HidraMed Solutions

WestBIC is an Enterprise Ireland partner providing hands-on startup support, funding readiness and investment preparation for early-stage founders in the west of Ireland.

HidraMed Solutions are a Galway based start-up who provide Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) patients a better wound-care solution. The company was founded in 2016 by Suzanne Moloney who is a HS patient herself. HS is a chronic skin disease that affects at least 1% of the global population. Suzanne founded HidraMed Solutions and the concept for HidraWear when her frustrations with current wound care options peaked.

Key supports received during start-up process & the role WestBIC played

At the very early stages, I wasn’t sure where to start or who to talk to. I found it difficult to get prototypes made and find the right suppliers. I contacted Enterprise Ireland and applied for an innovation voucher to develop a prototype.

Once I had this completed I sought support from my Local Enterprise Office in the form of a feasibility grant. After my feasibility grant, I applied to the Health Innovation Hub, who were a great support, connecting me to people in Med-Tech.

I was a successful applicant in the BioExel program at NUIG (Now, the University of Galway), which was a real turning point for me. The program was 6 months of training and mentorship from industry experts, and financial support to develop next-generation prototypes and file some IP.

The team at WestBIC were a huge support to me throughout 2021 and have been integral to HidraMed Solutions' accomplishments. They supported me in developing my grant writing and presentation skills, coached me before some very important pitches, assisted with our financial projections and funding requirements, and reviewed our submissions for funding. I know I can always ask the WestBIC team for help. Their support is invaluable!

Words of Advice for new Start-ups

Don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself. Ireland is a great place to be an entrepreneur. There are so many networking opportunities, different grants and great support schemes. It’s just a case of finding the right one for you and using it.

Future Plans

Currently, the company which consists of 4 full-time staff is working very hard to grow in to new markets. We have 4 medical garments and wound dressing packs on the market in Europe and USA. We have achieved reimbursement for our products in Ireland, The UK, The Netherlands and Germany, meaning they are available to patients through their health service at little or no cost. We are expanding into the USA.

We have been fortunate to be successful in multiple awards and funding rounds including the Irish Times Innovation Award for Life Sciences Category, and Overall Innovation 2020, Journal of Wound Care Award 1st place for Innovation in Wound Care, 3rd Place for Innovation in Skin Integrity and Visa Ireland She’s Next 2021 grantee.