ACQUIFER AG

Their core work

ACQUIFER AG is a German technology SME that develops automated microscopy and imaging systems for life science research. Within H2020 consortia, they provide advanced imaging infrastructure — particularly light sheet microscopy and high-throughput screening platforms — to projects studying vertebrate development and disease. Their instruments enable researchers to perform large-scale in vivo imaging of model organisms like zebrafish and mouse, bridging the gap between hardware engineering and biological discovery.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

ACQUIFER's early H2020 involvement (2015-2017) centered on optical imaging hardware — light sheet microscopy, optical tweezers, and high-throughput screening for developmental biology models (zebrafish, mouse). Their later projects show a broadening toward spectroscopic techniques, with VISGEN introducing Raman spectroscopy as a new modality. This suggests a trajectory from pure optical imaging toward multimodal visualization platforms that combine morphological and molecular readouts.

Moving from pure optical microscopy toward integrating spectroscopic modalities like Raman, which could position them for label-free diagnostic and materials imaging applications.

How they like to work

ACQUIFER always participates as a partner, never as coordinator — consistent with their role as a technology provider embedded in research-driven consortia. With 52 unique partners across 13 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in large, diverse MSCA training networks rather than small focused teams. This pattern indicates they are a sought-after equipment and expertise provider that multiple academic groups want in their consortia.

Extensive network of 52 unique partners spanning 13 countries, built entirely through MSCA training networks. Their reach across Europe is broad for a company of their size, reflecting high demand for their imaging technology in academic developmental biology.

What sets them apart

ACQUIFER occupies a niche as one of few SMEs specializing in automated light sheet microscopy and high-throughput imaging systems for vertebrate model organisms. Unlike academic imaging labs, they bring commercial-grade, reproducible instrument platforms to consortia — meaning partners get standardized, scalable imaging rather than one-off setups. For consortium builders, they offer the rare combination of deep imaging expertise with the agility and industry perspective of a small company.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 4DHeart
  Most keyword-rich project — combines light sheet microscopy, optical tweezers, high-throughput screening, and image processing for 4D cardiac analysis in zebrafish and mouse.
• VISGEN
  Signals a strategic shift toward Raman spectroscopy and molecular visualization, expanding ACQUIFER's capabilities beyond traditional optical imaging.
• ImageInLife
  Pan-European MSCA training network in bioimaging — positions ACQUIFER at the center of the next-generation imaging workforce pipeline.