Swiss laboratory giant BUCHI Labortechnik AG on May 14 announced the acquisition of the NeoSpectra platform from Egyptian deep-tech firm Si-Ware Systems, marking a significant milestone for Africa’s innovation sector.
The acquisition positions BUCHI as the first company to deliver a fully integrated near-infrared (NIR) quality testing ecosystem, bridging field analysis with high-precision lab instrumentation for the food, feed, and chemical industries.
NeoSpectra Scanner to work with BUCHI’s other lab tools
BUCHI, a global leader in laboratory and process analytical technology, will rebrand the NeoSpectra Scanner as the BUCHI ProxiScout™ and integrate it with its suite of lab and on-site analysers, such as ProxiMate™, NIR-Online, and NIRFlex N-500.
“With this strategic acquisition, BUCHI becomes the only provider to offer a fully integrated NIR ecosystem – including innovative handheld solutions – designed to meet the unique analytical needs at key stages of the supply chain in food, feed, and chemical industries,” said Thomas Braunschweiler, CEO of BUCHI.
The NeoSpectra Cloud Portal, now under the company’s management, enables real-time calibration model management, cross-device data harmonization, and seamless integration of insights from each supply chain stage.
One of the platform’s most compelling features is its ability to inform procurement decisions at the source. The BUCHI ProxiScout™, acting as a mobile, in-field analyser, provides immediate feedback on raw material quality.
Data is transmitted directly to procurement teams, enabling early identification of adulterated or substandard batches—thereby avoiding costly downstream processing.
“BUCHI empowers users to maximise the utility of their NIR devices while maintaining consistency and transparency for all stakeholders across supply chains. We believe this will bring much bigger value to our customers,” said Ruedi Hartmann, Director NIR Business at BUCHI.
The deal significantly strengthens BUCHI’s NIR dominance. For Si-Ware Systems, it marks the scaling of its flagship platform, allowing the company to focus on its next frontier in MEMS-based sensing technologies.
“This is an important step in scaling the opportunities that Si-Ware Systems’ MEMS NIR spectral sensors can enable. While NeoSpectra will now be part of BUCHI’s portfolio, we are confident that it will continue to thrive under its stewardship. At Si-Ware Systems, we remain committed to our mission of pioneering new technologies that redefine industries,” said Hisham Haddara, CEO of Si-Ware Systems.
About Si-Ware Systems
Founded in 2004 as a spin-off from Ain Shams University, Si-Ware Systems has evolved from an IC design house to one of Africa’s leading deep-tech innovators. Its groundbreaking NeoSpectra technology—first launched in 2020—miniaturized lab-grade spectrometry for field use, earning traction from multinational clients like Henkel and agricultural producers seeking precise, real-time analysis.
Si-Ware’s growth mirrors Egypt’s broader innovation trajectory. According to the 2024 Global Innovation Index, Cairo recently entered the world’s top 100 science and technology clusters. Egypt also leads the continent in Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings, outpacing nations like South Africa and Morocco.
“In Egypt, we don’t have the luxury of relying solely on VC money,” Haddara explained. “We’ve had to bootstrap through chip design services while developing our own IP.”
While the NeoSpectra business now transitions to BUCHI, Si-Ware will continue under its Pearl division, which focuses on high-speed timing chips for computing and emerging MEMS-based sensor applications. The company remains driven by a mission to redefine how humans, machines, and environments interact.
Si-Ware’s exit signals rising momentum in Africa’s deep tech
Ahmed Gomaa, CEO of Egypt Ventures, views the acquisition as a blueprint for how African innovation can thrive globally despite limited regional funding. He believes Si-Ware’s combination of technical expertise, IP development, and successful commercialization presents a strong model for emerging markets.
“Si-Ware is competing against global players with homegrown tech,” said Gomaa, an early investor in the company. “They’re proof that Africa can produce world-class deep-tech.”
In a symbolic statement on its social media page, Si-Ware wrote: “Si-Ware Systems proudly passes the NeoSpectra torch to BUCHI Laboratory Equipment and continues its mission of innovation.”
BUCHI has assured existing NeoSpectra customers and partners of a seamless transition and continued support, inviting industry stakeholders to discover the enhanced NIR ecosystem in an upcoming webinar.