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Sectoral Strength: Medical

A unique destination for the medical technology industry to share ideas and connect

A leading world hub

Ireland is the second-largest exporter of medical devices and technologies in Europe

Video thumbnail featuring a healthcare professional speaking with a patient, highlighting Ireland's role in producing injectables used by a quarter of the global diabetic population
 

Supplying medical technology to 95 of the top 100 countries (by GDP), with exports accounting for €12.6 billion in exports annually, Ireland has been playing a vital role in medical technology for over 40 years.

Ireland also boasts an incredibly strong services, contract research and manufacturing base; in fact, 50% of the companies located here are in the business-to-business space.
 

Learn more in our Sectoral Strengths digital flipbook

Did you know?

Ireland is the largest country of this sector’s employees per capita in Europe

​Over 350 MedTech companies employ more than 40,000 people directly. Industry and Government alike are constantly looking for new ways to enhance competitiveness, develop new capabilities and ultimately generate sustainable growth opportunities.

Fact file

  • Medtronic, considered to be the most important MedTech company in the world, moved its HQ to Ireland in 1999 and now employs over 4,000 people across five sites in Galway, Dublin and Athlone.  
  • Ireland manufactures 33% of the world's contact lenses. 
  • A quarter of the global diabetic population use Irish-made injectables. 
  • The country boasts five clinical research facilities, which support patient-focused research and are ranked number one globally for the exchange of technology and ideas.  
  • 70% of MedTech companies in Ireland engage in research and development activities, as a result of a supportive environment and generous government grant assistance. 

A national network

MedTech in Ireland is regionally diverse

The industry spans the country, with the majority of employment encompassing the regions of Galway, Waterford, Cork, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Athlone, which are all home to large scale medical technology corporations.

Among the 350+ medical technology companies based throughout Ireland, star players include: 

  • Abbott (life-changing technology) 
  • Baxter Healthcare (therapies and technologies) 
  • Becton Dickinson (medical products) 
  • Boston Scientific (medical solutions) 
  • Cardinal Health (solutions and logistics) 
  • Danaher (diagnostic tools) 
  • Fresenius Kabi Ireland (products and services) 
  • GE Healthcare (technology and digital infrastructure) 
  • Johnson & Johnson (products and devices) 
  • Philips Healthcare (products and solutions) 
  • Siemens Healthineers (medical solutions) 
  • Stryker (medical technology) 
  • Zimmer Biomet (medical device manufacturers) 

Company spotlight

Selected success stories from the sector

Boston Scientific 

Employing over 4,000 people in Ireland, Boston Scientific has been in Ireland since 1994. It produces and exports approximately 10 million medical devices globally each year, while also researching, developing and designing new products at its sites in Clonmel, Cork and Galway.  

Johnson & Johnson

The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies has been in Ireland for 80 years, employing in excess of 2,850 people across Consumer; Medical Devices and Diagnostics; and Pharmaceuticals at sites in Cork, Limerick and Dublin.

Abbott 

In Ireland since 1946, Abbott employs almost 3,000 people over nine locations. Their laboratories and manufacturing sites develop and create a wide range of medical diagnostic tools, nutritional products and pharmaceuticals.

Key industry links

Sources of information and support at your fingertips

Planning your next corporate meeting, conference, or incentive trip in Ireland means a wealth of connections, collaboration, and creativity, set against the backdrop of a spectacular island experience. Here are some key sources of information.

Academia

Unrivalled knowledge centres attract talent from around the globe 

Ireland is ranked number one globally for the most highly employable graduates. The MedTech sector benefits from a consistent flow of skilled graduates produced by Ireland’s seven universities, two Universities of Technology and eight Institutes of Technology. Some of the key universities relevant to this sector are: 

  • University College Dublin (UCD) 
  • Trinity College Dublin (TCD) 
  • University College Cork (UCC) 
  • University of Limerick (UL) 
  • National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) 
  • Institute of Technology Sligo (IT Sligo) 
  • Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) 

Your building blocks for success

The Meet in Ireland Team are ready to help

Your building blocks for success


With over 1,000 high growth multinational companies choosing Ireland as their strategic European base, as well as seven universities, numerous teaching hospitals and research centres, we are in a strong position to shape the content of your most successful conference yet. 

Let Meet in Ireland assist you with recommendations on regional destinations in Ireland based on sector strengths and make introductions to industry and academic leaders or economic development agencies. We can also assist with financial support. Contact us today for more advice.

Find out more in our MedTech Sectoral Strengths flipbook.

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