US and Irish medical device company Medtronic and the University of Galway have launched their Medical Device Prototype Hub, a specialist facility designed to support the medtech ecosystem, STEM engagement and research, according to Silicon Republic.

Development of the hub, which belongs to the university's new Technology Services Directorate, is part of a five-year, €5m signature innovation partnership between the two organisations.

The Medical Device Prototype Hub forms part of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, which was established at the university in 2024. It will be supported via collaborations with government agencies and industry leaders, aiming to promote innovation and regional growth in life sciences and medical technologies.

Professor David Burn, the president of the university, said: "The launch of the Medical Device Prototype Hub at University of Galway marks a hugely significant milestone in our signature partnership with Medtronic, but it also sends a strong message to all those in the sector and all those who are driving innovation. University of Galway is creating the ecosystem in which our partners in research and innovation can thrive."

The hub has expert staff to facilitate concept creation, development and manufacturing of innovative medical device prototypes. It offers services to support early-stage medical device innovation, including virtual and physical prototyping.

Ronan Rogers, senior R&D director at Medtronic, said: "Today's launch of the Medical Device Prototype Hub represents an exciting next step in our long-standing partnership with University of Galway. Medtronic has deep roots in the west of Ireland, and this facility strengthens a shared commitment to advancing research, accelerating innovation and developing the next generation of medical technologies."

Explore how the prototype hub is advancing medical device innovation and regional medtech capabilities in the complete story.