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. 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. Common examples of biomedical technology include x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI machines. 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. The MedTech sector is poised for significant growth as average life expectancy increases. Innovative complex medical devices now play a crucial role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of disease, transforming people’s lives.

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 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 ageing 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 - Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineers make a huge impact on the world we live in today. There are now a variety of medical devices and machines that can both improve health, and save lives, thanks to biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineering is the fusion of engineering expertise with the field of clinical medicine, developing techniques such as laser systems used in corrective eye surgery and systems for analysing blood.

Biomedical engineering is key in the development and recreation of artificial organs, limbs, and skin.

As a Biomedical Engineer you would play an exciting and critical role at the frontier of technological advances to improve healthcare. You would apply your engineering expertise and ingenuity to design systems to help prevent, diagnose, and treat all types of diseases, injuries, and disabilities. You may work in industry, government agencies, hospitals, consultancy and research centres with scientists and healthcare professionals including physicians, doctors, nurses, therapists, and technicians.

As a Biomedical engineering graduate, you can;

• Design and develop medical instruments and equipment
• Research the engineering aspects of biological systems
• Research new materials for medical products
• Adapt or design computer hardware and software for medical products
• Design technology to assist people with disabilities

Biomedical engineering is a widely diverse subject and allows you to specialise in a variety of areas including:

Cellular, tissue and genetic engineering - researching biomedical problems at the microscopic level to understand disease processes

Biomaterials - researching and selecting the appropriate materials for implantations in the human body such as artificial pacemakers, hips, and kidneys

Biomechanics - applying classical mechanics to biological or medical problems to develop such devices as the artificial heart and artificial joint replacements

Rehabilitation engineering - enhancing the capabilities and improving the quality of life for individuals with physical and cognitive impairments through the design and development of prosthetics and assistive technology

Orthopaedic engineering - applying methods of engineering to understand the function of bones, joints and muscles to design artificial joint replacements

Neuroscience - researching into the processes involved in cognitive functions and providing objective diagnostic information for psychiatric disorders

Clinical engineering - specialises in the application lifecycle of medical equipment technologies, from their input and application management to decommissioning and disposal

Further information on a career in Biomedical Engineering is available below:

Ireland’s indigenous polymer industry is thriving with over 230 companies supporting 7,000+ jobs throughout Ireland. This high-tech industry is driving innovation and Research & Development in the Medtech sector.

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

Search for courses in areas such as engineering, manufacturing, biomedical engineering and polymer engineering which can lead to a career in Medtech here.

Biomedical Scientists also work in the Medtech Sector

Biomedical Scientists study the human body and the science of health and disease. Many biomedical scientists go on to work in hospital laboratories on completion of a postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Placement. They work at the heart of the health system using cutting edge technology to diagnose and analyse fluid & tissue samples to assess the effectiveness of treatments. Others work in a diverse range of industries including Research & Academia, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies, Diagnostics, Health sciences and the thriving Medtech sector. Further postgraduate qualifications may be required for some positions and many complete Masters or PhD qualifications in areas such biotechnology, molecular & cell biology, cancer, genetics, regenerative medicine and neuroscience. Further information on Biomedical Science is available here.