University of Galway has opened its Medical Device Prototype Hub, supported by medical device manufacturer Medtronic, as part of a five-year €5 million (£4.24 million) innovation partnership announced in 2023, according to Engineers Ireland.

The facility operates within the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, established in 2024, focusing on three pillars: developing the medical technology ecosystem, STEM engagement and research. The hub provides engineering infrastructure and expertise to design, build and test new devices, serving as a central facility for the university research community.

Professor David Burn, University of Galway president, said the hub marks a significant milestone in the Medtronic partnership whilst sending a strong message to the sector. The university is creating an ecosystem where research and innovation partners can thrive, with anticipated breakthroughs and successes from this initiative.

Ronan Rogers, senior R&D director at Medtronic, described the launch as an exciting step in the long-standing partnership. Medtronic maintains deep roots in western Ireland, and the facility strengthens shared commitment to advancing research, accelerating innovation and developing next-generation medical technologies. The investment drives technological progress whilst supporting talent development.

The hub offers comprehensive services supporting early-stage medical device innovation, including virtual and physical prototyping, computer aided design, modelling and simulation. State-of-the-art additive manufacturing technologies enable rapid design iteration and prototype validation.

Professor Ted Vaughan, director of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, said the hub provides fertile ground for ecosystem growth. The vision ensures optimal conditions for healthcare technology research and development, addressing remaining gaps from discovery to innovation.

Explore detailed information on the Medical Device Prototype Hub and partnership initiatives in the full article.