TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS): full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
TTP (4.4/5) edges ahead of Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) (4.0/5) overall. TTP is the better choice for pharma device programs, inhalers and injectors. Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) is the stronger option for touchscreen user interfaces on medical devices. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS): head-to-head summary
| Criterion | TTP | Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1987 | 1987 |
| HQ | Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, UK | Waltham, MA, USA |
| Team size | Not published | Not published |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Employee ownership plus long-running drug delivery and surgical device work for large pharma and medtech clients | Qt and embedded UI depth applied to regulated device software, including on QNX |
| Pricing model | Time and materials, phased fixed project | Time and materials, fixed project |
| Min. engagement | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Primary tech stack | Ultrasound, Microfluidics, Embedded C/C++ | Qt, QNX, Embedded Linux |
| Industries served | Drug delivery, Surgical & robotics, Diagnostics & lab devices | Surgical & robotics, Diagnostics & lab devices, Industrial, Automotive |
TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS): overview
TTP
TTP (The Technology Partnership) has operated for around 40 years from its own science park in Melbourn, South Cambridgeshire. In December 2021 TTP Group moved to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust. Its Medical Devices team works on drug delivery, surgical systems and diagnostics, and the wider company does deep technology work in sectors such as life science instruments and industrial products. Headcount is not published in a form we could verify.
Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)
Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) has worked in software since 1987 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, with offices in Sunnyvale and Ottawa. It describes itself as the largest independent source of Qt expertise in North America and runs a dedicated medtech practice for regulated device development (per company website; independently unverifiable). Since 2019 it has partnered with BlackBerry QNX for safety-critical medical work. ICS does not publish its headcount.
Services and capabilities: TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)
| Capability | TTP | Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics & PCB design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Firmware & embedded software | ✓ | ✓ |
| SaMD & companion apps | ✗ | ✓ |
| Connected devices & IoT | ✗ | ✗ |
| Industrial design & human factors | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mechanical engineering | ✓ | ✗ |
| Device cybersecurity | ✗ | ✓ |
| Regulatory & QMS support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manufacturing & scale-up | ✗ | ✗ |
Tech stack comparison: TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)
| Framework / platform | TTP | Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded C/C++ | ✓ | N/A |
| Embedded Linux | N/A | ✓ |
| RTOS | N/A | N/A |
| BLE | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud (AWS/Azure) | N/A | ✓ |
| IEC 62304 | N/A | ✓ |
| ISO 14971 | N/A | N/A |
| ISO 13485 QMS | ✓ | N/A |
| Qt | N/A | ✓ |
Pricing comparison: TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)
| Criterion | TTP | Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Engagement models | Consulting, Fixed project, Time & materials | Fixed project, Time & materials |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)
| Dimension | TTP | Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Drug delivery, Surgical & robotics, Diagnostics & lab devices | Surgical & robotics, Diagnostics & lab devices, Industrial |
| Best use cases | Designing an autoinjector or inhaler for a pharma combination product, Developing a surgical energy device | Designing and coding the touchscreen for a surgical console, Porting device software to Qt 6 on embedded Linux |
| Typical project type | Consulting | Fixed project |
TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS): pros and cons
| TTP | |
|---|---|
| + | Employee ownership since 2021 removes pressure from outside investors |
| + | Well regarded for drug delivery devices, an area where mechanics and human factors decide success |
| + | Own science park with lab and workshop space for physical prototyping |
| + | Specialist depth in ultrasound and fluidics |
| - | Does not publish headcount or rates, which makes early budgeting harder |
| - | UK-centric delivery; US clients work across time zones |
| - | Pricing sits with the premium Cambridge consultancies |
| Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) | |
|---|---|
| + | One of the deepest Qt benches in North America, useful for device GUIs |
| + | QNX partnership for safety-critical medical operating systems |
| + | Also offers device cybersecurity and regulatory support |
| + | Long history and US-based teams |
| - | Medtech is one practice among several industries |
| - | Not a hardware design firm |
| - | Headcount and certifications are not published |
Who should choose TTP?
A typical fit: designing an autoinjector or inhaler for a pharma combination product.
Employee ownership plus long-running drug delivery and surgical device work for large pharma and medtech clients. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Drug delivery, Surgical & robotics, Diagnostics & lab devices.
Who should choose Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)?
A typical fit: designing and coding the touchscreen for a surgical console.
Qt and embedded UI depth applied to regulated device software, including on QNX. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Surgical & robotics, Diagnostics & lab devices, Industrial, Automotive.
Decision matrix: TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | TTP |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | Check each company's engagement model |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: TTP (Not disclosed) vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) (Not disclosed) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) |
| You need staff augmentation or team extension | Neither; consider alternatives that offer staff aug |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | Both may offer discovery engagements |
Use case fit: TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)
| Use case | TTP fit | Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designing an autoinjector or inhaler for a pharma combination product | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
| Developing a surgical energy device | Strong | Limited | TTP |
| Designing and coding the touchscreen for a surgical console | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
| Porting device software to Qt 6 on embedded Linux | Limited | Strong | Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) |
Verdict: TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)
TTP (4.4/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Medical Device Development projects. Employee ownership plus long-running drug delivery and surgical device work for large pharma and medtech clients.
Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) (4.0/5) is worth a look if you need porting device software to Qt 6 on embedded Linux. If your situation matches that, Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
TTP vs Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) FAQ
Is TTP better than Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)?
TTP (4.4/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. TTP's strongest advantage: employee ownership since 2021 removes pressure from outside investors. Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)'s strongest advantage: one of the deepest Qt benches in North America, useful for device GUIs.
How do TTP and Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) differ in pricing?
TTP uses time and materials, phased fixed project pricing. Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS) uses time and materials, fixed project pricing. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: TTP or Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)?
TTP is the larger team and typically the better enterprise-scale choice. For very large programmes, verify team size and compliance coverage directly with each company before shortlisting.
What are the main differences between TTP and Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)?
TTP's primary differentiator is: employee ownership plus long-running drug delivery and surgical device work for large pharma and medtech clients. Integrated Computer Solutions (ICS)'s primary differentiator is: qt and embedded UI depth applied to regulated device software, including on QNX. They also differ in team size (Not published vs Not published), minimum engagement (Not disclosed vs Not disclosed), and primary industries served (Drug delivery, Surgical & robotics vs Surgical & robotics, Diagnostics & lab devices).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.