New Life Sciences, Deeptech Innovation Hub in Ireland coming to DCU Alpha

Early-stage companies to translate breakthrough research into real-world solutions

Life

Image: DCU

DCU Alpha and US-based venture-building firm Portal Innovations are to establish a new venture-building platform designed to support and scale indigenous companies in the biotech, pharma, medtech, and deeptech sectors.

The collaboration will see the development over time of a dedicated 20,000sq ft life sciences and deeptech innovation facility within DCU Alpha, providing startups with the space and equipment needed to thrive. The new facility will combine fully equipped wet and dry labs, incubation space, accelerator programmes, and access to a dedicated seed fund. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between university-based research and commercially viable ventures, ensuring that cutting-edge discoveries make a tangible impact on both the economy and societal health.

The new Portal Innovations facility will be co-located within an already established deeptech ecosystem of pioneering companies already based at DCU Alpha, including Fire1, Deciphex, Dolmen Design, BlueBridge Technologies, Coroflo, Marama Labs, SCRI-IS, Pilot Photonics, HT Materials Science, WellAir, Taoglas, Keltech IoE, Eiratech Robotics, Ubotica, Enbio, Exergyn, and Endotronix, among others.

Ronan Cunningham, director, DCU Invent said: “At DCU Alpha, we are committed to fostering an environment where deeptech and life sciences startups can thrive. This collaboration with Portal Innovations represents a major step forward in supporting indigenous innovation and ensuring that Ireland remains a competitive hub for scientific and technological advancements.”

Nancy Tyrrell, director of academic partnerships at Portal Innovations, said: “Ireland has a rich history of scientific excellence, and this partnership with DCU Alpha represents a unique opportunity to accelerate the commercialisation of groundbreaking research. By bringing our proven venture-building model to Dublin, we aim to provide life sciences and deeptech entrepreneurs with the critical resources, funding, and mentorship they need to succeed on a global scale.”

TechCentral Reporters

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