Irish Ambassador Highlights US-Ireland Healthcare Innovation in St. Louis

This week, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, visited St. Louis, Missouri, to bolster ties between Ireland and the U.S. in the rapidly evolving life sciences and digital health sectors. Accompanied by Consul General Robert Hull, the Ambassador’s programme included a roundtable hosted by Enterprise Ireland with five innovative Irish digital health companies—Akara, CergenX, Head Diagnostics, RelateCare, and HealthBeacon—all participants or alumni of the prestigious BioSTL programme. The visit also featured a meeting with Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and an executive roundtable with the World Trade Center St. Louis, underscoring the deepening US-Ireland partnerships in healthcare innovation.

The BioSTL conference, a cornerstone of the visit, is renowned for its distinctive approach to fostering global healthcare innovation. Unlike traditional networking events, BioSTL focusses on facilitating tangible business development and commercialisation through curated, one-on-one meetings between international startups and major U.S. healthcare decision-makers, who represent a significant portion of national healthcare expenditure. This platform has proven instrumental for Irish companies seeking to scale in the U.S. market, and the five participating companies showcased the strength of Irish innovation.

Akara, led by Co-Founders Conor McGinn. CEO, and Niamh Donnelly, CTO, is revolutionising hospital operations with its AI-powered platform. Originating from over a decade of robotics and AI research at Trinity College Dublin, Akara’s technology integrates real-time sensing, predictive analytics, and autonomous UV disinfection robots to streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks in clinical settings. With components like AI-powered operating theatre analytics and automated coordination, Akara has earned recognition from Time, Forbes, and MIT Technology Review, whilst partnering with leading U.S. and European healthcare providers.

CergenX, represented by Business Development & Commercialisation Manager Oscar Gleeson, is transforming neonatal care with its CergenX Wave device. Built on decades of research from University College Cork’s INFANT Research Centre, this AI-powered solution uses a 2-channel EEG to deliver rapid neurological assessments in just 15 minutes. By providing clinicians with actionable insights, CergenX ensures newborns receive timely, accurate care, setting a new standard in neonatal brain assessment.

Head Diagnostics, advised by Mike Swackhamer, is developing a groundbreaking handheld device for rapid diagnosis of concussion (mTBI) and Parkinson’s Disease. By targeting a unique physiological window into brain activity, the device enhances the objectivity, accuracy, and speed of diagnoses. With potential applications in stroke and other degenerative brain diseases, Head Diagnostics is poised to make a significant impact on global healthcare.

RelateCare, represented by Director of Business Development Valerie O’Brien, partners with U.S. healthcare organisations to streamline patient access and care delivery. A joint venture between the Cleveland Clinic and RigneyDolphin, RelateCare manages over 20 million appointments annually, enabling healthcare providers to focus on quality patient care. With 1,500 employees across Ireland and the U.S., RelateCare’s patient engagement centres drive innovative solutions to address current and future healthcare challenges.

HealthBeacon, participating virtually and represented by Global General Manager Rob George and VP of Product Management & Implementation Lara Kelly, supports medication adherence for patients with chronic conditions. Its Injection Care Management System, featuring a smart sharps bin, tracks usage and provides reminders, integrating behavioural science and digital tools to improve outcomes. Acquired by Hamilton Beach in 2024, HealthBeacon continues to expand globally, emphasising sustainability and patient empowerment.

Sara Hill, Overseas Manager at Enterprise Ireland, emphasised the sector’s global impact: “Ireland’s life sciences and health tech sector is emerging as a global powerhouse, with Irish companies attracting substantial investment and pioneering innovations to tackle the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges. In 2024, the Irish lifesciences and healthcare sector closed 89 venture capital deals totalling €491.3 million, with Enterprise Ireland involved in 80 investments—the highest globally. This investment surge underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering groundbreaking firms that are redefining healthcare delivery worldwide.”

The visit highlighted three key themes: strengthening US-Ireland healthcare innovation partnerships, scaling Irish companies in the U.S. market, and promoting Irish investment in the life sciences sector. Enterprise Ireland, a key supporter of these companies, plays a pivotal role in facilitating market entry and growth through programmes like BioSTL. In 2023, Irish life sciences exports to the U.S. grew by 7%, reflecting the increasing focus on this market. Discussions with Governor Kehoe and the World Trade Center St. Louis emphasised expanding Missouri-Ireland relationships, leveraging innovation partnerships, and supporting Irish companies’ growth strategies.

Ambassador Byrne Nason’s visit showcased the vibrant potential of Irish innovation in the U.S. With Enterprise Ireland’s continued support and Missouri’s dynamic business community, these partnerships are set to drive transformative advancements in global healthcare.