Successfully transforming from a science-oriented start-up to an innovative global leader – ibidi as a driver of progress in biotechnology, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, and life sciences – ESA, NASA, and JAXA space missions utilize ibidi's expertise for their space biology projects
ibidi has been setting new standards in cell microscopy and functional cell-based assays. With the introduction of its pioneering cell culture chambers (µ-Slides and µ-Dishes), ibidi enabled high-resolution microscopy of living cells under conditions closely resembling in vivo environments—even in complex experimental settings.
In the years that followed, ibidi expanded these capabilities by developing compact, intelligent companion instruments that allow cells to be maintained and observed for weeks while preserving optimal cell health. Together, these technologies form the foundation for translating laboratory findings into physiological reality. As a result, new drug candidates and therapeutic approaches can be transferred more rapidly to human and veterinary medicine, while the need for animal testing is significantly reduced.
For 25 years, ibidi has been developing highly innovative standard and specialized products for modern cell research in close collaboration with leading research institutes and internationally renowned scientific groups. The company’s mission is to equip scientists with precise microscopy tools that enable the investigation of even the most complex biological questions.
At the core of the portfolio are ibidi’s extensively patented cell culture chambers (µ-Dishes and µ-Slides). These platforms integrate finely engineered microstructures such as channels, reservoirs, and barriers to realistically model blood flow, tissue layers, or microtumors. Specialized geometries and gel-based or functionalized surfaces guide cells into defined positions and trigger physiologically relevant processes.
The key advantage: cells remain on a single carrier throughout the entire experimental workflow. They adhere, proliferate in the incubator, are treated with compounds or manipulated using high-precision tools—and can be observed at any time under high-resolution microscopy.
To ensure long-term cell viability, ibidi has complemented its cell carriers with compact and space-efficient instruments that precisely control nutrient supply, gas exchange, and removal of metabolic waste. These systems simulate physiological flow conditions such as blood circulation or perfused tissue environments.
The demand for these laboratory tools is high. In clinics, universities, and industrial research laboratories worldwide, ibidi technologies enable forward-looking experiments that visualize fine structures and cellular behavior in both 2D and 3D. Even costly space-based experiments rely on ibidi technology to study biological processes without the influence of gravity. Accordingly, space biology missions conducted by ESA, NASA, and JAXA trust in ibidi’s innovative strength.
Since entering the market, more than 50,000 scientific publications have been generated using ibidi products, published in leading journals such as Cell, Science, and Nature, and cited worldwide.
This growing understanding of biochemical components and cellular processes is a major driver of medical progress—particularly in the treatment and alleviation of diseases and age-related conditions. Many disorders in humans and animals, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular conditions, originate from dysfunctions at the cellular level.
“Seeing the impact of our work on medical progress is deeply rewarding. From the very beginning, our goal in founding and leading ibidi has been to make a meaningful contribution to combating major widespread diseases,” says Dr. Valentin Kahl, who jointly manages the company with Dr. Roman Zantl.
“We consider it our responsibility to support life science research with innovative, consistently high-quality products. This is why we collaborate closely with leading scientists and institutions around the world,” adds Dr. Zantl.
All business units and production activities are consolidated at ibidi’s headquarters in Gräfelfing near Munich. Thanks to long-standing supplier and development partnerships—many of them regional—ibidi has achieved a high degree of independence from global supply chain disruptions.
Reliability and scientific excellence have established ibidi as a sought-after industrial partner for government research funding. The company actively prepares future directions in cell research by identifying emerging laboratory tool requirements at an early stage. This application-driven research demands exceptional innovation, creativity, and close collaboration with leading experts—yet its value is immeasurable. The interplay between excellent science, implementation-driven industry, and strong public research funding explains the rapid advances in medicine and pharmaceuticals over recent decades. For 25 years, ibidi has made a substantial contribution to this progress.
ibidi has received numerous national and international awards for its innovation strength, growth, entrepreneurial foresight, and distinctive leadership culture. This spirit was also reflected in the company’s 25th anniversary celebration, which placed people at the center – from employees and their families to long-standing business partners.
ibidi has been setting new standards in cell microscopy and functional cell-based assays. With the introduction of its pioneering cell culture chambers (µ-Slides and µ-Dishes), ibidi enabled high-resolution microscopy of living cells under conditions closely resembling in vivo environments—even in complex experimental settings.
In the years that followed, ibidi expanded these capabilities by developing compact, intelligent companion instruments that allow cells to be maintained and observed for weeks while preserving optimal cell health. Together, these technologies form the foundation for translating laboratory findings into physiological reality. As a result, new drug candidates and therapeutic approaches can be transferred more rapidly to human and veterinary medicine, while the need for animal testing is significantly reduced.
For 25 years, ibidi has been developing highly innovative standard and specialized products for modern cell research in close collaboration with leading research institutes and internationally renowned scientific groups. The company’s mission is to equip scientists with precise microscopy tools that enable the investigation of even the most complex biological questions.
At the core of the portfolio are ibidi’s extensively patented cell culture chambers (µ-Dishes and µ-Slides). These platforms integrate finely engineered microstructures such as channels, reservoirs, and barriers to realistically model blood flow, tissue layers, or microtumors. Specialized geometries and gel-based or functionalized surfaces guide cells into defined positions and trigger physiologically relevant processes.
The key advantage: cells remain on a single carrier throughout the entire experimental workflow. They adhere, proliferate in the incubator, are treated with compounds or manipulated using high-precision tools—and can be observed at any time under high-resolution microscopy.
To ensure long-term cell viability, ibidi has complemented its cell carriers with compact and space-efficient instruments that precisely control nutrient supply, gas exchange, and removal of metabolic waste. These systems simulate physiological flow conditions such as blood circulation or perfused tissue environments.
The demand for these laboratory tools is high. In clinics, universities, and industrial research laboratories worldwide, ibidi technologies enable forward-looking experiments that visualize fine structures and cellular behavior in both 2D and 3D. Even costly space-based experiments rely on ibidi technology to study biological processes without the influence of gravity. Accordingly, space biology missions conducted by ESA, NASA, and JAXA trust in ibidi’s innovative strength.
Since entering the market, more than 50,000 scientific publications have been generated using ibidi products, published in leading journals such as Cell, Science, and Nature, and cited worldwide.
This growing understanding of biochemical components and cellular processes is a major driver of medical progress—particularly in the treatment and alleviation of diseases and age-related conditions. Many disorders in humans and animals, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular conditions, originate from dysfunctions at the cellular level.
“Seeing the impact of our work on medical progress is deeply rewarding. From the very beginning, our goal in founding and leading ibidi has been to make a meaningful contribution to combating major widespread diseases,” says Dr. Valentin Kahl, who jointly manages the company with Dr. Roman Zantl.
“We consider it our responsibility to support life science research with innovative, consistently high-quality products. This is why we collaborate closely with leading scientists and institutions around the world,” adds Dr. Zantl.
All business units and production activities are consolidated at ibidi’s headquarters in Gräfelfing near Munich. Thanks to long-standing supplier and development partnerships—many of them regional—ibidi has achieved a high degree of independence from global supply chain disruptions.
Reliability and scientific excellence have established ibidi as a sought-after industrial partner for government research funding. The company actively prepares future directions in cell research by identifying emerging laboratory tool requirements at an early stage. This application-driven research demands exceptional innovation, creativity, and close collaboration with leading experts—yet its value is immeasurable. The interplay between excellent science, implementation-driven industry, and strong public research funding explains the rapid advances in medicine and pharmaceuticals over recent decades. For 25 years, ibidi has made a substantial contribution to this progress.
ibidi has received numerous national and international awards for its innovation strength, growth, entrepreneurial foresight, and distinctive leadership culture. This spirit was also reflected in the company’s 25th anniversary celebration, which placed people at the center – from employees and their families to long-standing business partners.
