LotusDx establishes R&D laboratory at ONE BioHub to advance at-home STI testing
New facility will support development and validation of rapid, accessible diagnostic kits for sexually transmitted infections
10 Jun 2026Industry news
LotusDx, a medtech start-up developing at-home diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), has established a dedicated R&D laboratory at ONE BioHub on the Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen, Scotland. The new base will enable LotusDx to advance clinical validation and commercial development of its portfolio of at-home STI testing kits, designed to provide discreet, simple and fast sexual health testing.
Advancing at-home STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
Current STI testing methods are often limited by accessibility, long times to diagnosis and the stigma associated with in-person clinic visits. LotusDx is developing at-home diagnostic kits for common STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, to offer an affordable, easy-to-use and faster alternative.
Users will be able to order LotusDx kits directly to their home and receive results via a dedicated app, without sending samples to a central laboratory or attending a clinic. The app will also connect users with local healthcare professionals, pharmacies and support networks to help ensure timely access to treatment, guidance and ongoing support.
Strategic move to ONE BioHub on Foresterhill Health Campus
LotusDx, founded in Glasgow, selected ONE BioHub as its company location to access high-quality laboratory facilities and specialist support within the North East Scotland life sciences ecosystem. ONE BioHub is based on the Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen and offers companies state-of-the-art lab space, bespoke commercial and growth support, and access to entrepreneurial and clinical networks.
The move will enable LotusDx to explore clinical collaboration opportunities with NHS Grampian and the wider innovation network. This includes patient engagement and input from clinicians and researchers to support product development, usability testing and clinical validation of the company’s at-home STI diagnostics.
Building on Scotland’s life sciences and innovation ecosystem
ONE BioHub is the home for the life sciences ecosystem in North East Scotland, where founders can access expert advice and tailored programmes to grow and scale their ventures. ONE collaborates with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to bring entrepreneurial education to founders in the region, including a bootcamp on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework held in Aberdeen in March.
LotusDx co-founder Ali T attended the MIT-linked bootcamp and, as part of the winning team in the final session, secured six months of free hotdesking space at ONE BioHub. This support, alongside backing from the University of Glasgow, the STAC programme and partners across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, has enabled LotusDx to establish its R&D base earlier than originally planned.
ONE BioHub’s role in infectious disease and diagnostics innovation
ONE BioHub supports companies across North East Scotland, from early-stage start-ups to large-scale enterprises, by providing access to commercial expertise, peer learning and collaboration opportunities. The region has established strengths in infectious disease research, diagnostic product development and commercialisation.
Dr Deborah O’Neil OBE FRSE, Chair, ONE Life Sciences and BioAberdeen Ltd, commented, “We are delighted to welcome LotusDx to ONE BioHub as their commitment to providing better solutions for sexual health will address barriers in existing approaches and bring new expertise to our growing community. Ali and team are a perfect fit not only with our entrepreneurial ecosystem, but also with the region’s R&D strengths in infectious disease and diagnostic product development and commercialization.”
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Frequently asked questions
How is LotusDx advancing at-home STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea?
LotusDx is developing affordable, easy-to-use at-home diagnostic kits for common STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Users will order kits directly to their homes and receive results via a dedicated app, without sending samples to a central laboratory or visiting a clinic. The app will also connect users with local healthcare professionals, pharmacies and support networks for timely treatment and support.
Why did LotusDx choose ONE BioHub on the Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen?
LotusDx selected ONE BioHub to access high-quality laboratory facilities, specialist support and the wider North East Scotland life sciences ecosystem. Located on the Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen, ONE BioHub offers state-of-the-art lab space, bespoke commercial and growth support, and access to entrepreneurial and clinical networks, enabling LotusDx to pursue clinical collaborations and advance its at-home STI diagnostics.
How does ONE BioHub support infectious disease and diagnostics innovation in North East Scotland?
ONE BioHub supports early-stage start-ups and large enterprises across North East Scotland by providing commercial expertise, peer learning and collaboration opportunities. It offers state-of-the-art laboratory space and access to entrepreneurial and clinical networks. The region has established strengths in infectious disease research, diagnostic product development and commercialisation, making ONE BioHub a strategic base for companies like LotusDx.