Some 250 medical technology and healthcare companies from 31 countries are in Dublin today to do business with Irish companies at the Enterprise Ireland Med in Ireland Expo at the Convention Centre, Dublin.
More than 930 commercial meetings are scheduled between 80 Irish medical technology companies and potential business partners from the USA, Japan, China, Europe, the Middle East and South America.
These meetings will allow the visitors to follow up on site visits they made earlier this week to companies in 17 counties, including Roscommon, Leitrim, Cork, Galway, Offaly, Dublin and Wexford.
“The medical technology sector is an area of strategic strength in Ireland, and one which this Government is targeting for the growth and jobs we so badly need,” said Richard Bruton, TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, in opening the event. “It is crucial that we not only build on the incredible base of multinational med-tech companies already located in Ireland, but also ensure that Irish companies can start and grow in this sector to help create an indigenous engine of growth.
“This event presents tremendous opportunities for the sector – €55m in new business was generated for participating Irish companies from previous Med in Ireland events and with over 930 meetings arranged by Enterprise Ireland between international visitors and Irish companies, and 650 people in attendance, Med in Ireland 2011 looks set to surpass all expectations.”
Clinical Innovation Award
Bruton also presented the inaugural Clinical Innovation Award on behalf of Enterprise Ireland and Cleveland Clinic, USA, to Dr Niall Davis, a surgeon working in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.
Davis has developed a new technique to ensure safer and more effective positioning of urinary catheters.
“In addition to €15,000 to develop the commercial feasibility of this clinical innovation, Dr Davis will have the opportunity to work with Enterprise Ireland and Cleveland Clinic to develop his idea into a marketable product,” Bruton said in presenting the award.
“The commercialisation of publicly-funded research is a critical activity in our bid to increase economic growth and this is one of many projects designed to transform the output of State-funded research into exportable products and services” he said.
Dr Brian O’Neill, Lifesciences manager at Enterprise Ireland, pointed out that the Irish medical technologies sector is a vibrant and growing one which employs 25,000 people, up 7pc on 2010, and attributed this success to Ireland’s cohesive and integrated medical technologies cluster.
