Born: 1978 (Tallaght, South Dublin)
Died: 2016
Biography:
Jemma Redmond (16 March 1978 16 August 2016) was an Irish biotechnology pioneer and innovator. She was a co-founder of 3D bio-printing firm Ourobotics, developers of the first-ever ten-material bio-printer. Redmond’s groundbreaking work in keeping living cells alive while printed using 3D printers established her as a leading figure in Irish science and technology.
Born in Tallaght, South Dublin, Jemma Redmond discovered her passion for science at an early age. She pursued her education in applied physics at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in 2002. Motivated by a deep personal experience with an intersex condition that made her infertile, Redmond developed a keen interest in nano-bioscience. In 2012, she completed a master’s degree in nano-bioscience at University College Dublin, further honing her expertise. Alongside her academic pursuits, Redmond also gained qualifications in project management and electronic engineering, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to her work.
Redmond’s journey into 3D bio-printing began in her kitchen, where she started building her own devices. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish a company manufacturing vending machines in 2008. However, it was in January 2015 that Redmond co-founded Ourobotics with Alanna Kelly from Galway, Ireland, and secured backing from SOSV. Together, they set out on a mission to revolutionize the field of bio-printing.
Through her innovative designs and tireless dedication, Redmond created and marketed two bio-printers, including a pioneering printer capable of printing human tissue at a significantly lower cost than previous models. Her first device garnered widespread acclaim when it successfully 3D printed an extended finger—a remarkable achievement that challenged skeptics who claimed printing complex organs was impossible. Redmond’s breakthroughs in bio-printing technology not only pushed the frontier of scientific possibility but also had the potential to significantly impact fields such as medicine and regenerative tissue engineering.
Redmond’s contributions to the field of bio-printing did not go unnoticed. In a testament to her groundbreaking work, Ourobotics won first prize in the prestigious Silicon Valley Open Doors Europe competition in January 2016. Additionally, the company was selected for a start-up adoption program by Google, recognizing the immense potential of Redmond’s innovative technology.
Tragically, Jemma Redmond’s inspiring journey was cut short when she unexpectedly passed away in August 2016. Her mother described her death as a tragic accident, leaving behind a void in the scientific community that admired her brilliance and relentless pursuit of advancement. Redmond’s impact as a polymath—an individual with expertise in multiple disciplines—extended beyond her scientific achievements. She served as an inspiration and a dear friend to those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Jemma Redmond’s pioneering work in 3D bio-printing and her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific possibility have forever cemented her legacy as one of Ireland’s brightest scientific minds. Her contributions to the fields of biotechnology and regenerative medicine continue to inspire future innovators and shape the future of scientific exploration.
Awards:
– First Prize, Silicon Valley Open Doors Europe competition (2016)