Jemma Redmond, former CEO of Ourobotics. Image via SVOD Europe
Pioneering Ourobotics founder and CEO Jemma Redmond has passed away unexpectedly, with the company commemorating her as an inspiration to all her colleagues.
Irish start-up Ourobotics has sadly revealed that its lauded creator Jemma Redmond has died.
We are sorry to say, today we lost our dear CEO Jemma Redmond unexpectedly. She was an inspiration to all her colleagues and a great friend.
— bioprinting (@ouro_botics) August 16, 2016
A leading figure in the Irish sci-tech scene, Redmond’s company developed the first-ever 10-material bioprinter capable of printing items for use in medicine.
Essentially bioprinting human tissue, Ourobotics’ success was such that it took top prize at the SVOD Europe competition held in Ireland earlier this year. It was also included in Google’s Adopt a Startup programme back in April.
Owing to her exciting prospects, Redmond was a regular feature on Siliconrepublic.com, and the team here is very sorry to hear of her loss. Her passing caught many people off guard, with tributes already flowing in on social media.
@ouro_botics – I’m absolutely shocked and saddened. Can’t believe this has happened.
— Alison Cassidy (@Alison_Cassidy) August 16, 2016
@ouro_botics horrible news, too sudden, and far too young. RIP Jemma.
— Jean O’ Neill (@alxjea) August 16, 2016
@ouro_botics I am extremely upset by this tragic news. RIP Jem :'(.
— Alanna Kelly (@sparklyparticle) August 16, 2016
@ouro_botics Good lord. My thoughts are with you all.
— Danfox Davies ☣ (@danfoxdavies) August 16, 2016
Bill Liao, a venture partner with SOSV – one of Ourobotics’ backers – confirmed Redmond’s death on Twitter, revealing the shock felt in Cork, where Redmond was working on her company.
“Jemma was a polymath and a leading light in the biohacker community,” said Liao upon news of Redmond’s passing. “She was also a tremendously good person and supportive of many others. Her loss is really a loss for the world.”
Liao added: “I spoke with Jemma’s mother and Jemma’s funeral is open to all who knew her.”
@ouro_botics Friday 19th August at St. Maelruains Parish Church of Ireland, Tallaght, Dublin 24 (facing Tallaght Regional Technical College)
— bioprinting (@ouro_botics) August 17, 2016
@ouro_botics Lorraine & Christy Cahill
34 Ashgrove, Tallaght, Dublin 24lcoote@eircom.net
+353-87-901-6202 Lorraine
— bioprinting (@ouro_botics) August 17, 2016
Redmond was speaking at SynBio Future 2016 Conference only last month, discussing the future of bioprinting. A future Redmond, and Ourobotics, seemed destined to be at the centre of.
Disclosure: SOSV is an investor in Silicon Republic
