Siemens Healthineers Bets on Irish Innovation with New €10 Million R&D Hub
Swords, Ireland – In a significant move for the European medtech landscape, Siemens Healthineers has officially opened a €10 million ($11.85 million) research and development centre dedicated to advancing its laboratory diagnostics equipment. The new facility, located near the company's existing operations in Swords, County Dublin, is poised to become a core hub for the next generation of the company's Atellica immunoassay and chemistry analysers.
These systems, used globally to process blood and plasma for diagnosing conditions related to cardiology, oncology, and renal function, represent a key growth segment. With over 2,000 Atellica systems installed in the U.S. alone, the Irish centre's work is expected to enhance the platform's capabilities and speed to market.
The opening marks a key milestone in an investment plan initiated in 2023 with support from Ireland's Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, stated the investment "solidifies Ireland's reputation as a global nexus for diagnostic innovation," highlighting the country's strategic push to attract high-value R&D.
"This site has a nearly six-decade legacy of delivering world-class diagnostic instruments," said Patrick Grimes, Global Head of Hardware Engineering R&D at Siemens Healthineers Diagnostics. "By co-locating R&D with production, we're breaking down silos. This integration is crucial for accelerating innovation from concept to clinical lab."
Beyond infrastructure, the investment includes a multi-million euro upskilling programme funded by an IDA grant. The initiative aims to train employees in advanced engineering, operations, and leadership over the next three to five years, addressing a critical industry challenge. A March 2025 report by Irish Medtech found that 63% of sector participants see attracting and retaining skilled talent as a major hurdle.
This development unfolds against a backdrop of corporate transformation. In November 2025, Siemens AG announced plans to deconsolidate its majority stake in Siemens Healthineers, transferring shares directly to its shareholders to allow both entities "greater strategic agility." Shortly after, reports emerged that Healthineers itself is considering a medium-term exit from its diagnostics division, though no formal talks have begun.
Despite the corporate manoeuvring, the company's financial footing appears stable, reporting earnings just under €3.9 billion for fiscal 2025 with projected revenue growth of 5-6% for the coming year. The new Swords centre suggests a continued commitment to its core diagnostic products, even as its ownership structure evolves.
Expert Commentary:
Dr. Fiona Byrne, a biomedical researcher at University College Dublin: "This is a welcome, tangible investment in Ireland's R&D ecosystem. Co-locating research with manufacturing is a proven model for reducing development cycles. The focus on upskilling is particularly astute, as it directly tackles the talent pipeline issue we often discuss."
Mark Devlin, a portfolio manager specializing in medtech: "The timing is fascinating. While Siemens is unwinding its stake, Healthineers is doubling down on diagnostics R&D in Ireland. This could be seen as strengthening the division's value ahead of any potential future sale or spin-off. It's a strategic play that makes the business more attractive and independent."
Sarah Chen, patient advocate and founder of the "Diagnostics for All" initiative: "Another corporate lab opening with government grants, while patients face long wait times for results. Will this 'innovation' actually make diagnostics faster and more affordable at the point of care, or just boost shareholder value? The proof will be in the real-world impact, not the press releases."
Professor Liam O'Sullivan, former director of a national clinical laboratory: "The sustained investment here, through various corporate parentages, speaks to the quality of the Irish workforce and the strategic importance of this site. For the local economy and the global diagnostics market, this centre's output will be critical for years to come."