The Industrial Scientific Corporation was started in 1976 as the Research Division of National Mine Service Company (NMS). The Division was formed to develop methane detectors for underground mines. In 1985, NMS sold the division, and Industrial Scientific Corporation began independent operations on January 25 of that year.

In 2004, Industrial Scientific introduced iNet and the concept of Gas Detection as a Service. The company has also emerged as a leader in safety data analytics. Customers now have access to information that helps them identify and correct problems before they happen.