Founded in 2007, Scientist (formerly Assay Depot) is a San Diego-based software company that is pioneering a new approach to scientific research. The company runs an online research marketplace that enables scientists to quickly and cost-effectively translate their ideas into experimental results.

Without ever entering a laboratory, a highly-trained scientist can now use his or her laptop or smartphone to carry out all the experiments needed to discover a new medicine, improve crop yields, verify that cosmetics are non-toxic or analyze food safety.