Canopy Biosciences

Canopy Biosciences

Logo used from 2022-2024
Industry	Biotechnology
Founded	2016, St. Louis, Missouri
Services	Spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, gene expression, histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), MERFISH, and data analysis
Number of employees	~100 (2024)
Parent	Bruker
Website	https://brukerspatialbiology.com/

Now part of Bruker Spatial Biology, Canopy Biosciences was a biotechnology company that specialized in providing access to multiomics technologies for spatial biology and gene expression profiling. Established in St. Louis, Missouri, Canopy Biosciences developed a spatial proteomics instrument and also offered a range of services to support oncology and immunology research. Services included spatial transcriptomics, gene expression, spatial proteomics, and data analysis.

History

2016 (foundation)

Canopy Biosciences was founded in 2016 with the goal of commercializing academic technologies and offering access (as a service provider) to multiomics tools for gene expression analysis. ^[1] The company was established by BioGenerator, an investment arm of BioSTL, which provides startup capital and support to bioscience companies.

2019 (strategic acquisitions)

In 2019, Canopy Biosciences raised a Series B round led by Ampersand Capital Partners, which was used to acquire Zellkraftwerk GmbH and CORE Diagnostics. ^[2] The acquisition of Zellkraftwerk GmbH brought ChipCytometry technology and the ZellScannerONE instrument to Canopy, enhancing its spatial immunophenotyping capabilities. ^[3] CORE Diagnostics, a provider of CLIA-certified laboratory services, expanded Canopy’s offerings to include clinical diagnostics, histology, IHC, and FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization). ^[4]

2020 (acquisition by Bruker)

In 2020, Canopy Biosciences was acquired by Bruker Corporation, a manufacturer of scientific instruments. This acquisition allowed Canopy to leverage Bruker's global infrastructure and expertise in product design and engineering. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. ^[5]

2022–2024 (recent developments)

In 2022, Canopy Biosciences launched the CellScape Precise Spatial Multiplexing platform, integrating fluidics for automation and offering high-resolution imaging for multiplex immunofluorescence. ^[6] In 2023, Canopy partnered with Enable Medicine to integrate advanced spatial analysis tools into the CellScape platform. ^[7]

In 2024, Bruker Corporation acquired the assets from NanoString Technologies, expanding its spatial biology capabilities. ^[8] The assets from the NanoString acquisition were merged with Canopy Biosciences and another Bruker-owned subsidiary, Bruker Spatial Genomics, to form a new division, Bruker Spatial Biology. ^[9]

Technologies

• ZellScannerONE: Part of the Zellkraftwerk acquisition, the ZellScannerONE instrument enables the detection of up to 100 biomarkers in a single assay using ChipCytometry technology. ^[10] The ZellScannerONE was discontinued in 2025.
• CellScape Precise SpatialProteomics: The CellScape instrument utilizes cyclic multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) for spatial proteomics, offering single-cell resolution whole-slide imaging. ^[11] The platform features high dynamic range (HDR) imaging to detect both high- and low-expressing biomarkers. Launched originally as "CellScape Precise Spatial Multiplexing: The Next-Generation ChipCytometry Instrument", the CellScape platform improved upon the ZellScannerONE instrument by adding fluidics integration and sharper optical capabilities. ^[6] The "Precise Spatial Proteomics" branding for the technology was updated after the formation of the Bruker Spatial Biology division, but the instrument functionality remained the same. ^[12]
• VistaPlex Multiplex Assay Kits: These pre-validated antibody panels are compatible with the CellScape platform, enabling modular assay design with fast time to results. ^[13]

Services

• SpatialBiology: The company offers spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics services to support researchers doing both discovery and translational work. ^[14]
• Gene Expression: Canopy Biosciences offers services for bulk gene expression analysis. ^[15]
• Histology, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Multiplex Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH): The company provides histology and IHC services for protein expression analysis and for detecting multiple RNA molecules within tissue samples. ^[16]

References

1. "Canopy Biosciences - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
2. "BioGenerator Company Canopy Biosciences Acquired by Bruker". www.biogeneratorventures.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
3. "Canopy Biosciences Acquires Zellkraftwerk GmbH". BioSpace. 2019-04-29. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
4. "Canopy Biosciences Acquires Core Diagnostics". BioSpace. 2019-12-04. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
5. "Bruker Announces Acquisition of Canopy Biosciences, LLC".
6. "Canopy Biosciences Launches Next-Generation ChipCytometry™ Instrument for Spatial Biology with Sub-Cellular Resolution". www.bruker.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
7. "Canopy Biosciences and Enable Medicine Announce Partnership to Bring Advanced Spatial Analysis Pipelines to the ChipCytometry Platform | Enable Medicine". www.enablemedicine.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
8. "Bruker to acquire Nanostring for $393M | MedTech Dive". www.medtechdive.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
9. "Bruker Announces Formation of New Bruker Spatial Biology Division". www.bruker.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
10. Philippidis, Alex (2019-04-29). "Canopy Biosciences Expands into 'Multi-Omics' Company with Zellkraftwerk Acquisition". Inside Precision Medicine. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
11. "Bruker's Canopy Biosciences Announces the Launch of CellScape™ Whole-Slide Imaging Chamber for Spatial Biology". www.bruker.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
12. "CellScape". Bruker Spatial Biology. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
13. "Multiplexing Kits". Bruker Spatial Biology. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
14. "Spatial Gene Expression & Proteomics". Bruker Spatial Biology. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
15. "Gene Expression Services". Bruker Spatial Biology. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
16. "Histology Services". Bruker Spatial Biology. Retrieved 2025-07-22.