US biotech CoreFX chooses Cork as its European R&D HQ

CoreFX founder and CEO Denis Neville is a food science graduate from University College Cork.

Irish-founded US biotech CoreFX has chosen Cork’s Teagasc Moorepark as its European headquarters for R&D and commercial expansion efforts.

CoreFX develops additive powders for the health and wellness sector that claims to improve nutrient availability, absorption and impact. The business operates across North America and Europe, with three facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin, US.

The new operation in Cork will help CoreFX accelerate technologies that improve shelf life in nutritional supplements, the company said. Details of the company’s investment were undisclosed. CoreFX, however, said that the new Irish facility represents a “significant milestone” in its long-term global strategy.

Ireland was selected for its globally recognised strengths in food science, biotechnology and access to scientific talent, CoreFX said.

“Returning to Ireland to establish our European headquarters is personally meaningful, but this decision was driven by much more than my own roots,” said CoreFX founder and CEO Denis Neville. Neville is a University College Cork graduate in food science and technology who previously served as a commercial director at Kerry Americas.

“Ireland has become one of the world’s leading centres for food science, biotechnology, and innovation.

“By combining the scientific excellence of Teagasc Moorepark with Enterprise Ireland’s vision and support, we are creating an innovation platform that will accelerate how breakthrough nutritional technologies move from research into commercial reality for customers across Europe and beyond.” The Irish operation launches with a team of three scientists.

“This is a strategically important investment for Ireland,” said Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD. “CoreFX’s decision to invest and open this facility further positions Ireland internationally as a hub for biotechnology and food science”.

Mark Christal, the executive director at Enterprise Ireland said: “Since 2023, Enterprise Ireland has supported the company’s growth strategy, and this new European headquarters – developed alongside Teagasc Moorepark – represents the next stage of that journey. We look forward to seeing the team and business grow from here.”

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