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About us

About Tuatara® Diagnostics

Tuatara® Diagnostics designs and develops innovative molecular diagnostic assays in the fields of infectious diseases and genetics.

Our Story

Tuatara® was founded in 2022 by Gijs Dingemans, a molecular scientist with vast experience in the In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) industry. He envisions diagnostics that are faster,  more accessible and user-friendly, having significant impact by allowing treatment or necessary action without delay. Tuatara® Diagnostics focuses on both technology innovation and product development, working closely with international strategic partners. We believe that collaboration is the key to success. The company began its first proof-of-concept studies at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) campus and relocated in early 2023 to the Place for Bizz building in Helmond.

Mission

Our mission is to develop diagnostic tests that create or enhance the solutions to relevant problems, with fast, reliable results.

Our Journey

2022
  • Tuatara® Diagnostics was founded by Gijs Dingemans with a vision for the future of diagnostics. 
 
  • First studies conducted at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) campus. 
 
  • MRE Grant 

Start work on SRLV goat vaccine development (RvO kennisvoucher)

2023
  • Relocated to the Place for Bizz building in Helmond and expanded the research team. 

 

  • CrossRoads Grant (Interreg) 

Start CRO work for 2 partners

2024

Achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification for medical device development.

First IVDR Product Launched (Partner)

New Partner Project

Proof-of-Concept technology platform point-of-care

Why the name “Tuatara”?

Tuatara® Diagnostics lends its name from the extraordinary lizard-like creature native to New Zealand. The Tuatara® is the only member of a lineage of over 250 million years old, and has survived like no other creature has, through genetic adaptation.

The Tuatara® has the largest genome (~5 Gb) of vertebrates yet known, showing incredible features associated with immunity, thermal regulation and other survival techniques, with evidence of dynamic genetic changes i.e. evolution of the species taking place within one lifetime, as opposed to slow changes over multiple generations.

Our Team

Tuatara® Diagnostics has expanded to a team with R&D technicians, senior technicians, scientists and both scientific- and strategic advisors. Outside our walls, we are linked to consultants, partners, and have academic collaborations with the Applied Natural Sciences (ANS) program and Summa College, forming a strong link between education and innovation. Students learn and grow where we design and develop.

We are also supported by experts and advisors, who bring broad medical and specialized scientific knowledge to every stage of development.

Gijs Dingemans

CEO & Founder
Gijs has worked at several start-ups as a scientist, project manager, and CSO, successfully launching multiple molecular CE-IVD diagnostic products for human diagnostics. He is a positive, collaborative team player who enjoys taking on challenges and seeing them through to successful outcomes.

Giel Gaajetaan

Senior Scientist
Giel is a scientist with a PhD in microbiology and a strong background in developing molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, with a particular focus on fungal infections. He has extensive experience in CE-IVD product development and in training laboratory professionals to effectively implement molecular diagnostic solutions.

Tamaryn Benzuidenhout

Senior technician & QA officer
Tamaryn is a dedicated and driven Senior Technician with a strong passion for molecular genetics and teamwork. Approachable, hardworking, and an effective team player who also fulfills QA Officer responsibilities within the company.

Richard Bogerd

Project Lead & Senior technician
Richard is a Senior Technician with over 10 years of hands-on experience in IVD, medical device development, and project management. He brings a strong passion for technology and thrives in R&D environments where collaborative problem-solving is key. Known by colleagues as hard-working, dedicated, and highly focused, Richard values teamwork and believes in celebrating small successes as important milestones on the path to innovation and progress.

Marit Pattipeilohy

R&D technician
Marit is a researcher in medical biology, motivated to improve the well-being of humans and animals. She combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology and molecular biology and is known for her structured, efficient approach and drive to make a positive impact.

Reinhard Möller

Advisor
Reinhard has long-standing experience in medical diagnostics and recently founded Rediag, a consultancy focused on the diagnostic market. He supports Tuatara in market research, the IVDR development pipeline, and defining effective commercial routes to market.

Joost Schoeber

Scientific advisor
Joost is a medical biologist by training and currently serves as Lector/Professor of Molecular Technologies for One Health at Fontys. His expertise in molecular test development for pathogen detection supports Tuatara in strategic decision-making and provides scientific guidance across projects.

Ralph Engel

Financial advisor
Ralph works at Leermakers Accountants & Tax Advisors and is Tuatara’s regular advisor for all financial matters. He supports the company with fiscal and financial advice related to business operations.

ISO 13485:2016 Certified

Tuatara® Diagnostics is ISO 13485:2016 certified for the development of diagnostics in the human healthcare field, and we are fully equipped to develop products in the medical device field under the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR).
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