Designing and developing a novel lab instrument is a massive undertaking, requiring extensive resources and personnel over multiple years. Many companies therefore choose to partner with an OEM instrument developer to free up internal resources, accelerate product development and, ultimately, bring a product to market faster. This was the case when Sysmex – a global leader in diagnostics and laboratory solutions – decided to develop an automated sample preparation system for flow cytometry (FCM), looking externally to bolster its internal capabilities and nurture business growth.