News
Explore how Life Sciences Ireland will champion the growth and global presence of Ireland's life sciences sectors. From cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and business acceleration to impactful initiatives that elevate and promote the industry at home and abroad—this is your hub for updates, insights, and success stories.
Lilly's $3 Billion Investment in Leiden: A Case Study in Cluster Excellence
Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to build a $3 billion oral medicine manufacturing facility in Katwijk, Netherlands, within the renowned Leiden Bio Science Park. This strategic investment will create 500 high-value manufacturing roles and 1,500 construction jobs, while significantly expanding Lilly's European supply chain capacity.
Leiden's selection was no accident. The region's success reflects the power of a mature life sciences ecosystem and deliberate cluster policy. Lilly cited several decisive factors in its choice:
• Access to a highly skilled workforce, supported by strong academic and research institutions
• Advanced infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities, including dock-to-dock automation and paperless production
• A predictable, innovation-friendly policy environment, shaped by close collaboration between government, academia, and industry
• Operational synergies and supply chain flexibility, enabled by proximity to other European manufacturing sites
• Commitment to sustainability, with carbon-neutral operations and zero waste to landfill
This investment also marks a milestone in Lilly's global strategy to manufacture and distribute medicines closer to the communities they serve. The new facility will produce orforglipron, Lilly's first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, among other advanced therapies in cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.
For Ireland, the message is clear: Leiden's success is the result of long-term strategic planning, integrated cluster development, and policy alignment. As we continue to build our own life sciences clusters, there is much to learn from the Dutch model. Life Sciences Ireland remains committed to fostering an environment where innovation, talent, and collaboration can thrive—positioning Ireland as a global leader in life sciences excellence.
Ireland is being urged to accelerate reforms to its clinical trials system.
A recent Euractiv article highlights growing concern over Ireland's slow progress in reforming its clinical trials infrastructure, despite the EU Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) aiming to streamline processes across member states. While the CTR has improved transparency and harmonisation, Ireland still faces significant delays in trial start-up times, placing it behind countries like Belgium and Spain.
Key points include:
• Ireland ranks 20th out of 30 EU/EEA countries for clinical trial application timelines, with average approval taking over 100 days—well above the EU target of 60 days.
• Stakeholders cite fragmented governance, under-resourced ethics committees, and a lack of digital infrastructure as major barriers.
• Industry leaders warn that Ireland risks losing investment and trial opportunities to faster-moving EU countries unless urgent reforms are made.
• The Health Research Board (HRB) and Department of Health are working on a national strategy, but timelines remain unclear.
• Calls for action include establishing a single national ethics committee, investing in digital systems, and creating a centralised clinical trials office.
For Life Sciences Ireland, this moment underscores the urgent need for coordinated national leadership, investment in infrastructure, and streamlined governance to ensure Ireland remains a competitive and attractive destination for clinical research. As a cluster committed to advancing innovation and collaboration, we echo the call for swift, strategic action to unlock Ireland's full potential in the global clinical trials landscape.
For updates on upcoming initiatives and stakeholder engagement, visit lifesciencesireland.ie or follow us on LinkedIn.
Life Sciences Ireland Cluster: Driving All-Island Innovation at TCI Global Conference 2025- Oct 14th to Oct 16th
Dublin, October 16, 2025 — The Life Sciences Ireland cluster proudly participated in the 25th TCI Global Conference, held from October 14–16 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Hosted jointly by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, the event marked a historic first: an all-island collaboration spotlighting Ireland's leadership in cluster development.
With over 300 delegates from around the world, the conference explored the theme "Clusters: Sustaining a Global Open Economy," and positioned life sciences as a cornerstone of innovation, resilience, and international connectivity.
🔬 Day 1: Setting the Vision for Cluster-Led Growth
The opening day focused on the strategic role of clusters in building competitive and sustainable economies. Life Sciences Ireland joined discussions on how health and life sciences clusters can drive productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth. The cluster's presence underscored Ireland's commitment to ecosystem thinking and cross-sector collaboration.
🌐 Day 2: Strengthening Global and All-Island Partnerships
Day two emphasized international connectivity and the power of clusters to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Life Sciences Ireland contributed to sessions on scaling biotech and medtech innovation, showcasing Ireland's strengths in translational research, talent development, and shared infrastructure. The cluster's cross-border model was highlighted as a blueprint for collaborative excellence.
💡 Day 3: Health Innovation as a Catalyst for Change
The final day spotlighted health and life sciences as engines of economic transformation. Life Sciences Ireland participated in breakout sessions focused on accelerating health innovation, fostering industry-academic-government partnerships, and building globally connected ecosystems. The cluster's role in shaping Ireland's future as a life sciences leader was front and centre.
🚀 Looking Ahead
The TCI Global Conference 2025 was more than a gathering—it was a launchpad for future growth. Life Sciences Ireland leaves the event energized, with new partnerships, strategic insights, and a shared vision for building a world-class, internationally connected life sciences ecosystem across the island.
For updates on upcoming initiatives and stakeholder engagement, visit lifesciencesireland.ie or follow us on LinkedIn.
🔬 Life Sciences Ireland at the Tri-Region Partnership Autumn 2025 – Driving Innovation Across Borders 🌍
We're proud to represent the Life Sciences Cluster Ireland at this year's Tri-Region Partnership Autumn 2025, held in Cork on 18–19 September. This dynamic event brings together leaders from Cork, Dublin, and Northern Ireland to foster collaboration across enterprise, innovation, infrastructure, and education.
📍 Highlights from the agenda:
➤Engaging sessions on Connecting People & Places with insights from Irish Rail, Cork Airport, and Docklands Development.
➤A powerful panel on Enterprise, Innovation & Industry featuring Qualcomm, IDA Ireland, Invest NI, and Enterprise Ireland.
➤A deep dive into Our Maritime Future at the National Maritime College of Ireland, showcasing the MaREI Centre and Port of Cork.
➤A forward-looking discussion on Innovation Clusters & Education at University College Cork, where Life Sciences Ireland joined HIRANI to spotlight sectoral collaboration and shared opportunities.
🤝 The Tri-Region Partnership is a testament to the strength of regional cooperation and the potential of cross-border innovation. Life Sciences Ireland is committed to advancing this mission—connecting talent, research, and industry to shape a healthier, more sustainable future.
Thank you to our hosts at Cork Chamber, UCC, NMCI, and all partners involved. We look forward to building on the momentum and continuing the conversation.
Ireland's Life Sciences Sector Poised for Growth Under New Government Action Plan
10 September 2025 – Dublin, Ireland
The Irish Government has published its Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, a forward-looking strategy designed to strengthen Ireland's economic resilience and global standing over the next five years. With 85 targeted actions, including 26 priority measures, the plan aims to address challenges posed by global uncertainty, technological disruption, and infrastructure bottlenecks.
For Ireland's Life Sciences sector, the plan presents a transformative opportunity to accelerate innovation, attract investment, and scale enterprise growth.
Key Implications for Life Sciences
🔬 Innovation & Research Funding
The plan outlines a "step change" in funding for innovation, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between industry and higher education institutions. This will reinforce Ireland's R&D ecosystem—vital for biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical advancement.
🌍 Boosting FDI & Global Influence
Ireland's commitment to attracting high-value foreign direct investment (FDI) and influencing EU competitiveness policy will help maintain its leadership position in global life sciences.
🏗️ Infrastructure & Regulatory Reform
Accelerated infrastructure delivery and streamlined regulatory processes will enable life sciences companies to scale more efficiently and navigate planning and compliance with greater ease.
💡 Digital & AI Integration
New frameworks for artificial intelligence and intellectual property will support the sector's digital transformation, fostering smarter manufacturing, diagnostics, and data-driven healthcare solutions.
📈 SME Scaling & Talent Development
The plan includes support for SME scaling funds, tax incentives, and workforce upskilling—empowering emerging life sciences innovators to grow and compete on a global stage.
A Vision for 2030
With a national goal of creating 300,000 new jobs by 2030, the life sciences sector is positioned to play a central role in shaping a more agile, innovation-led economy. The challenge now lies in implementation—ensuring these ambitions translate into tangible outcomes for businesses, researchers, and patients.
📄 Read the full Action Plan:
gov.ie – Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity
Life Sciences Ireland to Spotlight Innovation at Tech Industry Alliances Event-Sept 30th
Life Sciences Ireland is proud to participate in the upcoming Tech Industry Alliances event, Transforming Life Sciences: The Power of AI & Emerging Tech, taking place on September 30th. This dynamic gathering will explore how artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the future of healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical innovation. Life Sciences Ireland will join industry leaders, researchers, and tech pioneers on sector specific panels to showcase collaborative efforts driving transformative change across the sector.
Some key been presented and discussed during the event include,
- AI in Life Sciences Unlocking the Next Frontier of Medicine Manufacturing
- Smarter, Faster, Safer: How Tech is Reinventing the Life Sciences Sector"
- Supports working at the intersection of AI, life sciences and digital health
We look forward to meeting sector peers & entrepreneurs from small, medium and large organizations during this timely event run by Tech Industry Alliances and Deloitte.
🚀 Boosting Biotech Through Innovation Clusters: Lessons for Ireland from Flanders
Written by: Nicole Verbeeck Euractiv Health Capitals
At the recent Knowledge for Growth conference, the European Commission spotlighted Flanders' Biovia cluster as a model for driving biotech innovation.
With its integrated approach across biotech, health tech, agtech, and biomanufacturing, Biovia is setting a new standard for regional innovation ecosystems.
🇪🇺 Rainer Becker (European Commission - DG COMP) emphasized the need to connect successful clusters across Europe to enhance competitiveness, while Flemish leaders called for smarter regulation, streamlined support, and better funding for scale-ups.
Key takeaways:
🧬 Clusters like Biovia offer agility, integration, and a single point of contact for innovators.
💡 Innovation must translate into real-world impact—healthier lives, sustainable agriculture, and environmental solutions.
⏱️ Urgency is critical: Europe must simplify regulation and accelerate adoption of new technologies.
💶 Funding gaps, especially for scale-ups, remain a major hurdle.
📣 As Europe shapes its Biotech Act, it's time to learn from regional success stories—and act fast.
Article✍️👇
https://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/link-innovation-clusters-to-boost-biotech-competitiveness-says-commissions-becker/
Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Insights from Europe on Health Innovation- Thursday July 10th 2025
Life Sciences Ireland was delighted to attend in the IIEA-Johnson & Johnson webinar, Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Insights from Europe on Health Innovation, on July 10, 2025. As Ireland prepares to craft its first national life sciences strategy, this event offered an important platform to explore how aligning healthcare policy with sectoral development can drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen Ireland's global competitiveness. Life Sciences Ireland is committed to contributing industry insights and advocating for a coordinated, forward-looking approach that mirrors the success of European counterparts.
To listen to the event 👉ᯤSpotify Link https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ZLGktoA84g0FZH4ZUtaeD?si=QwVMIPcNQPWztE3s7y0leA
EU Life science strategy: a springboard for European life sciences
On the July 2nd the release of the EU Life Science Strategy by the European Commission marks a pivotal moment for healthcare innovation in Europe.
🤔The strategy tackles long-standing competitiveness challenges, aiming to boost clinical trial access, accelerate biotech development, support SMEs, and simplify regulations.
💡Initiatives like the proposed Biotech Act, the Life Sciences Coordination Board, and EUR 300 million in funding for breakthrough treatments show real intent to restore Europe's leadership in life sciences.
🎯The focus on investment, innovation, and access—paired with regulatory improvements—offers a much-needed lifeline for the sector.
It's now time to mobilise these plans into action so European patients benefit from the latest treatments without delay. 🌍💊🔬⚕💉
To read more on this topic check the following Press Release by the EU Commission✍️👇
Life Sciences Ireland Consultation Event June 13th : A Resounding Success in Cork
On June 13th, the Kingsley Hotel in Cork played host to an invaluable consultation event for Life Sciences Ireland, bringing together some of the industry's most insightful minds to discuss the future of the sector. With a packed agenda, dynamic discussions, and critical strategic insights, the event proved to be a vital step in shaping Ireland's life sciences cluster.
A Thoughtfully Orchestrated Event
From the early morning welcome session, complete with lanyard cards and structured seating arrangements, to carefully moderated panel discussions, the day was a masterclass in collaboration. Attendees, including leading industry professionals from the Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical, Healthcare, Education Venture Capital sectors & state enterprise bodies, engaged in forward-thinking dialogue that highlighted industry gaps and explored solutions for a stronger, more resilient life sciences ecosystem.
Key Discussions Driving Industry Growth
A standout feature of the event was the in-depth examination of Life Science cluster models, drawing comparisons between established success stories such as the MassBio cluster in Massachusetts, Spain's BioCat, Cambridge's On Nucleus initiative. With over 1,700 companies fueling MassBio's success and government-backed funding supporting BioCat, discussions delved into the possibilities for Ireland to leverage similar models.
Speakers emphasized the vital role a dedicated cluster organization would play in mitigating economic risks—particularly considering that the majority jobs are currently solely involved in manufacturing and supply chain and 95% financed through foreign direct investment (FDI). By strengthening Ireland's life sciences value chain, such an initiative could bridge skillsets across multiple industry actors, from research at the start of the process to patient outcomes at the end.
The event's impressive lineup included international speakers such as
👉Montse Daban Marín, PhD -Biocat, Catalonia, Spain,
👉Joann Rhodes MBA FRSA- CEO, Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland,
👉Tony Jones- CEO One Nucleus, Cambridge UK
👉Donagh Kiernan- Tech Alliance Founding Board Member & CEO Tengo Partnering
👉Michael O'Neill-CEO Nomon Bio Ltd
👉Prof Mark Tangney- Head of iEdHub, UCC
ensuring a wealth of perspectives. With funding sources varying between cluster models, questions arose around the risks of membership-fee models versus state-funded initiatives, sparking thought-provoking debate.
A Bold Step Forward
The closing remarks made clear that momentum is building fast. Plans for a not-for-profit Designated Activity Company (DAC) are already in motion to formalize the initiative, and the cluster is set to be activated by the end of 2026. With funding applications open through Enterprise Ireland's Smart Regions: Enterprise Innovation Scheme, stakeholders were encouraged to advocate for the cluster and actively contribute to its growth.
The Life Sciences Ireland consultation event was more than just a meeting of minds—it was a bold declaration that Ireland is ready to move forward, build stronger connections, and position itself as a global life sciences hotspot. With support from industry experts, stakeholders, and advocates, the journey toward a thriving national cluster has truly begun.
