Introducing H2No.

How a bio-tech start up used Blue Ocean Strategy to reinvent the science lab by eliminating water.

Virtually every life science laboratory uses an instrument called a water bath for their experiments. A new scientific instrument company called Lab Armor understood that the mere presence of water in a science lab was both dangerous and costly.

Water retains heat so using water baths was one of the very first means of incubation. Applications include sample thawing, bacteriological examinations, warming chemical reagents. However, water can easily become contaminated so a properly maintained bath requires regular cleaning and maintenance. This is both a hassle and a mess for a lab staff. A contaminated bath can be unhealthy for both the experiment and the scientist. Most labs also lose sets of experiments due to mishaps such as spills and knocked-over tubes.

The scientists that started Lab Armor had a completely different idea: just eliminate the water. Period. They invented and patented a new media they called “bath beads” which completely eliminated the water in the water bath. These dense spheres fill a bath in place of water. Life scientists can place their test tubes, beakers and other equipment in the bath beads with no fear of spills, turnovers or accidents.

Lab Armor knew that the cost of a lost set of experiments or even a few contaminated tubes of reagents were very expensive. When labor costs were factored for the additional time spent on refilling and cleaning the water bath, plus other accessory equipment which could be eliminated, the bath beads provided great value. The bead was a true innovation in an industry where innovation discovery is job one.

Lab Armor is a good example of a Blue Ocean Strategy because it clearly shows value innovation in action, simultaneously raising value and lowering cost.

Any kind of company can discover a Blue Ocean Strategy. To find out how, contact us today.