April Research Ireland supports centre of excellence for medtech innovation

University of Galway in partnership with the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has received Government funding to establish a new national centre of excellence in medical device innovations.

The Medical Device Innovation Network (MeDiNet) aims to strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader in medtech and support the development of life-changing healthcare solutions.

The project is one of nine key infrastructure projects funded through the Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland Infrastructure Programme to drive national priorities in health innovation, sustainability and economic resilience.

Awarded almost €2 million in funding, MeDiNet will provide shared national facilities to help researchers, clinicians and companies design and test new medical devices more quickly, safely and affordably by providing access to the latest equipment, expert support, and a collaborative space for innovation.

The Government investment will enable University of Galway to expand its activity as part of the new Medical Device Prototype Hub, which is supported by medical device company Medtronic and launched in February this year as part of the five-year €5million signature innovation partnership between Medtronic and the University, announced in 2023. The Medical Device Prototype Hub is managed by the Technology Services Directorate at University of Galway and focuses on three pillars: developing the MedTech ecosystem, STEM engagement and research.

MeDiNet’s integrated approach combines design, prototyping, anatomical simulation and clinical engagement, by offers 3D printers and simulation tools that will create realistic models of the human body, allowing medical devices to be tested in lifelike conditions before reaching the patient.

In partnership with RCSI, MeDiNet will be led by Dr Eimear Dolan from the College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway.

Dr Eimear Dolan, Research Ireland Royal Society University Research Fellow Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering, University of Galway, said: “This funding will enable us to fill an important gap in the Irish medtech ecosystem. It will enhance our reputation as a global hub for the sector by granting medical device innovators access to the latest equipment, expert support and a collaborative space for innovation. We are excited about working so closely with RCSI as this collaboration is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Professor Claire Condron, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: “I am delighted to collaborate with the University of Galway on MeDiNet, which represents a significant step forward for Ireland’s medtech design landscape. As one of Europe’s leading simulation centres, RCSI SIM brings unique expertise that will add real value to the efficient design and validation of medical devices and instrumentation, while strengthening connections between researchers, clinicians and industry to deliver meaningful advances in patient care.”

 Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, Chief Executive of Research Ireland, said: “We are enabling researchers across the country to pursue ambitious ideas, deepen collaboration and accelerate breakthrough discoveries by providing access to truly world-class infrastructure. The awards announced today are a key step in delivering on Research Ireland’s strategy to strengthen national research capacity, future-proofing our research ecosystem and ensuring Ireland remains a global leader in high-impact research.”

The Research Ireland Infrastructure Programme funding will enable the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities across the country, strengthening Ireland’s research capacity in strategically important areas such as advanced materials, MedTech, AI, semiconductors and quantum technologies. The programme is designed to ensure that Irish researchers can access the specialised equipment needed to compete on the global stage.

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