QUBIS

QUBIS is a venture capital firm affiliated with Queen's University Belfast, established in 1984 to commercialize the university's research by forming spin-out companies and by investing in spin-ins linked to the research base. It serves as an investment vehicle and holding company that takes equity in new ventures in exchange for cash and/or intellectual property, with the aim of translating laboratory R&D into commercial products. The firm focuses on opportunities arising from the university's research in life sciences, digital technologies, net-zero, science and engineering sectors, supporting the creation and growth of start-ups that originate from the university's research ecosystem. Based in Belfast, QUBIS emphasizes the commercialization of leading-edge technology from the Queen's research base.

Brian McCaul

CEO and Board Member

45 past transactions

AMPLY Discovery

Seed Round in 2025
AMPLY Discovery uses machine learning and synthetic biology to mine large biological datasets and identify novel drug and nutraceutical candidates. The company combines an in silico and in vitro platform to discover first-in-class molecules and to tackle cancer, metabolic diseases, and multidrug-resistant infections. It develops a drug discovery studio that leverages artificial intelligence to digitize life’s natural diversity and to identify putative drug candidates based on function, enabling researchers to pursue new therapeutic molecules for hard-to-treat diseases.

StimOxyGen

Venture Round in 2025
StimOxyGen is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative, pH-responsive nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are designed to generate oxygen in hypoxic (low oxygen) tumors, enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The company's core technology involves a nanoparticle formulation that dissolves in the low pH environment of tumors, transiently producing oxygen and thereby maximizing the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy.

RETìníZE

Venture Round in 2025
RETìníZE is an immersive media company that specializes in AR, VR, and multi-screen installations. Based in Belfast, United Kingdom, it operates an in-house studio offering end-to-end services from concept to delivery, integrating media production with software development to create interactive experiences for businesses. Founded in 2014, RETìníZE combines creative ideation with technical execution to produce customized immersive content across virtual and augmented reality platforms, enabling brands to engage audiences through compelling, multi-display experiences.

Dia Beta Labs

Seed Round in 2024
Dia Beta Labs is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with metabolic diseases. It operates from Ulster, where it has access to advanced facilities and a network of experts. The company's focus is on developing therapeutic agents to address the decline of pancreatic health in patients, with the goal of achieving more sustainable and effective weight loss than current options. Its discovery platform uses industry-standard methodologies and models to identify and advance lead molecules for animal research.

GoPlugable

Grant in 2023
GoPlugable is a pioneering startup that connects electric vehicle (EV) drivers with private, slow-charging points in homes and businesses via a user-friendly mobile app. The company's peer-to-peer platform enables EV drivers without access to home charging to book and pay for charging sessions, while hosts can monetize their idle chargers and businesses can enhance customer experience and sustainability efforts. With a focus on slow charging, GoPlugable differentiates itself from major providers and has secured strategic partnerships with brands like Ohme and SSE Airtricity. As of 2024, the platform has over 1,200 downloads and has achieved notable growth with 120 host users and 450 chargee users, demonstrating its potential in the expanding EV charging market.

GenoMe Diagnostics

Seed Round in 2023
GenoMe Diagnostics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative blood tests for early cancer detection. Its flagship product, OvaME, aims to improve the current standard of CA125 blood tests.

Bia Analytical

Venture Round in 2023
Bia Analytical is a prominent laboratory specializing in food authentication testing. The company focuses on the detection of food adulteration, providing advanced testing procedures designed to safeguard the food supply chain from fraud. Bia Analytical offers an array of services, including portable testing tools that empower users to assess food authenticity on-site. By utilizing cutting-edge methods, the company ensures that products are thoroughly evaluated for food safety, thereby increasing consumer confidence in the integrity of the food they consume.

Phlux Technology

Seed Round in 2022
Phlux Technology is a photonics company that specializes in the development of advanced infrared sensing technology. Established in September 2020 as a spin-out from the University of Sheffield, Phlux focuses on creating high-performance infrared sensors designed for applications in LIDAR, fiber sensing, and imaging systems. The company aims to provide affordable infrared sensors that bridge the performance gap between InGaAs single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and conventional InGaAs avalanche photodiodes (APDs). By enhancing the capabilities of laser rangefinders and other sensor systems, Phlux Technology enables clients to expand the operational limits of eye-safe sensor applications.

Re-Vana Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Re-Vana Therapeutics specializes in ocular pharmaceuticals and drug delivery systems. It develops biodegradable platforms to treat chronic eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retina infections. Key products include OcuLief for AMD and DR treatment, and EyeLief for glaucoma and retina disease management.

CV6 Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2022
CV6 Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapies for treating human diseases, with a focus on cancer and inflammation.

AMPLY Discovery

Seed Round in 2022
AMPLY Discovery uses machine learning and synthetic biology to mine large biological datasets and identify novel drug and nutraceutical candidates. The company combines an in silico and in vitro platform to discover first-in-class molecules and to tackle cancer, metabolic diseases, and multidrug-resistant infections. It develops a drug discovery studio that leverages artificial intelligence to digitize life’s natural diversity and to identify putative drug candidates based on function, enabling researchers to pursue new therapeutic molecules for hard-to-treat diseases.

Transdermal Diagnostics

Seed Round in 2022
Transdermal Diagnostics is a technology platform focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of chronic conditions, starting with diabetes. It offers a wearable system that provides needle-free, continuous glucose monitoring through affordable disposable patches, enabling people with diabetes and prediabetes to gain biological insights and make informed decisions for healthier living.

VascVersa

Seed Round in 2022
VascVersa is a med-tech company focused on vascular regeneration through innovative regenerative medicine. The company develops advanced cell therapies aimed at promoting blood vessel regeneration and repair. Its technology facilitates the stimulation of new blood vessel formation, which enhances blood supply and supports long-term healing. This approach allows healthcare professionals to effectively treat patients afflicted with ischemic diseases, addressing a critical need in the medical field. VascVersa's commitment to improving patient outcomes through its specialized therapies positions it as a key player in the regenerative medicine sector.

Sonrai Analytics

Seed Round in 2022
Sonrai develops applications and interfaces that leverage data analysis outputs and combines them with AI and machine learning for predictive insights.

Aramune Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Aramune Technologies develops natural, plant-derived feed materials that can be mixed with standard animal feeds. These materials replace antimicrobial agents and promote growth in livestock.

ŌGI Bio

Seed Round in 2022
ŌGI Bio is a start-up company emerging from The University of Edinburgh, focused on transforming microbial cultivation and management. The company has developed a modular culturing system that aims to replicate traditional manual flask culturing methods. This innovative system consists of a base unit, which can be customized with retrofittable modules that allow users to add or remove features according to their specific measurement and control needs during the culturing process. By offering this flexible approach, ŌGI Bio seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of microbial research and applications.

Causeway Sensors

Venture Round in 2022
Causeway Sensors is a Belfast-based company focused on nanotechnology-based sensors for rapid biological analysis. Its core offering includes a chip embedded with gold nanorods that act as optical antennas and a companion device to read detection events on the chip surface, enabling point-of-care diagnostics and real-time biomolecular interaction analysis. The company markets the Affinity biosensor and Access Chip, a compact bench-top platform designed for researchers to study biomolecular interactions at an accessible price. Additionally, Causeway Sensors develops sensor technology for pharmaceutical drug discovery, capable of capturing critical data early in screening processes and integrating into stages of development to potentially reduce timelines and costs and improve candidate selection.

Univ8 Genomics

Venture Round in 2022
Univ8 Genomics develops and manufactures cancer testing kits for clinical indications. Its integrated genomic assay enables detection of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor rearrangements and translocations, as well as sequence variants and copy number alterations, in a single test, helping physicians improve diagnostic efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and achieve economies of scale across samples.

AntennaWare

Seed Round in 2021
AntennaWare specializes in developing advanced antenna technology aimed at enhancing the range and reliability of wireless wearable devices. Its innovations are designed to improve the performance of wearable Internet of Things (IoT) applications, as well as medical and sports devices, ensuring better communication with fewer dropouts. By focusing on boosting the connectivity and dependability of these devices, AntennaWare supports clients in leveraging wearable technology for a variety of applications.

GenoMe Diagnostics

Pre Seed Round in 2021
GenoMe Diagnostics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative blood tests for early cancer detection. Its flagship product, OvaME, aims to improve the current standard of CA125 blood tests.

VascVersa

Seed Round in 2021
VascVersa is a med-tech company focused on vascular regeneration through innovative regenerative medicine. The company develops advanced cell therapies aimed at promoting blood vessel regeneration and repair. Its technology facilitates the stimulation of new blood vessel formation, which enhances blood supply and supports long-term healing. This approach allows healthcare professionals to effectively treat patients afflicted with ischemic diseases, addressing a critical need in the medical field. VascVersa's commitment to improving patient outcomes through its specialized therapies positions it as a key player in the regenerative medicine sector.

FjordStrong

Seed Round in 2021
FjordStrong specializes in marine biodiversity technology. It has developed an underwater survey system called Auto-release Baited Underwater Video, designed to monitor high conservation value species and protected marine areas.

Hughes & McLeod

Venture Round in 2021
Hughes & McLeod Ltd, established in 1977 and based in Downpatrick, United Kingdom, specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of high-quality woodwind musical instruments and reeds. The company's product range includes Clanrye Pipe Chanter Reeds, Highland Drone Reeds, bagpipe cases, maintenance accessories, chanters, drums, percussion accessories, and related attire. Recognized as a leading exponent in its field, Hughes & McLeod offers an alternative to traditional cane reeds, providing clients with quality instruments at competitive prices.

Re-Vana Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2020
Re-Vana Therapeutics specializes in ocular pharmaceuticals and drug delivery systems. It develops biodegradable platforms to treat chronic eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retina infections. Key products include OcuLief for AMD and DR treatment, and EyeLief for glaucoma and retina disease management.

Cibus Analytical

Seed Round in 2020
Cibus Analytical operates as a food testing specialist. Cibus Analytical offer a laboratory testing service for food authenticity and safety, as well as extend its product offering to include portable testing tools to allow customers to rapidly test for food authenticity and safety at the point of sampling across global supply chains.

Sonrai Analytics

Seed Round in 2020
Sonrai develops applications and interfaces that leverage data analysis outputs and combines them with AI and machine learning for predictive insights.

pHion Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
pHion Therapeutics Ltd. specializes in advanced drug delivery technology, focusing on the development of peptide-based nanoparticles for targeted therapeutic applications. Founded in 2017 and based in Belfast, United Kingdom, the company utilizes its proprietary RALA technology to facilitate the delivery of anionic drug compounds and nucleic acids to specific tissues and cells. This innovative approach enhances the efficacy of therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, particularly in the treatment of viral infections and oncology. pHion Therapeutics also offers custom formulation services that include the design and optimization of RALA nanoparticles, thereby addressing challenges related to drug formulation scalability and improving the therapeutic potential of nucleic acid vaccines. Through its specialized technology, pHion aims to provide researchers and healthcare professionals with effective tools to combat various diseases.

Oleocycle

Venture Round in 2019
Oleocycle is an oil refinery company focused on converting waste cooking oils into low-sulfur biodiesel feed and oleochemicals. Utilizing advanced technology, Oleocycle effectively removes fatty acids, gums, sulfur, and metals from various triglyceride feeds, including used cooking oils and tallows. This innovative process allows industries to obtain renewable and environmentally friendly vehicle fuels derived from both vegetable and animal oils, contributing to sustainability in energy production.

Liopa

Seed Round in 2018
Liopa is a technology company focused on visual speech recognition and biometric verification. Founded in 2015 and based in Belfast, United Kingdom, it commercializes LipVerify, a biometric authentication solution, and develops SRAVI, a smartphone app that infers speech by analyzing lip movements. Employing artificial intelligence and machine learning, Liopa's technology interprets lip motion in video to derive spoken content, enabling communication in environments with noisy audio. SRAVI runs on mobile devices and is designed to help patients who have lost the ability to speak communicate with carers and loved ones, with trials in clinical settings such as intensive care units.

Porous Liquid Technologies

Venture Round in 2018
Porous Liquid Technologies is a research and development company focused on porous liquids and related services. The company develops porous liquids designed to capture and release gases with high efficiency and selectivity. Its products can absorb large amounts of gas and are tunable to selectively absorb one gas over another, and they can flow through pipelines. In addition to materials development, the firm provides consulting, research and development support, and technology licensing to help clients achieve efficient gas separation and purification.

Green Lizard Technologies

Venture Round in 2018
Green Lizard Technologies is a spin-out company embedded within Queen's University Belfast's School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. It specializes in developing green, sustainable, and secure technologies to solve real-world problems, particularly in the chemicals and clean energy sectors.

Re-Vana Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2017
Re-Vana Therapeutics specializes in ocular pharmaceuticals and drug delivery systems. It develops biodegradable platforms to treat chronic eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retina infections. Key products include OcuLief for AMD and DR treatment, and EyeLief for glaucoma and retina disease management.

Nuada

Series A in 2017
Nuada is a vertically integrated company specializing in carbon capture technology aimed at decarbonizing heavy industries. The firm develops next-generation point-source capture solutions designed to facilitate energy-efficient CO2 filtration for industrial emitters in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize. By offering innovative technologies, Nuada enables these industries to meet their Net Zero targets while minimizing financial impacts. The company is committed to providing effective environmental solutions that address the challenges of carbon emissions in various industrial applications.

Cirdan

Venture Round in 2016
Cirdan Imaging Limited specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and supply of medical imaging products and software aimed at enhancing diagnostic processes. The company offers a range of solutions, including ULTRA, a laboratory information system that facilitates access to patient information across clinical laboratories, as well as PathLite and PathLite Compact, which cater to gross imaging applications. Additionally, Cirdan provides VividPath PACS, a software platform for image acquisition and annotation. Their solutions cover various medical fields, including clinical pathology and microbiology. Cirdan's products are distributed through a network across Europe, Australia, Canada, North America, and the Middle East. Founded in May 2010 and headquartered in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Cirdan has expanded its presence with offices in Canada and Australia. The company was previously known as Beechmount Enterprises Limited before rebranding in June 2010.

Titan IC

Venture Round in 2015
Titan IC Systems (TICS) is a technology company that emerged from the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) at Queen's University Belfast. The company specializes in developing hardware-accelerated solutions aimed at enhancing security analytics. TICS offers advanced inspection and content processing services designed to protect network and digital assets from cyber threats. Its products include network adaptors and smart network interface cards that provide essential security services for enterprises and defense organizations, thereby enabling them to better safeguard their networks and data centers.

Sensurity

Venture Round in 2015
Sensurity, formerly known as MicroSense, specializes in advanced perimeter security solutions using patented microwave technology. The company provides a reliable microwave fence system designed to enhance security at critical installations such as airports, power plants, and country borders. Its innovative intrusion detection system utilizes radar signals to distinguish between humans, vehicles, animals, and environmental factors, effectively reducing false alarms and improving security management. The system consists of a series of nodes that create an invisible detection curtain around secure locations by transmitting high-frequency electromagnetic beams from transmitters to receivers. This approach is particularly advantageous for outdoor environments where traditional detection methods may be ineffective or insufficient. Sensurity's technology addresses the challenges of perimeter security, offering a robust solution for safeguarding sensitive areas.

ProAxsis

Seed Round in 2014
ProAxsis Ltd. is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing laboratory-based immunoassays and rapid point-of-care tests for the capture, detection, and measurement of active protease biomarkers associated with various diseases. The company's innovative tests utilize patented ProteaseTags®, which are designed to trap active proteases within complex biological samples, allowing for a visual readout of their presence. ProAxsis has validated several active protease species as biomarkers of disease activity in conditions such as cancer, infections, and respiratory diseases, including bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 2016, the company registered its first immunoassay for the specific measurement of active neutrophil elastase, a significant biomarker for lung infection and inflammation, with a European CE Mark, highlighting its commitment to advancing medical diagnostics.

Activwireless

Seed Round in 2013
ActivWireless Ltd. is a provider of wireless locating solutions, established in 2010 and based in Belfast, United Kingdom. The company offers a comprehensive real-time locating system that includes the ActivServer appliance, networked RF readers, and ultra long life tags available in various formats, such as key fobs, ID badge holders, and asset labels. This technology enables accurate and reliable identification of people or assets, especially when they are stationary, ensuring that the data collected is dependable. ActivWireless serves diverse sectors including campuses, healthcare, and industrial industries, delivering tailored solutions through user-friendly software designed to meet specific customer needs.

Nuada

Seed Round in 2012
Nuada is a vertically integrated company specializing in carbon capture technology aimed at decarbonizing heavy industries. The firm develops next-generation point-source capture solutions designed to facilitate energy-efficient CO2 filtration for industrial emitters in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize. By offering innovative technologies, Nuada enables these industries to meet their Net Zero targets while minimizing financial impacts. The company is committed to providing effective environmental solutions that address the challenges of carbon emissions in various industrial applications.

Fusion Antibodies

Venture Round in 2007
Fusion Antibodies is a UK-based contract research organization specializing in recombinant protein and antibody development for cancer and infectious diseases. It offers services such as monoclonal antibody discovery, humanization, engineering, and analysis, along with custom protein expression and cell line development.

Lagan Technologies

Series B in 2006
Lagan Technologies Ltd. specializes in designing and delivering enterprise case management solutions tailored for government agencies primarily in North America and Europe. The company offers a range of products, including Enterprise Case Management software for government organizations, Lagan 311 for 311 call centers, Lagan Human Services for human services agencies, and a specialized solution for managing Department of Motor Vehicles processes. In addition to its software products, Lagan Technologies provides comprehensive services such as project management, consultancy, installation, testing, integration, education, training, skills transfer, support, and maintenance. Established in 1994 and headquartered in Belfast, United Kingdom, the company also maintains offices in London, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., serving various advocates and councils both in the UK and internationally.

Axis Three

Venture Round in 2006
Axis Three specializes in developing and distributing advanced 3D surgical simulation tools tailored specifically for the cosmetic surgery market. Leveraging a strategic partnership with Siemens and proprietary physics-driven tissue typing software, Axis Three aims to set new industry standards by offering predictive simulations that enable patients to visualize their post-surgery appearance using their own body scans.

Avalon Instruments

Venture Round in 2005
Avalon is a developer, manufacturer and seller of scientific analytical instrumentation based on Raman spectroscopy techniques.

aptX

Private Equity Round in 2005
aptX provides industry-leading audio compression solutions to the broadcast, professional audio, and consumer electronics industries.

Kainos Group

Venture Round in 1986
Kainos Group is a privately held software company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, specializing in information technology solutions for sectors such as public services, healthcare, and financial services. The company operates through three main divisions: Digital Services, Workday Services, and Workday Products. Digital Services focuses on the full life cycle development and support of digital solutions for government and commercial clients, while Workday Services specializes in the deployment and support of Workday's Finance, HR, and Planning products. The Workday Products division enhances Workday's offerings with tools like Smart Test, Smart Audit, and Smart Shield. Kainos also provides consulting and support services and has established a significant presence across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America, with offices in the UK, Ireland, Poland, and the U.S. Additionally, Kainos is recognized for its partnership with Workday and its development of Evolve, an electronic medical record system for the NHS, making it one of the largest high-tech companies in Northern Ireland and a prominent player in the UK and Ireland's tech landscape.
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