Small Machines

Founded in May 2014 by CEO Jun-kyu Choi, who holds a Ph.D. from Seoul National University, Small Machines is a South Korean medical device company focused on advancing universal healthcare through accessible diagnostic technology. The company operates on the belief that the future of medicine lies in prevention and early diagnosis, aiming to shift the paradigm from treatment to proactive health management.

Small Machines develops and manufactures point-of-care testing (POCT) devices that integrate nanotechnology (NT), information technology (IT), and biotechnology (BT). Its business model centers on the R&D, production, and sale of these advanced medical devices and consumables to healthcare providers, emergency rooms, research institutions, and laboratories. The company’s core strategy involves creating compact, high-performance, and cost-effective equipment to make essential diagnostics more widely available.

The product portfolio includes several key systems. The 'CELLOP' is an image-based automatic cell analyzer that provides comprehensive data on cell count, concentration, viability, and size. 'DELISA' serves as a high-sensitivity immunoassay analyzer that uses magnetic bead technology to detect biomarkers for conditions like Alzheimer's disease, myocardial infarction, and vitamin D deficiency. The 'WHOPE' is a hematology analyzer that measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets from a small blood sample. Additionally, the company produces disposable microfluidic chips for these devices and is developing a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) to aid medical professionals.

The company's technological foundation rests on four pillars: lab-on-a-chip microfluidic technology, high-resolution optics using Fourier Ptychography Microscopy (FPM), bio-protocols for detecting trace target molecules, and AI-based image analysis for single-cell diagnostics. This combination allows for the rapid and precise analysis of small biological samples. Since its inception, Small Machines has achieved significant milestones, including being the first company invested in by the Korea Science & Technology Holdings (KST). The company has secured numerous patents and certifications, including KC, CE, and GMP, and has established a production facility in Wonju. It has successfully raised a total of 7 billion KRW in funding through multiple rounds, including a recent Series A bridge investment, to scale its operations and expand its presence in global markets.

Keywords: point-of-care testing, in-vitro diagnostics, medical devices, lab-on-a-chip, microfluidics, hematology analyzer, immunoassay, cell analysis, Alzheimer's diagnosis, cardiovascular diagnostics, digital ELISA, AI diagnostics, medical technology, biotech, healthcare solutions, Jun-kyu Choi, POCT, clinical decision support, biomarker detection, Korean medical startup