The Medtech sector in Ireland is recognised internationally as part of a unique ecosystem of world-class digital health, tech and pharma companies based here. Recent announcements of further investments and plans for increased research and development ensure that it will continue to grow as a global Medtech hub with the creation of thousands of new jobs forecast in the coming years.

What is Medtech?

Billions of patients worldwide depend on medical devices and technologies, at home, at the doctor’s office, in hospitals and in nursing homes. Career opportunities in the world of medical technologies range from the research, design and manufacture of simple consumables such as bandages to electrically active implantable products such as artificial hearts, cardiovascular stents, orthopaedic knees, ventilators, wheelchairs and contact lenses.

Some of Ireland’s Contributions to Medtech

• One in ten people around the world are living with diabetes, many of whom will rely on insulin pens or glucose monitoring wearable devices manufactured in Ireland
• 50% of ventilators worldwide in acute hospitals are manufactured in Ireland
• 80% of cardiology stents across the world are manufactured in Ireland
• Ireland is the world’s fourth largest exporter of artificial joints
• Ireland is the number one exporter of contact lenses
• Ireland exports medical devices to over 100 countries

Here are some reasons why working in Medtech is a challenging and satisfying career where you can really improve the lives of others and contribute to society.

Reasons to Consider a Career in Medtech

1. Ireland is a Global Hub for Medtech

Ireland is an Internationally renowned centre for Medtech with more than 450 companies currently developing and manufacturing medical devices. 60% of companies are home grown and four out of five are start-ups or SMEs.  Ireland is the second largest exporter of Med-tech products in Europe. Ireland is home to nine of the world’s top ten MedTech companies. The sector employs over 48,000 people making Ireland the largest Medtech employer in in the EU, per capita.

2. Medtech Occupies a Strong Position with Further Jobs Growth Expected

The area of digital health, innovative new products and the use of medical grade wearables, sensors, devices and apps is growing rapidly, The Medtech industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years and the number of Medtech companies has increased from 50 in the early 1990s to well over 450 in 2023.

Most advanced economies are now witnessing a major demographic shift, with aging populations and chronic diseases affecting more people. Over one million people in Ireland suffer from conditions such as Diabetes, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Cardiovascular disease.  People are living longer with the development of more advanced treatments, products and medical devices, many of which are manufactured in Ireland. Ireland’s annual Medtech exports are worth €12.6 billion which has led to continued jobs growth.

3. Ireland is Well Placed to Become a Leader in Connected Health

Ireland is not only a global Medtech hub but is also home to nine of the top ten top pharma companies, and 13 of the top 20 global technology companies. This cluster of MedTech, pharmaceutical and technology companies has resulted in increased collaboration and innovation. Therapeutic and diagnostic products that combine devices with drug delivery or biological products have been developed. Examples include vaccines in a pre-filled syringe, an insulin pump, drug-eluting stents and antimicrobial wound dressings.

4. Ireland is an Attractive Location for Foreign Direct Investment Companies

Ireland's rich pool of talented graduates are attracting multinational companies. According to IDA Ireland, Ireland is ranked number one globally for the employability of its graduates, as companies benefit from the flow of skilled workers from Ireland’s eight universities and five technological universities.

From January 2024 Ireland’s corporate tax rate is 15%. Ireland’s competitive tax rates and grants for research & development act as a further incentive for multinational Medtech companies to establish operations in Ireland.

 5. Routes into Medtech

The Irish Medtech Association and Polymer Technology Ireland have just celebrated the 600 apprentices now engaged in the sector. These programmes were developed by the industry and academia in response to a skills shortage.  Information on how to apply for an apprenticeship is available below:

Manufacturing Technician Level 6 programme - IBEC

Manufacturing Engineer Level 7 programme - IBEC

Polymer Technology Apprenticeship - IBEC

Further information on a career in the Medtech sector is available here. A list of courses in areas such as engineering, manufacturing and biomedical engineering which can lead to a career in Medtech is available here.

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