Detechgene, a Cologne-based BioTech startup, has successfully raised €3.2 million in its second Seed round as it pursues its mission to make molecular diagnostics fast, mobile and accessible to all.
The round was led by neoteq ventures, joined by NRW.BANK, Aquarius Invest, Meerkat Holding, Campus Capital, and several strategic business angels.
“We are very grateful to our investors for their confidence in our team and our technology. Together, we are shaping the future of diagnostics – faster, more decentralised and more user-friendly than ever before,” says Dr Reza Esmaillie, Managing Director of Detechgene.
Founded in 2022 by Dr Reza Esmaillie and Dr Robin Bayer as a spin-off from the Nephrolab at the University Hospital Cologne Medicine II, Detechgene is developing ‘PCR to Go’, a mobile molecular diagnostics platform that allegedly brings the accuracy of laboratory testing into the field.
Their pocket-sized diagnostic device detects viruses, bacteria, and fungi in under 30 minutes, aiming to combine the robustness of PCR technology with the ease of rapid antigen tests. No specialist equipment is needed, meaning testing can happen anywhere — from rural GP practices to resource-limited healthcare settings globally.
B.J. Park, Managing Partner, neoteq ventures, says, “Detechgene is tackling a global challenge with a solution that’s fast, mobile and precise – without compromising on the standards of laboratory diagnostics. What impressed us is not just the technology, but the execution strength of the team. We’re proud to support this kind of DeepTech innovation coming out of Cologne.”
The fresh capital will fuel Detechgene’s mission to commercialise its platform and ramp up production, with sights set not only on the German healthcare market but international deployment as well.
The technology promises major implications for healthcare systems, especially as they face increasing pressure to offer decentralised, cost-efficient diagnostic solutions that maintain high standards of accuracy and speed.
Dr. Christoph Labisch (Managing Director, Aquarius Invest GmbH) adds: “The successful completion of this financing round sends a strong signal: Detechgene is bringing molecular diagnostics where it is needed – quickly, accurately and on the go. The team not only delivers excellent technology, but has also demonstrated its ability to scale. We at Aquarius Invest are delighted to be part of this development.”
NRW.BANK, which has supported Detechgene since 2021 through initiatives such as NRW.SeedCon and NRW.SeedCap, is also backing this round with over €600k.
“”Startups in the healthcare sector not only need scientific excellence, but also reliable financing,” explained Johanna Antonie Tjaden-Schulte, Member of the Board of Managing Directors at NRW.BANK.
As public health systems globally struggle with staffing shortages, diagnostic bottlenecks, and decentralisation demands, point-of-care technologies like PCR to Go could play a transformative role. The startup not only targets improved patient outcomes through early, accurate diagnoses, but also aims to reduce costs and improve infection control by delivering results exactly where and when they are needed.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/08/german-biotech-startup-detechgene-pockets-e3-2-million-to-take-lab-diagnostics-mobile/
