Our Story

The story of MaxWell Biosystems begins long before our founding.  Since around the year 2000, ETH Zurich, Switzerland has been a pioneer in advancing microelectrode array (MEA) technology, from the Physical Electronics Laboratory led by Prof. Henry Baltes to the Bio Engineering Laboratory of Prof. Andreas Hierlemann. Over two decades of research have pushed the limits of how we record and interpret electrical signals from neurons and other excitable cells.

Our founding team was immersed in that environment: a blend of engineering excellence, neuroscience questions and collaborations, as well as continuous innovation. From early CMOS-based MEAs to large-scale high-density MEAs (HD-MEAs), we saw the potential to capture neuronal signals with unmatched spatial and temporal resolution, and crucially, with exceptional signal quality needed for truly meaningful analysis.

The trigger to start MaxWell Biosystems came during the time some of the founders spent at the RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center and Center for Developmental Biology in Japan. There, we encountered a breakthrough that would redefine the landscape of life sciences: induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Suddenly, researchers could generate patient-derived neurons, brain organoids, and other complex human models in vitro. It was then possible to test compounds directly on human cells outside of the body. A problem remained: existing tools could not keep up with the biological complexity exhibited by these cells. The biological models were precious, and the functional data remained insufficient. We initiated scientific collaborations to explore how HD-MEAs would advance diverse in vitro applications. Working with visionary researchers, such as Dr. Masayo Takahashi, Dr. Yoshiki Sasai, and Dr. Hiroki Ueda, we saw first-hand the potential of combining HD-MEAs with iPSC-derived models and other in vitro biological systems. It became clear: we had the technology, and the world was ready. The time had come to bring this innovation beyond the lab and into the hands of scientists worldwide.

MaxWell Biosystems was born with the realization of the commercial potential of combining MEAs and iPSCs. It became our mission to bring high-content electrophysiology from research prototypes into the hands of scientists and researchers working on the most advanced biological systems. In 2016, the company was founded as an ETH Zurich Spinoff.

What began as an academic spin-off quickly grew into a technology company supporting researchers and developers around the world.

Following the successful launch of MaxOne, our single-well HD-MEA platform, we listened closely to our users demanding to scale up their experiments. This led to MaxTwo, our multi-well system designed to bring high-content electrophysiology to higher-throughput workflows.

As the field evolved, so did we. From our founding offices in Basel, to our current headquarters in Zurich, we also expanded regionally - establishing MaxWell Biosystems USA, Inc. in San Diego and building dedicated teams across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.

Today, MaxWell Biosystems platforms are used by academic labs, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, CROs, cell providers, and other institutions in more than 25 countries.  Our journey is defined by the relationships we have built—with our users, collaborators, partners, and suppliers.

We remain committed to innovating alongside our users—not only as a provider of technology, but as a partner in discovery.

At MaxWell Biosystems, we integrate next-generation high-density microelectrode array technology, advanced signal processing, powerful analytics software, and intuitive user interfaces into cohesive platforms designed to make complex biology accessible, measurable, and meaningful.

We combine cutting-edge tools with dedicated scientific support, a deep understanding of user workflows, and clear, accessible documentation. Every detail reflects our commitment to quality, reliability, and responsiveness: from first idea to product deliveries to continuous support.

Our approach is guided by lean, purpose-driven design and shaped by continuous dialogue with our global user community. This is how we ensure that every solution we deliver is not only technically advanced, but truly useful in the lab.

That’s the MaxWell Way—building reliable tools, working closely with our users, and always focusing on what helps science move forward and make a real-world impact.