Get to Know Bio-Techne
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Global Presence: 34 locations, 3,000+ employees
Product Portfolio: 500,000+ reagents, instruments, and diagnostics
Bio-Techne is a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and supply of high-quality reagents, precision diagnostics, and analytical instruments. Founded as R&D Systems in 1981 and rebranded as Bio-Techne in 2014, the company has grown through strategic acquisitions, innovation, and global expansion. In fiscal year 2023, Bio-Techne reported net sales exceeding $1.1 billion. Its key brands include ACD, Asuragen, Lunaphore, Novus Biologicals, ProteinSimple, R&D Systems, and Tocris Bioscience.
Our Mission & Commitment
Support scientific discovery with reliable, high-quality products
Maintain strict quality control and comprehensive customer support
Combine multidisciplinary expertise to offer a full portfolio of life science solutions
Company Origins and Growth
Bio-Techne’s roots date back to 1976 with R&D Systems in Minnesota. The company’s initial focus was hematology controls and calibrators for clinical diagnostics. By 1985, R&D Systems released TGF-beta 1, the world’s first commercially available cytokine, marking the company’s entry into biotechnology. This success led to the creation of the Growth Factor (Biotechnology) Division and expansion into recombinant proteins, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
Strategic Expansion
Bio-Techne has steadily expanded globally, with subsidiaries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Key milestones include:
1993–1998: Establishment of R&D Systems Europe and acquisition of Genzyme’s research products
2005–2011: Acquisition of Fortron Bioscience, BiosPacific, Boston Biochem, and Tocris Bioscience, enhancing capabilities in antibodies, ubiquitin-related research tools, and pharmacological reagents
2013–2023: Strategic acquisitions of Bionostics, Cliniqa, Zephyrus, Asuragen, Namocell, and Lunaphore, further broadening Bio-Techne’s diagnostic and life sciences offerings
Research and Product Expertise
Today, Bio-Techne’s catalog exceeds 24,000 products, 95% of which are manufactured in-house. Core areas include:
Cytokines and growth factors for biomedical research
Immunoassays and multiplex platforms
Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies
Biologically active compounds and small molecules
Cell selection kits, multicolor flow cytometry, and stem cell tools
Clinical hematology controls and instruments
Global Impact
Bio-Techne’s integrated approach combines high-quality products, innovative technologies, and expert support to enable breakthroughs in research and clinical diagnostics. With a commitment to advancing science, the company supports the development of novel therapies, enhances understanding of biological processes, and empowers the life sciences community worldwide.
Bio-Techne continues to serve as a trusted partner for researchers, clinicians, and OEMs, providing the tools and expertise needed to accelerate discovery and improve patient care.
