Manufacturing & Supply Chain

In a significant boost to Ireland’s rapidly evolving medtech ecosystem, Enterprise Ireland has joined forces with Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland to launch the 2024 Incubator Programme. Designed to support the development of groundbreaking diagnostic technologies, this nine-month initiative is poised to further foster innovation and strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader in medical technology.

The programme builds on the success of its 2022 predecessor, which enabled several Irish start-ups to fast-track their cutting-edge solutions. Five Irish companies, including start-ups and spin-offs, will participate in the 2024 cohort, with each offering disruptive innovations in diagnostics that hold the potential to significantly enhance patient care.

Participants in the programme will benefit from a series of masterclasses aimed at providing essential knowledge across a range of critical areas, from understanding patient pathways to accessing international markets. The incubator will also focus on equipping participants with the skills necessary to navigate the digital health landscape and scale their innovations globally. The programme’s structure includes workshops on evidence generation and the mindset needed for entrepreneurial success in a competitive and highly regulated sector.

Finbarr Kenny, Director of Ireland & Director of Sales and Account Management at Roche Diagnostics, said: “Roche has a rich heritage of working with Irish-owned companies with whom we partner to provide diagnostic solutions to patients within the Irish healthcare system. We recognise the critical role that Enterprise Ireland plays in supporting start-up companies in accelerating innovations that address current and future unmet needs, not just in Ireland but globally. We are excited to share our expertise with Irish start-up companies. The mentoring programme aligns with our social value commitment to support local economic growth and skill development.”

The collaboration between Roche and Enterprise Ireland exemplifies the synergies driving the Irish medtech sector, where government, industry, and academia work closely to accelerate the development of new healthcare technologies. Ireland’s thriving medtech ecosystem is a hallmark of this dynamic cluster effect, and the incubator programme is set to further strengthen these connections.

The medtech industry in Ireland has long benefited from a concerted effort to foster collaboration, with Enterprise Ireland acting as a crucial catalyst. Cepta Duffy, Department Manager for Industry & Lifesciences High Potential Start-Ups at Enterprise Ireland, said: “Our mission is to support the ambition of Irish entrepreneurs to scale globally. By partnering with Roche Diagnostics, we are able to offer invaluable insights and mentorship to Irish companies developing world-class diagnostic solutions, helping them to accelerate the commercialization of their innovations.”

One of the highlights of the programme is a planned visit to Serosep’s laboratory diagnostic manufacturing site, providing participants with a rare opportunity to observe the inner workings of a world-class diagnostics facility. This hands-on experience will allow Irish companies to glean practical insights into the production and operational requirements necessary for scaling their own diagnostic solutions.

The collaboration between Enterprise Ireland and Roche not only strengthens the local medtech industry but also bolsters Ireland’s global reputation as a hub for innovation in healthcare. With over 450 medtech companies, Ireland is the second-largest exporter of medical devices in Europe. This partnership is a prime example of how international cooperation can amplify the country’s ability to pioneer breakthrough solutions.

As Ireland continues to emerge as a global medtech powerhouse, initiatives like the Enterprise Ireland-Roche Diagnostics Incubator Programme underline the critical role that collaboration plays in driving innovation. The 2024 cohort is set to make a lasting impact on the field of diagnostics, creating a ripple effect that will benefit patients in Ireland and around the world.