MULTI CHANNEL SYSTEMS MCS GMBH

Their core work

MCS develops and manufactures multi-channel electrophysiology recording and stimulation systems used in neuroscience and biomedical research. Their hardware platforms — multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) and related instrumentation — enable researchers to measure electrical activity from neurons, cardiac cells, and retinal tissue. Within EU projects, they contribute micro-fabrication expertise and specialized measurement equipment for brain-computer interfaces, neural implants, and in vitro toxicology testing. Based in Reutlingen, Germany, they are a recognized instrumentation company serving the global life sciences research market.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early projects (2015–2018) centered on graphene materials research and foundational electrophysiology — retinal processing (switchBoard), broad graphene applications (GrapheneCore1/2), and a first pilot line for medical device fabrication (InForMed). From 2019 onward, the focus sharpened toward applied neurotechnology: brain-computer interfaces (BrainCom), epilepsy treatment via iontronics (IN-FET), and toxicology screening platforms (TOX-Free). The trajectory shows a company moving from general sensor/materials R&D toward specific biomedical applications where their electrode technology solves clinical and regulatory problems.

MCS is pivoting from being a general-purpose electrophysiology equipment maker toward becoming a specialized partner for neural interfaces, neuromodulation therapies, and cell-based safety testing — areas with strong regulatory and commercial demand.

How they like to work

MCS is exclusively a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is consistent with their role as a specialized instrumentation provider embedded in larger research consortia. With 369 unique partners across 26 countries, they connect into very large networks (the Graphene Flagship alone involves hundreds of partners). This means they are well-networked but play a supporting specialist role rather than driving project direction — ideal for consortia that need reliable hardware and measurement expertise without competing for scientific leadership.

MCS has collaborated with 369 unique partners across 26 countries, largely driven by their participation in the Graphene Flagship (one of the EU's largest research initiatives). Their network spans most of Europe with strong ties to academic neuroscience labs and medical device pilot lines.

What sets them apart

MCS occupies a rare niche: they are one of very few companies that both manufactures commercial electrophysiology platforms AND participates deeply in EU research to push those platforms into new domains (graphene electrodes, neural implants, toxicology screening). Unlike pure research institutes, they bring industrial manufacturing capability; unlike large medtech companies, they are agile enough to engage in early-stage FET and Flagship projects. For any consortium needing multi-electrode array hardware, micro-fabricated neural interfaces, or cell-based recording systems, MCS is the go-to industrial partner in Europe.

Highlights from their portfolio

• BrainCom
  Their largest funded project (EUR 802K) developing high-density cortical implants for speech rehabilitation via brain-computer interfaces — represents their deepest commitment to neural interface technology.
• TOX-Free
  Most recent project (2021-2025, EUR 575K) applying their electrode expertise to a completely new domain: fluorescence-emitting electrodes for drug safety and toxicity testing on neurons and heart cells.
• GrapheneCore3
  Part of the Graphene Flagship — Europe's largest research initiative — demonstrating MCS's sustained involvement in graphene-based biomedical sensing across three consecutive core projects.