Detechgene: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Detechgene is a pioneering biotechnology startup based in Cologne, Germany, focused on revolutionizing molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from the University Hospital Cologne's Nephrolab, the company aims to make rapid, accurate, and mobile pathogen detection accessible to everyone. At the heart of their innovation is the “PCR to Go” platform—a portable diagnostic system combining the precision of laboratory PCR with the speed and ease of rapid antigen tests. With growing global demand for decentralized healthcare solutions, Detechgene is attracting significant investor interest, positioning itself as a game-changer in point-of-care diagnostics. This article reveals key insights into Detechgene’s origins, technology, funding, and impact.

1. Founding and Origins

Detechgene was established in 2022 by Dr. Reza Esmaillie and Dr. Robin Bayer, emerging from the University Hospital Cologne Medicine II’s Nephrolab. Driven by the urgent need for fast, reliable diagnostic tools highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the founders combined their deep scientific expertise to create a solution addressing limitations of conventional diagnostics. Unlike traditional startups, Detechgene’s roots are strongly embedded in academic research, allowing it to leverage cutting-edge molecular biology methods from inception. From the beginning, the vision was to democratize access to laboratory-grade pathogen detection outside centralized labs.

2. Innovative Technology: PCR to Go

Central to Detechgene’s offerings is the “PCR to Go” system, a mobile molecular diagnostic platform designed to deliver lab-quality PCR results within 20 to 30 minutes. Utilizing their proprietary DetechChip and DetechStamp cartridges, the system simultaneously detects multiple pathogens—including viruses, bacteria, and fungi—on a single small chip. This technology bridges the gap between the high sensitivity and specificity of PCR and the speed and convenience of traditional rapid tests, enabling healthcare providers to perform complex diagnostics directly at the point of care without specialized lab infrastructure.

3. User-Friendly Portable Design

Detechgene’s diagnostic device is pocket-sized and highly versatile, engineered to be operable anywhere, from rural clinics to resource-limited healthcare settings globally. The compactness ensures portability, while the cartridge-based approach allows for simple sampling and testing without requiring trained lab technicians. This flexibility facilitates decentralized diagnostics, reducing dependency on centralized laboratories, shortening time to diagnosis, and enabling actionable medical decisions faster than ever.

4. Recent Funding and Investor Backing

In July 2025, Detechgene successfully closed its second seed financing round, raising €3.2 million (approximately $3.83 million). This round was led by Neoteq Ventures, an early-stage investor specializing in technology startups. Other key participants included NRW.BANK, Aquarius Invest GmbH, Meerkat Holding GmbH, Campus Capital, and strategic business angels. The funding supports scaling production, commercializing the platform, and expanding market reach both in Germany and internationally. NRW.BANK has been a longtime supporter since 2021 and contributed over €600,000 in this round.

5. Vision and Mission

Detechgene’s mission is to make molecular diagnostics mobile, fast, and reliably accessible to all. They seek to transform clinical diagnostics by decentralizing testing and empowering healthcare professionals with tools that combine laboratory precision with user-friendly operation. By delivering rapid, accurate detection where and when it is needed, Detechgene aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance infection containment strategies worldwide.

6. Impact on Healthcare Systems

With healthcare systems under pressure globally from staffing shortages, diagnostic bottlenecks, and rising demand for decentralization, Detechgene’s technology addresses critical challenges. By enabling point-of-care testing with lab-level accuracy, it supports earlier diagnosis, faster treatment decisions, and reduces the need for centralized lab resources. This can be especially transformative in rural or underserved regions and emerging healthcare markets where traditional lab infrastructure is limited.

7. Scientific and Entrepreneurial Leadership

The company benefits from the strong scientific backgrounds of its founders—Dr. Esmaillie and Dr. Bayer—who bring expertise in biology and molecular diagnostics combined with entrepreneurial drive. Despite limited prior experience with founding companies, their commitment to solving real-world diagnostic problems fueled Detechgene’s rapid progress. The startup also enjoys support from a growing network of investors and partners who contribute both capital and strategic advice.

8. Industry Collaborations and Support

Detechgene maintains partnerships with prominent institutions and industry stakeholders. NRW.BANK’s longstanding financial support coupled with networks such as Germany’s Gateway Factory and various biotech initiatives boosts their innovation ecosystem. Legal counsel and investor relations assistance from experienced firms ensure smooth financing rounds and strategic scaling. Additionally, Detechgene’s involvement in startup events, incubators, and life science forums enhances visibility and collaborative opportunities.

9. Market Potential and Future Prospects

The market for portable, rapid molecular diagnostics is expanding rapidly, fueled by global healthcare demands and technological advancements. With proven seed funding, Detechgene plans to accelerate commercialization and scale production of its PCR to Go system. Their technology’s adaptability to detect a wide range of infectious agents positions them well for applications beyond human healthcare, including veterinary and environmental diagnostics. Expansion into international markets, especially those with limited lab infrastructure, offers significant growth potential.

10. Commitment to Innovation and Community

Beyond technology, Detechgene fosters a company culture emphasizing purpose, creativity, and impact. The startup actively engages with the broader biotechnology and entrepreneurial communities through events, knowledge sharing, and social media engagement. Their commitment to building a workplace where employees feel motivated and valued strengthens internal innovation capacity and helps attract talent crucial for future success.

Conclusion

Detechgene embodies the cutting edge of biotechnology startups by merging scientific rigor with accessibility in the critical field of molecular diagnostics. Rooted in academic excellence and powered by innovative technology, the company is transforming pathogen detection from a complex lab procedure into a simple, rapid, mobile test accessible anywhere. Backed by strong investor confidence and a clear mission to democratize diagnostics, Detechgene is poised to reshape healthcare delivery worldwide. As infectious diseases continue to challenge global health, will companies like Detechgene be the key to faster, smarter diagnostics that save lives?