Irish Medtech Awards 2016 now includes e-health award

6 Sep 2016

The Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA) has launched the 10th Irish Medtech Awards, representing one of Ireland’s largest export markets, and it now includes a new e-health award.

Hosted by the IMDA, the Irish Medtech Awards 2016 will now feature five award categories, including Medtech Company of the Year; Emerging Medtech Company of the Year; Academic Contribution to Medtech; Medtech Partner/Supplier of the Year; and now E-health Innovation of the Year.

Last year’s grand prize winner was Longford-based Abbott Diagnostics, which manufactures diagnostic tests for distribution across the globe to hospitals and laboratories.

Speaking of the years to come, the IMDA has said that, with it now being among the top-five emerging global medtech hubs, Ireland has seen its exports quadruple since 1993 to €12.6bn, making the country the third-highest exporter of medtech products in Europe.

According to the IMDA – the IBEC group that represents the medical devices industry – the global medtech market is expected to reach €475bn by 2018.

However, looking at the digital economy, it estimates that it is currently worth €12.6bn, or 6pc of Ireland’s GDP, resulting in the decision to introduce an e-health award.

It will also help highlight how Ireland can become the global leader in connected health, with 18 of the top 25 medtech companies and 10 of the top 10 ICT companies having a base in Ireland, said IMDA director Sinead Keogh.

“Additionally, nearly half of the medtech companies in Ireland specialise in contract design, development and/or manufacturing. The Medtech Partner/Supplier of the Year Award will recognise the contribution of these companies in making Ireland’s medtech ecosystem successful,” she added.

Adding to this sentiment, IDA Ireland’s head of medical technologies, Michael Lohan, said: “With 29,000 people working in medtech in Ireland, we are the second highest employer in Europe, per capita; that’s five times more people working in the sector compared to the UK, per capita.

“The dynamic nature of the medtech sector’s product innovation positively impacts on millions of patients’ lives annually, and provides its employees with a rewarding career.”

The closing date for applications for this year’s awards is Friday, 7 October.

Medical tubes image via Shutterstock

Colm Gorey was a senior journalist with Silicon Republic

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