Enterprise Ireland in partnership with Roche Diagnostics to launch 2024 incubator programme

Joint masterclass series to support Irish companies delivering innovation in diagnostic technologies 

Enterprise Ireland, in collaboration with Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, is delighted to launch the Incubator Programme for 2024 which will support the growth of a number of companies developing healthcare solutions that will impact patient care in the field of diagnostics. 

The programme builds on the success of the 2022 programme to support Irish start-ups and SMEs in the field of diagnostic technology. Five Irish start-ups and spin-out companies offering disruptive diagnostic innovations to the healthcare sector will participate in the 2024 programme.

The nine-month programme features a wide range of masterclasses that focus on equipping the participants with the experience and knowledge needed to succeed. Topics include patient pathways and customer needs, evidence generation, accessing international markets, the founders' mindset, and the emerging digital space. 

The programme taps into market-leading expertise in commercialising diagnostics and as part of the schedule, the participants will have the opportunity to visit Serosep’s laboratory diagnostic manufacturing site to learn first-hand what is involved in the operation of a world leading testing facility. 

Commenting on the 2024 programme, 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.” 

Cepta Duffy, Department Manager, Industry & Lifesciences High Potential Start-Ups, Enterprise Ireland said, “Enterprise Ireland’s mission is to support the ambition of Irish entrepreneurs to help them scale globally. We are delighted to partner with Roche Diagnostics once again to support the Incubator programme, which will help start-ups in the field of diagnostics to learn and gain insights from other innovators and established businesses in their field on how to grow their business. The programme will equip companies developing world-class diagnostic solutions with the skills to bring their innovations to the next level and Enterprise Ireland looks forward to supporting them on their journey.”

Ends

About Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland

At Roche, we focus our energy and investment in developing tests and treatments that change lives and give us more time with the people we love. 

Roche Diagnostics is the leading provider of hospital laboratory solutions and innovation across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We employ a team of 65 highly skilled people in business and technical roles who support Irish hospitals in delivering timely diagnostic and screening results for patients. We partner with over 50 Irish based SMEs and multinational companies to deliver and support complex infrastructure, diagnostic and digital health turnkey laboratory solutions. A number of Irish based manufacturing companies manufacture components and materials for Roche that are used worldwide in our finished IVD products and we also supply raw materials to Irish diagnostics manufacturers. We directly support emerging Irish life science diagnostic and digital health companies through our mentoring programmes in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI.

We work from bench to bedside – researching new medicines and diagnostics, running global clinical trials, and working in partnership with the HSE and NHS to ensure rapid uptake and delivery of our products and services. 

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. 

For further information contact
Enterprise Ireland Press Office