Siemens Healthineers has officially opened a cutting-edge Centre of Excellence for Immunoassay Instrument R&D in Swords, Ireland, marking a major boost for the country’s medtech sector. The launch was led by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment and Energy, and Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland.

 

More than €10 million has been invested so far, with further funding planned to advance research, development, and sustainability initiatives. The facility is dedicated to breakthrough innovations in laboratory instruments that detect infectious diseases, cancer, and blood disorders—a long-term investment reflecting a multi-year plan supported by the Irish Government.

 

Located next to Siemens’ existing manufacturing operations, the centre has already created over 65 highly skilled engineering jobs in software, hardware, bioscience, data science, systems engineering, and artificial intelligence. Teams in Swords are collaborating globally on next-generation instrument design, using advanced digital manufacturing and automation technologies to meet surging demand for high-precision diagnostic testing.

 

At the heart of the centre’s mission is the Atellica family of instruments, immunoassay and chemistry analysers that promise faster turnaround, higher throughput, and improved precision for clinical laboratories worldwide. Engineers in Swords are pushing to optimize speed, accuracy, resilience, and adaptability across the Atellica portfolio.

 

The centre will also benefit from a multi-million euro upskilling programme funded through IDA Ireland, enhancing workforce capabilities in advanced engineering, operations, and leadership.

 

“I am delighted to join Siemens Healthineers in unveiling this state-of-the-art R&D centre. The innovations and products developed here in Ireland will have a truly global reach, reflecting the strong culture of collaboration between industry, research and talent that we are proud to support,” said Minister Darragh O’Brien TD.

 

“The completion of this new Centre of Excellence in Swords by Siemens Healthineers marks a significant milestone for Ireland’s medtech sector,” said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. 

 

“This state-of-the-art facility reinforces our position as a global hub for innovation in diagnostics and life sciences. IDA Ireland is proud to support this strategic investment, which brings high-value employment and cutting-edge research to the region, while strengthening Ireland’s reputation for excellence in advanced manufacturing and R&D.”

 

“For nearly 60 years, this site has delivered world-class diagnostic instruments to hospitals and laboratories globally,” said Patrick Grimes, global head of hardware engineering R&D for Siemens Healthineers Diagnostics. 

 

“Now, by aligning research and development with production under one roof, we are accelerating the pace of discovery and delivery. This centre is a symbol of our commitment to shaping the future of diagnostics where science, technology, and human ingenuity come together to improve lives globally.”