Ambition to make Ireland global leader in patient-centred medtech
To mark the sixth annual European MedTech Week the Irish Medtech Association, the Ibec group that represents the sector, today launched Medtech Rising: The Business Leaders’ Conference, jointly hosted with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. In light of Covid-19 the event will be held virtually, 2-3 December. European MedTech Week is a special week dedicated to showcasing the value of life-changing technologies developed by the medtech industry.
Irish Medtech Association Director Sinead Keogh said: “Ireland is one of the top 5 global medtech hubs, ensuring that business leaders get the latest industry foresight and share best practice is essential to our success. That’s why Medtech Rising is an unmissable event, with speakers like Medtronic Chairman and Intel Chairman Omar Ishrak, Alcon President and General Manager Global Surgical Franchise Jeannette Bankes joining policymakers, clinicians and other experts to share their insights on the latest global trends.
The medtech industry’s role in saving and transforming lives has been highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Ireland stands out internationally as one of the top five producers of Covid related goods according to the OECD, after Germany, the USA, Switzerland and China. That’s why we’re proud to exceptionally introduce a ‘Covid-19 Response Recognition Award’ for the Irish Medtech Awards 2020.
“The vital importance of global trade and cooperation has been highlighted by Covid-19. No country produces all the goods needed to fight the virus alone, that’s why we’ll be exploring the latest trends in R&D, manufacturing, supply chains and logistics, market access, new business models, and more, as we work with leaders to achieve our vision is for Ireland to be a global leader in innovative patient-centred medical technology developments, products and solutions.
IDA Ireland’s Head of Medical Technologies Rachel Shelly said: “Ireland’s position as a location of choice for the medtech industry and its role as an agile, resilient hub within global supply chain networks has been reinforced since the outbreak of the pandemic. With continued global uncertainty ahead, global conferences like Medtech Rising are essential to equip business leaders with the latest industry insight and perspectives. IDA Ireland will continue to work with our medtech clients and key stakeholders to ensure that Ireland remains one of the world’s top destinations for medtech investment, innovation and growth.”
Enterprise Ireland Manager of Lifesciences Deirdre Glenn added, “When the Covid-19 pandemic first emerged and as it quickly took hold across the world, a substantial number of Enterprise Ireland client companies immediately set about responding through innovation. Irish companies operating in areas such as medical devices, diagnostics, medical sub-supply and digital health have managed to pivot in a rapidly changing business environment, proving the resilience and strength of the sector in Ireland. The Medtech Rising Leaders’ Conference will be an opportunity for leading experts and market leaders to detail their experiences in 2020 to date as well as discuss their expectations for the months ahead. There are so many worthy winners of this year’s Irish Medtech Awards and I look forward to recognising these companies for their contribution.”
Thank you to event sponsors, Gold sponsors; SteriPack, Teleflex Medical, Kuehne +Nagel, KPMG and Irish Medtech Skillnet; as well as Silver Sponsors, Creganna Medical Company/ TE Connectivity, Dolmen Design, Advant Medical, and the Connected Health Skillnet.
