Empowering Start-Ups
University of Galway’s Business Innovation Centre is the hub for researchers, entrepreneurs and startups who want to make a change in the world.
128 companies
3,365 jobs
796m raised
>30 spin-out companies
What We Offer
Advanced innovation ecosystem
Access to University of Galway's research ecosystem.
Access to University of Galway's innovation programmes and institutes (Rinn Medical Devices, Rinn AI, BioInnovate, etc.)
An extensive network of 128 companies, with 35 based on campus.
Relationships with funding agencies and venture bodies.
Strategic industry collaboration opportunities.
Commercial licensing options.
Talent pool of graduates and researchers.
Extensive services and support
Expert and dedicated team.
Tailored training and business development to launch and grow start-ups.
Acceleration programmes with a focus on commercialisation and route to market.
Intellectual property development.
Grant acquisition and funding guidance and supports.
Investment-ready planning and preparation.
Match-making with venture capitalists and angel investors.
Excellent facilities on campus
Three centres on campus totalling 23,000 square ft.
Units ranging from 300 - 750sq ft.
Dedicated wet labs (the only offering of their kind in the region within an innovation centre).
10 Bio-incubator laboratories with shared lab equipment usage.
Serviced office facilities including broadband, conference facilities, board rooms and meeting rooms.
Co-working space and hot desk facility for short-term rental.
Access to research resources such as laboratories, testing, and specialised equipment.
Our Spin-Outs
Since 2020, our university has successfully launched 21 companies, expanding our current portfolio to over 30 spin-outs. These enterprises are driven by a commitment to transforming research breakthroughs into tangible impact through products and services. Emerging from our research and innovation ecosystem, and supported by our Innovation Office and Innovation Centres, our spin-outs bolster the region's reputation as a thriving innovation hub.
Spin-Out Quick Link
Amara Therapeutics :: AnalyzeIQ :: Aquila Bioscience :: AtriAN Medical :: Aurigen Medical ::Aveta Medical Limited :: Derilinx
:: Elvere Medical :: Endowave :: FeelTect :: Fortis Medical Devices ::Galenband :: Invera Medical ::Lia Therapeutics ::Lifelet Medical :: Loci Orthopaedics ::Lua Health Limited ::Luma Vison :: Luminate Medical :: Neurent Medical :: Nua Surgical :: Onk Therapeutics :: Orbsen Therapeutics :: Peracton :: Qpercom :: Relevium Medical :: Sedicii Innovations :: Signum Surgical :: Starling Surgical :: SymPhysis Medical :: Tympany Medical :: Vortech Water Solutions :: WestWay Health (Sláinte Beoga Teoranta)
Spin-Out Success
Luminate Medical – Innovative Solutions to Prevent and Manage Side Effects in Cancer Treatment
Luminate Medical, a University of Galway spin-out, is developing pioneering technologies that help prevent the side effects of cancer treatment, empowering patients while reducing the need for in-clinic monitoring. The company’s innovations are patient-focused, supporting safer, more accessible care.
Innovative Products
- Lilac – A wearable system of gloves and boots designed to prevent peripheral neuropathy in the hands and feet, a common side effect of chemotherapy that typically requires frequent clinic visits.
- Lily – A wearable cap that helps patients prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss, supporting comfort and confidence during treatment.
- Lotus – A smart home-infusion system enabling low-risk cancer therapy at home, reducing clinic visits, increasing oncology capacity, and allowing continuous remote monitoring.
From University Spin-Out to Global Team
Founded in 2018 by Aaron Hannon, Dr. Barbara Oliveira, and Professor Martin O’Halloran while working as medical device researchers at the University of Galway, Luminate Medical has grown to a team of over 50 staff based across the U.S., Ireland, and Georgia.
With successful first-in-patient clinical trial results and a Series A funding round in September 2024, Luminate has launched U.S.-based clinical trials for Lilac. In 2025, the company received its third Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund grant of €6.5 million, bringing total funding to around $30.6 million, supported by Europe’s EIC Accelerator, Enterprise Ireland, and private investors.
University of Galway Innovation Office Client Story
As a proud client of the University of Galway Innovation Office, Luminate Medical exemplifies how university research, staff expertise, and innovation support can transform pioneering ideas into globally impactful healthcare solutions.
More info: Luminate
Loci Orthopaedics – Revolutionising Treatment for Thumb Base Joint Arthritis
Loci Orthopaedics is a clinical‑stage orthopaedic medical device company focused on transforming how thumb base joint arthritis is treated with its InDx Implant System — an evidence‑based implant designed to restore natural thumb motion and overcome key limitations of current surgical implants.
Thumb base joint arthritis is highly prevalent, affecting an estimated up to 5% of the U.S. and EU population (approximately 100 million people worldwide), significantly impacting daily function and quality of life.
Key Highlights & Recent Progress
- Innovative Device: The InDx Implant System replicates the functional biomechanics of the thumb base (carpometacarpal) joint, restoring natural motion and addressing limitations of traditional implants.
- Clinical Studies: Loci recently completed enrolment in a 15‑patient clinical feasibility study, evaluating surgical implantation as well as improvements in pain relief, grip strength, and quality of life.
- Strong Funding & Growth: In July 2024, Loci closed an oversubscribed €12.8 million Series A financing round, bringing total grant and equity funding to over €22 million. This funding supports clinical programs, regulatory submissions in the U.S. and EU, and expansion of the team.
- Team Expansion: The company’s Galway headquarters has grown to over 30 employees, adding roles across engineering, R&D, quality, and regulatory functions.
- Quality Commitment: Loci Orthopaedics has achieved ISO 13485 certification, demonstrating a company-wide commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance through a robust Quality Management System.
Founders & Origins
Loci Orthopaedics was co-founded by Gerry Clarke and Dr Brendan Boland, both BioInnovate alumni, as a concurrent spin-out from the University of Galway (Ireland), University College Cork (Ireland), and KU Leuven (Belgium). The company has also been a valued client of the University of Galway Innovation Office, benefiting from support to grow, scale, and bring their innovation to market.
Looking Ahead
With robust clinical data development underway and regulatory pathways progressing, Loci Orthopaedics is advancing toward broader clinical validation and eventual commercialisation of the InDx Implant System, offering surgeons and patients a transformational option for thumb base arthritis worldwide.
More info: Loci Orthopaedics
Neurent Medical – Treating Patients with Rhinitis
Neurent Medical is developing a new-to-world, medical device-led procedure to treat patients with rhinitis, the fifth most common chronic disease in the U.S. and the most common chronic disease in children. Rhinitis is an inflammatory condition of the nose causing congestion and severe runny nose, affecting up to 40% of the population. Until now, treatment options have included long-term medication or surgery.
Founded by CEO Brian Shields and CTO David Townley through their work at the BioInnovate Ireland programme at University of Galway, Neurent identified an unmet clinical need and developed a single-use device that delivers targeted energy to interrupt the inflammatory cascade, aiming to provide long-term symptom relief. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, reducing unnecessary healthcare costs and hospital visits.
The University of Galway Innovation Office has supported Neurent Medical at every stage—from idea conception, invention disclosure, and funding applications, to project implementation, IP management, patent protection, company formation, and licensing the technology from the university. Neurent continues to collaborate closely with the university, including funding a research programme with the CÚRAM research centre.
With the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Oranmore, Co. Galway, Neurent is expected to create 125 highly skilled jobs in 2026, spanning engineering, quality, operations, supply chain, and sales. The company is headquartered in Galway with U.S. operations in Braintree, Massachusetts, and is committed to developing patient‑centred, minimally invasive therapies that improve quality of life for people suffering from chronic inflammatory sinonasal diseases.
More info: Neurent Medical
FeelTect – Connected‑Health Innovation in Wound Care
FeelTect is a Galway-based medtech spin-out (launched via the University of Galway’s BioInnovate Ireland programme in 2019) on a mission to disrupt wound care with connected-health solutions designed for safety, efficacy, and patient empowerment. The company focuses on improving outcomes for people with chronic wounds, particularly venous leg ulcers, which affect millions of people globally each year.
Tight Alright – First-of-Its-Kind Connected-Health Technology
FeelTect’s flagship product, Tight Alright, is the first connected-health device to measure and remotely monitor sub-bandage pressure during compression therapy, the standard treatment for venous leg ulcers. By providing real-time pressure data via a wearable device linked to a digital platform, Tight Alright helps clinicians and patients optimise compression therapy — improving healing rates, reducing treatment costs, and enhancing quality of life.
Commercial Launch and Clinical Validation
Following rigorous testing and clinical validation, FeelTect has begun the commercial rollout of Tight Alright in hospitals across Europe. Recent clinical results show accelerated healing rates for leg ulcer patients when optimal compression is consistently applied. The device holds CE mark approval in Europe, FDA registration in the U.S., and TGA certification in Australia, supporting global market access.
Funding and Growth
In late 2025, FeelTect secured €1.5 million in investment from strategic partners to support commercial rollout, regulatory expansion, and team growth in Galway. The company plans to expand staff across R&D, clinical, manufacturing, and commercial roles to support this next phase of development.
Vision for Patient-Centred Care
FeelTect is committed to improving wound healing outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems by enabling better remote monitoring, personalised care, and data-driven decision-making. Its connected-health platform empowers both patients and care teams with actionable insights throughout the healing journey.
More info: Feeltect
