Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH was founded in 1996 and is based in the Science and Technology Park in Reutlingen in Southwest Germany. The product line for measuring extracellular activity from excitable cells, in vitro and in vivo, and the Roboocyte, a fully automated two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) system for Xenopus laevis oocytes, demonstrate the core competences of Multi Channel Systems — to develop innovative instruments and software for various electrophysiological applications.

Starting in 1996 with just the two founders, MCS has been a well growing company over the last years. Without financing through venture capital MCS has grown to have 20 employees now. Recently MCS moved into its own, new building, big enough to continue growing. More than two thirds of the MCS members hold an advanced degree in physics, electronics, informatics, biochemistry or biology. Combined experience in different technological and scientific fields result in an efficient and creative development of innovative new products.

MCS develops and manufactures high-technology instruments for all fields of electrophysiology. One main branch presents standard in vitro and in vivo recording systems for basic research at universities and institutes. The other main interest lies in developing automated medium and high-throughput screening systems for the pharmaceutical industry. MCS exhibits core competences especially in multichannel and voltage clamp amplifier technology, stimulus generators, multichannel data acquisition hardware and software, and analysis programs. MCS develops not only new instruments, but also continuously improves already existing systems in very close contact with the researchers and applications.
Multi Channel Systems also has joined several research projects over the past.
Funded by the German government: 

• “Multiwell-Microsensor-Plate für zellbasierte Wirkstoffuntersuchungen (MiMP)“, FKZ 16SV1741
• Nutzung der Mikroelektroden-Array-Technik in der pharmazeutischen Biotechnologie I”, FKZ 0310968/1 
• “Nutzung der Mikroelektroden-Array-Technik in der pharmazeutischen Biotechnologie II”, FKZ 0310964 B
• “Neuronen-Mikrosonde II”, FKZ 0311531/8 

EU-Projects:

• “The combination of Gene Targeting and Chip Technology to Study Neurotrophin Function during Brain Development”, FKZ BIO-4-98-0164
• “ION – A sequential high throughput ion channel screening system for drug discovery in neurological and psychiatric disorders”, COOP-CT-2004-513190-ION