Danaher Beacons: The best of academia and industry

Beacons are one of the four main Innovation Access Channels we use to tap into external innovation, along with mergers and acquisitions (M&A), investment partnerships, and the Pioneer Program (with the last two spearheaded by Danaher Ventures). The criteria for selecting a particular channel are based on three key variables: technology maturity (does the technology already exist, or does it need to be invented?), development timeline (is it needed immediately, or is it a future requirement?), and investment considerations (what level of investment is required?).

Beacons are the vehicle of choice when there are no existing solutions and where the competitive landscape and market dynamics allow for longer-term horizons. M&A transactions allow for faster access to innovation. The Pioneer Program and Investment Partnerships, which both involve supporting startups with existing IP, enable execution within timelines that fall between those of Beacons and M&A.

Breakthrough discoveries originate in academic research centers, the very heart of scientific innovation. At Danaher, we strive to innovate alongside the pioneers shaping the future of their fields. By actively participating in the discovery process, we not only support cutting-edge academic research and the vital work of these labs but also accelerate the development of transformative solutions that deliver the greatest impact for our customers.

The benefits of Beacons extend far beyond IP generation and product development. They harness the best of both academia and industry, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise and leadership. This strengthens talent development and enriches both the Danaher ecosystem and the broader academic community. Beacons provide rapid access to innovation and capabilities that may not yet exist within Danaher, allowing us to assess emerging technological trends and stay ahead of the curve. By integrating the unique perspectives, expertise and technologies of our academic partners with Danaher’s internal capabilities and unmatched ability to scale science, we create a pathway for ideas to translate into real-world impact. 

In science, a diversified portfolio of ideas is essential for increasing the likelihood of success in solving complex problems. Beacons enable us to take multiple shots on goal, improving our odds of making breakthrough discoveries. Fast failures are as valuable as successful milestones, allowing us to discard hypotheses that don’t hold and advancing promising research toward IP filing and commercialization.

We have multiple Beacons in the pipeline and others in the ideation stage. As we continue expanding the portfolio, we recognize the need to build additional enablement pillars to fully translate innovation into products that drive meaningful impact on human health.

For example, a key focus area within our IGI Beacon is the advancement of gene editing technologies. To ensure success, we must navigate the regulatory landscape so that the therapies we develop can reach patients—such as young children with life-threatening inborn errors of immunity—at the speed necessary to save lives. Launching products into an ecosystem that is prepared to adopt them is critical to our continued success. 

Looking ahead, the future of Beacons will include greater flexibility in where and how we innovate. We are expanding our open innovation partnerships with other companies, working alongside the Danaher Ventures team to tap into groundbreaking discoveries wherever they emerge. And of course, we can’t talk about the future without discussing AI. As we advance our AI strategy, we will integrate it across our products, business systems, and external collaborations, unlocking new capabilities and accelerating innovation. There’s so much more to come!