Apini

Apini, developed by ApiniLabs AG, is a mobile-first lab documentation app designed to replace paper notes, sticky notes, and scattered spreadsheets with structured, real-time digital records. Built for scientists and lab professionals, Apini lets users capture information directly at the bench — using any smartphone — and keeps that information connected, searchable, and shareable without the delays of traditional documentation workflows.

Powered by BUCHI's trusted reputation in lab instrumentation and wega's deep expertise in lab informatics, Apini is built on an open-source ecosystem that avoids vendor lock-in and is designed to work across different devices and manufacturers. The platform is free to try with no credit card required, making it accessible to labs of all sizes, including educational settings.

Core Use Cases

• Capture information in the moment: Use your smartphone camera to instantly capture batch numbers, labels, or observations right when and where they occur, attaching everything directly to the relevant item for easy write-up later.
• Attach information where it belongs: Record details such as opening dates directly on the object — whether a reagent bottle or a lab device — eliminating the need to track information across spreadsheets or paper logs.
• Quick, clean labelling: Print labels instantly and consistently wherever needed, removing handwriting errors and mix-ups with a simple stick-and-go workflow.

Key Platform Features

• Scanning, photos, and notetaking directly from a smartphone
• Printing and export to Excel, CSV, and PDF formats
• Sharing and collaboration across team members
• Information kept linked and structured, accessible on desktop for write-up
• Runs smoothly on older smartphones — no dedicated lab phone required
• Encrypted, secure data storage with a privacy-first approach

Pricing Tiers

• FreeBee (Free): Scanning, photos, notetaking, printing, export to Excel and PDF, sharing and collaboration, and community support.
• WorkerBee (Coming Soon): All FreeBee features plus a checklist builder, CSV export, basic permissions, import, protocol builder, advanced search, group notifications and reminders, and basic support.
• QueenBee (Coming Soon): All WorkerBee features plus full audit trails and compliance (21 CFR Part 11, GxP-ready), integration APIs for ELN, LIMS, ERP, and data lakes, an admin dashboard with lab overview and user management, SSO and SCIM, protocol enforcement and versioning, data governance, backups, and priority support.

Open Source and Ecosystem Philosophy

• Apini is built as an open ecosystem designed to work with different devices and manufacturers, avoiding vendor lock-in
• The platform encourages community collaboration through labfreed.org
• Backed by an advisory board with deep expertise spanning LIMS, ELN, CDS, HPLC, lab automation, agile validation, AI, pharma strategy, and international standards such as SiLA

Apini is suitable for deployment on any smartphone, including older devices, with no complex setup required. Higher-tier plans offer enterprise-grade compliance, integration APIs, and governance features, making Apini scalable from individual researchers to regulated laboratory environments. Educational institutions interested in using Apini can contact ApiniLabs directly at [email protected].