employees.[25]Global Presence and Facilities
Tecan Group Ltd. is headquartered in Männedorf, Switzerland, where it maintains its primary corporate offices, manufacturing, and research and development (R&D) facilities.[31] The company operates a global network of manufacturing and R&D sites across Europe, North America, and Asia to support its operations in biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and life sciences research. In Europe, key facilities include the headquarters in Männedorf, Switzerland, and an R&D site in Mainz-Kastel, Germany; additionally, Tecan has established subsidiaries and sales offices in Belgium to serve regional markets.[31][32] In North America, Tecan conducts manufacturing and R&D at sites in Morgan Hill, California (including the Paramit facility acquired in 2021 for OEM manufacturing), Baldwin Park, California, and Woburn, Massachusetts.[31][1] Sales and service operations are supported from Morrisville, North Carolina, near the original Chapel Hill location established in the early 1980s. In Asia, manufacturing occurs at facilities in Penang, Malaysia, and Ben Cat Town, Vietnam, while an assembly site in the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone, China, handles production of liquid handling and detection products; sales offices are also present in Shanghai and Japan to address growing demand in pharmaceutical and research sectors.[31][11][33] As of 2025, Tecan employs more than 3,000 people worldwide across these locations, enabling localized support for biopharma, diagnostics, and academic research customers.[25] The company maintains sales and service offices in over 70 countries, facilitating direct customer engagement and rapid response times globally.[31] Tecan integrates sustainability into its facility operations, including comprehensive employee training programs; in 2023, the average training hours per employee reached approximately 49 across categories such as manufacturing, R&D, and administration, with initiatives continuing into 2025 to enhance skills in health, safety, and environmental practices.[34] These efforts support ISO 45001 certification at Swiss sites and a global rollout of health and safety standards.[35]Products and Solutions
Life Sciences Automation
Tecan's Life Sciences Automation segment offers a suite of laboratory instruments and software designed to enhance efficiency in research and biopharmaceutical workflows, focusing on automation for tasks such as liquid handling, sample preparation, and high-throughput screening.[36] These solutions enable researchers to scale experiments, reduce manual errors, and accelerate discoveries in areas like genomics and drug development.[37] Core liquid handling systems include the Freedom EVO® platform, a versatile robotic workstation configurable with multiple arms for pipetting, gripping, and transport, supporting volumes from nanoliters to milliliters for applications in assay development and screening.[38] Similarly, the Fluent® workstation integrates advanced pipetting with intuitive software for high-capacity automation, allowing seamless scaling from low- to high-throughput processes in drug discovery labs.[38] The Veya™ system provides effortless automation for multiomics workflows, featuring a touchscreen interface and prebuilt scripts to monitor and execute protocols without extensive programming.[38] For high-throughput screening, these platforms incorporate robotics to handle plate-based assays, enabling parallel processing of thousands of samples to identify potential drug candidates efficiently.[39] Supporting these instruments, Tecan Labwerx™ software facilitates workflow integration by offering customizable automation solutions tailored to specific lab processes, ensuring consistent results and optimization across integrated systems.[40] Key innovations include the Resolvex® Prep workstation, which automates sample preparation for chromatography and mass spectrometry, handling filtration, solid-phase extraction, and batch processing of 5 to 100 samples to streamline analytical workflows in proteomics and metabolomics research.[41] The Spark® Cyto multimode plate reader combines live-cell imaging with real-time cytometry, providing fluorescence, bright-field, and phase-contrast capabilities for cell counting, viability assessment, and dynamic monitoring in cell-based assays.[42] In genomics applications, the MagicPrep™ NGS instrument automates next-generation sequencing library preparation with cartridge-based reagents, achieving over 99% success rates for DNA and mRNA sequencing workflows, minimizing hands-on time and variability in sample-to-library processes.[43] For drug discovery, Tecan's automation supports high-throughput screening of compound libraries, integrating liquid handling with detection modules to evaluate efficacy and toxicity in real-time. Single-cell analysis benefits from the Duo Digital Dispenser™, launched in 2025, which uses microfluidic technology for precise dispensing of 1 to 25 cells per well in under 5 minutes, alongside picoliter-to-microliter reagent delivery for low-volume assays in proteomics and functional genomics.[21] These tools are complemented by compatible consumables, such as disposable tips and cartridges, to maintain reliability in automated setups.[38] Through strategic partnerships, Tecan has integrated its automation with advanced sequencing technologies, notably collaborating with Oxford Nanopore Technologies on the ElysION™ system, a fully automated sample-to-answer platform that combines liquid handling for library preparation with nanopore sequencing for real-time DNA/RNA analysis, reducing workflow time from hours to minutes for diverse research applications.[44]Diagnostics Instruments
Tecan offers a range of instruments and solutions designed specifically for clinical diagnostics, including multimode microplate readers and washers that enable precise detection in immunoassay workflows. The Infinite series, such as the Infinite 200 PRO and Infinite F50, provides flexible absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence capabilities for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and other diagnostic tests, supporting high-throughput screening in regulated laboratory environments. These readers are compact, validated for reliability, and integrate seamlessly with automation systems to handle plates up to 384 wells.[45][46] Clinical automation platforms from Tecan, including the Freedom EVOlyzer, facilitate automated processing for routine immunoassays, covering pre-analytical sample preparation, washing, and reading steps to streamline workflows in clinical labs. These systems support both standardized and customizable setups for high-volume testing, such as serological assays, ensuring consistent results with minimal manual intervention. Washers like the HydroFlex complement these platforms by providing gentle yet efficient plate washing for ELISA and other binding assays.[47][48] Tecan supplies specialized consumables tailored for diagnostics, including disposable pipette tips, microplates, and reagent reservoirs that maintain sample integrity during high-volume operations. These items, such as LiHa-compatible tips and AC extraction plates, are manufactured to exacting standards to prevent cross-contamination and support functional chemistry in automated systems. Reagents, including ELISA kits, are optimized for integration with Tecan's instruments, enabling efficient processing in clinical and quality control settings.[49][50] The company's diagnostics instruments adhere to stringent in vitro diagnostic (IVD) regulations, including IVDR compliance across global markets, with a dedicated quality assurance and regulatory affairs organization ensuring traceability and validation. This expertise extends to applications in forensics for evidence analysis and biopharmaceutical quality control, where instruments meet GxP requirements for reproducible results in sensitive environments.[51][52] In 2025, Tecan expanded its offerings through the acquisition of assets related to four ELISA kits from Cisbio Bioassays, including two IVD products for specialty diagnostics in areas like autoimmune and infectious diseases, enhancing reagent integration with existing automation platforms. These kits build on prior integrations, such as those used in COVID-19 response systems for scaled serological testing via Thermo Fisher's workflows. This acquisition strengthens Tecan's position in providing end-to-end solutions for emerging diagnostic needs.[19][53] Synergies with life sciences automation allow Tecan's diagnostics tools to adapt for hybrid research-clinical applications, such as method development before regulatory validation.[6]Partnering and OEM Services
Tecan provides partnering and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) services through its Synergence platform, which enables the design and development of integrated laboratory automation solutions for diagnostics and life sciences applications.[54] This platform consolidates Tecan's expertise in system engineering, offering flexible services to meet diverse automation needs in in vitro diagnostics (IVD) and related fields.[55] As part of its OEM offerings, Tecan leverages components from its Cavro legacy, including precision syringe pumps and valves such as rotary and multi-port configurations, which are renowned for accuracy and reliability in liquid handling systems.[56][57] The company's services encompass co-development of custom technologies and products, expert regulatory support to navigate compliance requirements, and scalable production capabilities facilitated by its Paramit facilities.[58][59] Through co-development, Tecan collaborates on solving complex design challenges by integrating fundamental science and engineering.[60] Regulatory assistance includes guiding partners through global standards, such as FDA requirements, as part of a comprehensive quality and regulatory framework.[61] Paramit, acquired in 2021, provides high-efficiency manufacturing in the US and Asia, enabling seamless scaling from new product introduction to high-volume production for OEM partners.[17][62] Key partnerships highlight Tecan's role in collaborative innovation. In 2025, Tecan's subsidiary IBL International partnered with Grifols to develop advanced biomarker panels for specialty diagnostics, utilizing Grifols' single molecule counting platform to target areas like neurology and oncology.[20][63] That same year, Tecan expanded its collaboration with HP to launch the Duo Digital Dispenser, which combines single-cell isolation and reagent dispensing technologies for enhanced precision in life sciences research.[21][64] These efforts draw briefly on Tecan's core automation technologies from its life sciences segment to support partner-specific integrations. Tecan's focus in partnering extends to custom solutions for medtech and applied markets, emphasizing contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) capabilities. A notable example is the deployment of the Avive Connect AED®, a portable defibrillator with connectivity features, where Tecan's MedTech CDMO expertise, including vPoke® assembly technology and FDA regulatory knowledge, facilitated rapid field rollout to improve emergency responses.[65][6]Leadership and Governance
Executive Leadership
Monica Manotas serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Tecan Group AG, having assumed the role on August 1, 2025. A U.S. and Colombian citizen born in 1973, Manotas joined the company from the Board of Directors, where she had been an independent member since April 2024. Prior to Tecan, she held senior positions at Thermo Fisher Scientific, including Vice President and General Manager of Single-Use Technologies, bringing extensive expertise in operations, growth strategies, and scaling healthcare innovation globally. Under her leadership, Tecan emphasizes sustainable growth, operational resilience, and strengthening customer relationships amid market challenges.[23][66][67] Preceding Manotas was Dr. Achim von Leoprechting, who led Tecan as CEO from April 2019 to July 2025. A German national with a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Freiburg, von Leoprechting joined Tecan in 2013 as Head of the Partnering Business division before his promotion to CEO. His tenure focused on strategic acquisitions, such as the 2021 purchase of Paramit Corporation to expand OEM capabilities and U.S./Asia presence, alongside driving innovation in laboratory automation and biopharmaceutical solutions. These efforts contributed to double-digit sales growth in prior years and positioned Tecan for resilient performance.[16][17][68] Tania Micki has been Chief Financial Officer since February 2020, overseeing financial operations, strategy, and investor relations. A Swiss and French citizen, Micki holds an MBA from INSEAD and a degree in audit, accounting, and finance from ESCP Business School. Her background includes senior finance roles in multinational firms, contributing to Tecan's fiscal discipline and global scaling initiatives, such as optimizing the manufacturing footprint through site consolidations in California and shifts to Malaysia. As announced on November 17, 2025, Micki will step down as CFO by the end of 2026 to take a new role, with the company initiating a search for her successor.[69][70][71][72] Mukta Acharya, Executive Vice President and Head of the Life Sciences Business division since August 2024, drives innovation and growth in automation solutions for research and diagnostics. A U.S. citizen born in 1984, Acharya joined Tecan in 2022 as President of Tecan Americas, coming from Thermo Fisher Scientific where she managed single-use technologies. Her focus includes advancing flexible, high-throughput instrumentation and integrating AI to meet evolving lab needs, supporting global expansion in life sciences applications.[73][74] As of September 2025, Manotas also serves as interim Head of the Partnering Business division following Ralf Griebel's departure after leading it since 2020. This segment, focused on OEM services, benefits from her operational expertise to foster new partnerships and manufacturing contracts. For the Diagnostics Instruments area, integrated within the Life Sciences segment, leadership emphasizes regulatory compliance and portfolio expansion, such as the April 2025 acquisition of ELISA kit assets to enhance specialty diagnostics offerings.[75][19][76] The executive team, under Manotas' direction, has guided Tecan through a challenging 2025 market, confirming a full-year outlook of low single-digit sales decline to growth in local currencies and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.5% to 18.5%. Key product launches include the Veya™ multi-omics workstation, FlowPilot scheduling software, and Duo Digital Dispenser™ in collaboration with HP, all introduced in the first half of 2025 to bolster innovation and recurring revenue streams. These initiatives underscore a commitment to sustainability through cost efficiencies and optimized global operations.[71][25]Corporate Governance Structure
Tecan Group AG, listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, maintains a corporate governance structure aligned with the Swiss Code of Obligations and the SIX Swiss Exchange Directive on Information relating to Corporate Governance.[77] The Board of Directors, as the highest governing body, oversees strategic direction, risk management, and sustainability integration, with all members serving as non-executive and independent directors to ensure objective decision-making.[77] Following the Annual General Meeting on April 10, 2025, the Board comprises seven members, re-electing all eligible from the prior year while Dr. Karen Huebscher did not stand for re-election after serving since 2012.[78] Dr. Lukas Braunschweiler continues as Chair, providing continuity in leadership.[78] The Board's composition emphasizes diversity and expertise in life sciences, finance, and sustainability, with approximately 40-50% female representation and members drawn from senior executive backgrounds in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.[77] Mandate limits restrict members to no more than four external listed company roles and four non-listed ones, minimizing conflicts of interest, none of which were reported in 2024.[77] The following table outlines the Board as of December 31, 2024, with 2025 re-elections confirming continuity for most members. Following the 2025 AGM, the Board consists of seven members after Huebscher's departure:| Member | Role/Initial Election Year | Key Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lukas Braunschweiler | Chair (2015) | Strategic leadership, life sciences |
| Myra Eskes | Member (2021) | Finance, sustainability |
| Matthias Gillner | Member (2021) | Audit, financial oversight |
| Dr. Christa Kreuzburg | Member (2018) | Compensation, pharmaceuticals |
| Monica Manotas | Member (2024) | Operations, global business |
| Dr. Daniel R. Marshak | Member (2020) | Biotechnology, innovation |
| Dr. Oliver Fetzer | Member (2022) | Drug discovery, R&D |
| Dr. Karen Huebscher | Member (2012, until 2025) | Diagnostics, regulatory affairs |