Northern Light Microscopy (NLM) is a University of Strathclyde spinout commercialising the Advanced Modular Imaging System (AMIS), a compact benchtop microscope that delivers super-resolution imaging at a price point accessible to the thousands of laboratories currently priced out of advanced microscopy.

At the core of the AMIS sits NLM’s proprietary optical light engine, which uses micro-optics to unlock up to eight advanced imaging modes, including. All modes are addressable across any magnification and illumination wavelength, and the AMIS has already outperformed established systems costing significantly more in direct comparison studies.

 

NLM was founded in Glasgow by Dr Peter Tinning (CEO) and Dr Ralf Bauer (CTO), drawing on advanced microscopy research at the University of Strathclyde. DSW Ventures led NLM’s oversubscribed pre-seed round of over £1 million in April 2026, with co-investment from Scottish Enterprise, SWIM Capital and the University of Strathclyde.