Origins
The Curiosity microscope was born by the sea, in Brittany, in Finistère – where the Earth ends. It was early January 2020, and discussions within the citizen science project Plankton & Arts, which had been launched five years earlier, were in full swing, with a lot of talk about microscopy. It must be said that the project brought together a variety of profiles: scientists, sailors, engineers (makers & artisans), and artists, all passionate about the subject. They had all come together around the same topic: the exploration of life, particularly the life that drifts, that remains hidden from our eyes, the life that populates every drop of the ocean: plankton.
For two years, a small group within the program had been experimenting with the development of a microscope that would allow them to see and quantify plankton from any boat at sea. In 2019, the Plankton & Arts exhibition was launched, offering all these enthusiasts the first space to meet and exchange ideas with the general public. The event sparked a lot of enthusiasm and energy, but it also highlighted the need for a simple, robust, and high-quality tool to explore, observe, share, and satisfy our thirst for discovery and curiosity: this marked the birth of the Curiosity microscope project.
This tool is now developed, produced and marketed by SeaLabX.
SeaLabX
Simple scientific solutions to explore and understand the world
SeaLabX, in collaboration with its partner Plankton Planet, has developed a new generation of imaging technology that provides high-resolution data, is fast, accessible, and easy to use. Our goal is to revolutionize the way biological observations are currently made and open up new applications that have a profound and positive impact on society.
Who we are
SeaLabX (SAS) was founded in 2023 as a spin-out from the Plankton Planet project. The young company’s ambition is to make :
- Exploration accessible: technologies, exploration, empowerment, co-design, manufacturing, and commercialization.
- Services to an innovative community: Networks, ideas, research, innovation, partnership, collaboration.
- Inspiring all generations: imagination, play, sharing, engagement, knowledge, immersion, visuals, arts, communication, education.
Where we are
SeaLabX is a simplified joint-stock company, with its headquarters located in Plougastel-Daoulas, Brittany, France, and satellite offices. The company sells internationally.
Technology
SeaLabX is developing a new generation of Plug&Play imaging technology. It is the only imaging technology that offers real-time observation (in high resolution), in a fully scalable format from pocket-sized to bench-scale, capable of photographing and filming any organism from the terrestrial or aquatic microbiome natively, all within an entirely customizable and disassemblable architecture by the user.
Its compact size meets the need for quick, in-situ tests or experiments that are shareable, and it can be used both in the laboratory and in the field. The Curiosity microscope, with its mini format, is a powerful and portable observation and awareness device that produces high-resolution images.
To make the technology suitable for all users, we focus on ease of use and automation. Observation with the Curiosity microscope offers easy sample preparation and quick visualization, including remote access via video conferencing devices. We also provide a range of educational content suitable for all age groups.
Who Needs Images?
Imaging appeals to one of our main senses: sight. Vision changes our perception and actions. Imaging primarily carries messages of curiosity or fear, transporting emotions that can lead to questions and science.
Imaging is the most fundamental process of making contact and identification. It is what we call “observation.”
These imaging data can answer a range of biological questions such as “What is this?” or “Is it healthy or diseased?”
Innovation
The collaboration of a dedicated R&D team, along with the innovative dynamics of an international community of researchers and passionate users, enables the creation of a new generation of high-performance and easy-to-use imaging technology. We continue to invest heavily in innovation.
Supported by a broad user base and external collaborations, the Curiosity microscope device is experiencing rapid growth.
Anyone, anywhere
Accessibility is at the heart of our goal and is integrated into everything we do, whether it’s product design, pricing, or how we assist our customers.
In 2023, we decided to launch a device accessible to everyone, scientists and non-scientists, adults and children. A Curiosity microscope starter pack costs around €1200, can be shipped or used anywhere, and is easy to use. A thriving community of users has developed around the device, and these pioneering users continue to push boundaries, whether imaging plankton in Antarctica or characterizing a toxic species in a lake in the Paris region.
In 2025/2028, in addition to providing imaging tools that can be used anywhere, we will also offer powerful devices capable of delivering rich and in-depth analyses of very large datasets – for example, for planktonic communities. The technology range is built on the same platform that is central to our goal: addressing all biological knowledge needs.