Bespoke Multiphoton Microscopes

Collaborative Design with Cost-efficient Assisted DIY

2p, 3p, Optogenetics, FLIM

Innovative experiments often need equipment that you can't buy off the shelf, or that costs far more than it should. Building your own is often the best answer, but it can be daunting and slow. INSS makes it manageable.

We are a small team of neuroscientists and instrument builders. Since 2016 we have designed, built and supported custom multiphoton systems for research labs around the world. We work closely with each lab, we take on a limited number of projects each year, and we stay involved for the life of the system.

How we work: Assisted DIY

You bring the science. We start from your experimental questions: preparation, fluorophores, lasers, current bottlenecks and future plans. Then we design the system with you.

We do the heavy lifting. We specify and source the components, pre-assemble the major modules in our workshop, and integrate the hardware and software before shipping. On site, we complete alignment, calibration and validation, and train your first users.

You own it, and we stay with you. After installation, we support you remotely by email and Zoom for troubleshooting, changes and upgrades. Because the system is open and documented, you can add or reconfigure modules whenever your science moves on.

Is this right for your lab?

Assisted DIY works best for hands-on labs that like to understand their instruments. For more advanced systems, we ask the lab to name a postdoc or staff scientist as the "superuser". That person becomes the internal technical owner of the microscope and our main point of contact.

If you would rather have a turn-key system with a full on-site service contract, a large vendor may suit you better, and we will tell you so. More about how we work →

What it costs

Because we build from industry-standard components rather than a closed product line, our systems typically cost substantially less than comparable microscopes from large vendors, while matching or exceeding their performance. Every quote is specific to your project, and we will never add features you don't need.

What our customers say

We have installed 61 multiphoton microscopes in 28 cities across 17 countries. Each one is a unique prototype, designed and built together with our clients.

In our 2025 customer survey (30 responses), 100% said they would recommend INSS to a colleague, and 97% would choose INSS again for a future system.

“We are very grateful to all members of the INSS team for the exceptional quality of their builds, the extent and breadth of their technical support, and excellent customer service.”

“I have adored working with and learning from you guys, given your unmatched commitment to both science and customer service.”

“…it was really a pleasure to work with you guys and I always recommend your services to my colleagues.”

Comments from our 2025 customer survey