19th October 2017
70+ top Irish medical technology companies meet with 300 global buyers in Dublin
1,000 one-to-one meetings between Medtech companies and buyers to take place
200 buyer-to-client site visits planned
Irish medtech sector reports seven per cent export growth in 2016
73 Irish medical technology companies will meet with over 300 international blue-chip company buyers from 42 countries at Enterprise Ireland’s bi-annual Med in Ireland event in the RDS in Dublin today.
Med in Ireland is Ireland’s largest medical technologies event showcasing the entire spectrum of the Irish medtech sector and attracting significant interest from the international medtech and healthcare community. With the sector employing over 38,000 people directly in Ireland – approximately 6,500 employed by indigenous Irish firms - the event promotes Ireland as a globally recognised centre of excellence in medtech innovation and technologies.
The top five markets of buyer locations attending Med in Ireland and participating in 1,000 one-to-one meetings with Irish Medtech companies include: USA – 40, France – 32, UK – 26, DACH (Germany, Switzerland and Austria)- 25 and China – 16.
Ireland is one of the leading clusters for medtech product globally, and in 2016, Enterprise Ireland recorded seven per cent export growth for the twelve-month period with the sector experiencing in excess of five per cent export growth year-on-year since 2012.
For the first time, Med in Ireland 2017 will host a dedicated Medtech Innovation Showcase – highlighting what drives the success of Irish companies, from funding to collaboration with the research community. Ireland’s most innovative medtech companies will have the opportunity to demonstrate their new solutions to healthcare delivery to an audience of international buyers.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen T.D. said: “Ireland is attracting and retaining the world’s leading medtech companies - 18 of the top 25 have a base here – but we are also growing our own talent base and export potential in this sector. With 234 indigenous Irish medtech companies based here, Ireland is now globally recognised as a major centre of excellence in the medical technologies sector. Ireland’s value proposition is based on the skills and technical ability our people offer as well as our regulatory track record. Ireland is the highest employer of medtech professionals per capita in Europe and ranked first in the world for attracting and retaining talent in IMD’s 2017 Global Competitiveness Yearbook. The Irish medtech cluster is now on a par with some of the most cutting-edge hubs in this sector in the world, such as those in Massachusetts and Minnesota in the US.”
Kevin Sherry, Executive Director, Global Business Development, Enterprise Ireland said: “The medical technologies sector is of key importance to the Irish economy and the strong performance is evidenced by the seven per cent growth in medtech exports in 2016. Our indigenous medtech sector now consists of approximately 250 Enterprise Ireland client companies, reporting €600m in sales, €400m in exports and directly employing approximately 6,500 people. A number of site visits have already taken place and 1,000 one-to-one client and buyer meetings will take place today with the ultimate aim of improving the efficiency of bringing new Irish medtech products and services to benefit and improve patient experiences in international markets, while further confirming Ireland’s status as a global leader in healthcare solutions.”
At Med in Ireland today, Enterprise Ireland client company Meditec Medical announced that it has successfully tendered for a significant contract with leading international children’s hospital - Boston Children’s Hospital to manufacture and supply their Mediflex pressure relief mattresses to its entire hospital. The Mediflex mattress system will assist Boston Children’s Hospital in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in their patients.
In addition, Kastus, a leading Irish technology company, announced the launch of its new antimicrobial solution which kills harmful antibiotic-resistant bacteria on metal surfaces. This new product can be used on medical devices, door handles and handrails, sanitary fittings in medical settings such as hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacture to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and micro-organisms such as MRSA and E. Coli. This unique metal coating also offers superior anticorrosion properties and is easily applied using dip and curing processes.
Seabrook Technology Group, the Irish-owned manufacturing software specialist, participating at Med in Ireland, has announced a significant partnership with Toolroom Technology Ltd to provide a unique end-to-end offering for orthopaedic manufacturers, which is expected to generate €3 million in revenue over the next two years.
Enterprise Ireland today also launched the annual Cleveland Clinic Clinical Innovation Award for 2017 at Med in Ireland. Recognised as one of the most innovative medical centres in the world, the €15,000 Award provides Irish clinicians with unique access to the Cleveland Clinic in the US. The Award aims to support healthcare professionals in Ireland in developing the commercial potential of their innovative ideas, leading to new healthcare products and services that will improve patient care, and benefit both the health care system and Ireland’s medical technologies sector. For further information and how to apply please visit www.enterprise-ireland.com/clinical. The closing date for entries is 20 December 2017.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Conor O’Donovan, Head of Marketing & Communications, Enterprise Ireland.
01-7272912 / 087 9671342 /conor.odonovan@enterprise-ireland.com
Nicola Corboy, Press & Media Relations, Enterprise Ireland
01 727 2973 / 086 021 0114 / Nicola.corboy@enterprise-ireland.com
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