HG nCoV19 test · Project

Rapid Point-of-Care COVID-19 Molecular Test Kit Ready for Deployment

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Imagine instead of sending a swab to a lab and waiting hours or days for COVID test results, a nurse at your local clinic gets an answer in minutes — right there in the room. That's what this project built: a fast molecular test using a technique called LAMP that works like a simplified version of PCR but doesn't need expensive lab equipment. The team manufactured actual test kit batches and validated them across hospitals in four countries, moving from concept to a product a diagnostics company could sell.

By the numbers

countries involved in validation (CN, IE, IT, UK)

consortium partners across industry and academia

50%

industry ratio in consortium

total project deliverables produced

The business problem

What needed solving

Getting accurate COVID-19 test results fast enough to make real-time decisions — at clinics, workplaces, and borders — was impossible with traditional lab-based PCR testing. Results took hours to days, required expensive equipment, and centralized labs became bottlenecks during outbreaks. Businesses and healthcare providers needed a molecular-grade test that works on the spot, without a full laboratory.

The solution

What was built

A rapid molecular diagnostic test for COVID-19 based on LAMP technology, designed for near-patient (point-of-care) use. The team manufactured validation batches of diagnostic kits and completed 8 deliverables over the project period, moving from development through multi-site clinical validation.

Audience

Who needs this

Hospital networks and primary care clinics needing rapid on-site molecular testingIVD companies looking to license validated LAMP-based respiratory test platformsOccupational health providers running workplace or event screening programsAirport and border health authorities requiring fast traveler screeningPharmaceutical companies seeking companion diagnostic partnerships

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Healthcare & Hospital Networks

enterprise

Target: Hospital groups and primary care networks managing infectious disease screening

If you are a hospital network dealing with slow lab turnaround times for respiratory virus testing — this project developed a rapid molecular diagnostic kit validated across multiple clinical sites that delivers results at the point of care. The test uses LAMP technology, eliminating the need for centralized PCR labs and cutting the time from sample to answer dramatically. With validation batches already manufactured across a 4-country consortium, the technology is ready for clinical deployment.

In Vitro Diagnostics

SME

Target: IVD companies seeking to license or co-develop rapid molecular assays

If you are a diagnostics manufacturer looking to expand your respiratory testing portfolio — this project produced a validated LAMP-based COVID-19 test with manufactured validation batches and clinical data from sites across 4 countries. The coordinator, HiberGene Diagnostics, is an established SME with existing LAMP platform expertise, making licensing or partnership discussions straightforward. The 50% industry ratio in the consortium signals a product-oriented development path.

Occupational Health & Corporate Wellness

any

Target: Workplace health providers and airport/border screening operators

If you are an occupational health provider needing fast, reliable on-site screening for infectious diseases — this project built a rapid molecular test that works outside traditional laboratories. Unlike antigen rapid tests, molecular diagnostics offer higher accuracy while still delivering speed. The test kit was designed for near-patient use, making it suitable for workplaces, airports, or mass screening scenarios where sending samples to a central lab is impractical.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would a test kit cost compared to standard PCR testing?

Based on available project data, specific pricing is not disclosed. However, LAMP-based tests typically cost less per unit than PCR because they eliminate the need for expensive thermal cycling equipment. The manufactured validation batches suggest a production-ready cost structure, but commercial pricing would depend on licensing terms with HiberGene Diagnostics.

Can this scale to millions of tests per year?

The project produced manufactured validation batches of diagnostic kits, which demonstrates production feasibility. The coordinator HiberGene Diagnostics is an established diagnostics SME with existing manufacturing infrastructure. Scaling to high volumes would require standard manufacturing scale-up, but the validation batch milestone shows the process is already defined.

Who owns the intellectual property and how can we license it?

HiberGene Diagnostics Limited (Ireland) coordinated the project and likely holds the core IP, given their existing LAMP diagnostics platform. Licensing discussions would start with HiberGene directly. The consortium included 2 industry partners across 4 countries, so some IP may be shared depending on consortium agreements.

Does this test have regulatory approval?

Based on available project data, the project focused on development and validation rather than regulatory submission. Validation batches were manufactured and tested across clinical sites in 4 countries (China, Ireland, Italy, UK), which would generate data needed for regulatory filings such as CE-IVD marking or FDA EUA. Regulatory status post-project would need to be confirmed with HiberGene.

How fast is this test compared to standard methods?

The project specifically targeted rapid near-patient testing using LAMP technology, which typically delivers results in 30-60 minutes without complex lab equipment. The keywords explicitly include 'Rapid' as a core feature. This contrasts with standard PCR tests that require centralized labs and several hours of processing time.

Can this be adapted for other pathogens beyond COVID-19?

LAMP is a platform technology, and HiberGene Diagnostics has existing expertise in molecular diagnostics beyond COVID-19. The underlying test architecture could potentially be adapted for other respiratory viruses or infectious diseases. However, each new target would require its own development and validation cycle.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a lean, commercially-oriented consortium with 4 partners across 4 countries (China, Ireland, Italy, UK). The 50% industry ratio — 2 industry partners alongside 1 university and 1 research organization — signals a product-focused effort rather than a purely academic exercise. The coordinator, HiberGene Diagnostics, is an Irish SME already in the molecular diagnostics business, which means the project was led by a company with manufacturing know-how and market access. The international spread across major markets (EU, UK, China) positions the test for multi-regional deployment. With 8 deliverables completed including manufactured validation batches, the consortium delivered tangible outputs in just 18 months.

HIBERGENE DIAGNOSTICS LIMITEDCoordinator · IE
THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFASTparticipant · UK
IRCCS OSPEDALE POLICLINICO SAN MARTINOparticipant · IT

How to reach the team

HiberGene Diagnostics Limited is an Irish SME specializing in molecular diagnostics — reachable through their corporate website or LinkedIn

Order a report on this consortium See HIBERGENE DIAGNOSTICS LIMITED profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

SciTransfer can facilitate a direct introduction to the HiberGene team and provide a detailed technology brief for licensing or partnership discussions.

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