Last month, a transformative announcement by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, alongside Minister for Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, brought welcome news to the Connemara Gaeltacht.
A total of €17 million in funding has been allocated to two cutting-edge projects, and one of the key beneficiaries is Sláinte HiTech Teoranta — a pioneering life sciences company based in na Tulaigh Business Park.
This significant financial backing is a tremendous boost for both the local economy and the future of medical innovation in the region. Údarás na Gaeltachta, the regional development authority, has enthusiastically welcomed the announcement, noting the vital role that companies like Sláinte HiTech play in positioning the Gaeltacht as a hub for advanced scientific research and development.
Sláinte HiTech Teoranta, a client of Údarás na Gaeltachta, has established itself as a leader in the field of cell and gene therapy. With a keen focus on bringing therapeutic innovations to market, the company is now poised to lead a research consortium working on a revolutionary new treatment for neonatal brain injuries.
The project, titled Can-Vas, aims to address the devastating condition known as Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE ), which occurs when a newborn’s brain does not receive enough oxygen during birth. The current standard of care involves cooling the infant’s body temperature to 33.5°C for 72 hours — a method that, while beneficial, remains limited in scope.
The Can-Vas project seeks to complement this treatment with an advanced cell therapy approach. This novel solution is designed not only to extend the treatment window from three days to several weeks or even months, but also to reduce long-term complications. The ultimate goal is to dramatically improve the quality of life for affected infants and their families.
Commenting on the importance of this initiative, Tomás Ó Siocháin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, stated:
"This substantial funding demonstrates the exceptional innovation standards being achieved by Gaeltacht companies in the life sciences sector. Sláinte HiTech Teoranta exemplifies how companies based in the Gaeltacht are spearheading pioneering developments in cutting-edge medical technologies."
The benefits of such investment go far beyond the lab. By supporting high-value, innovation-driven businesses in the Gaeltacht, Ireland not only strengthens its global reputation in life sciences but also drives economic growth and job creation in rural, Irish-speaking regions. It underscores a future where groundbreaking medical solutions can be developed in tandem with preserving cultural heritage and promoting regional development.
In championing companies like Sláinte HiTech Teoranta, the Connemara Gaeltacht is emerging as a beacon of progress, proving that with the right support, innovation can thrive in even the most remote corners of Ireland.
