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Written by Michael Denver
The North - a rising force in Medtech & Drug Delivery
Northern Ireland holds an extraordinary position as the only region in the world with seamless access to both EU and GB markets, removing customs barriers and smoothing regulatory and commercial pathways for medtech developers.
Queen’s University Belfast & Ulster University: Twin Academic Powerhouses
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) is home to major infrastructure like the Future Medicines Institute, a £55M initiative accelerating device innovation, diagnostics and precision medicine. One standout example is Re‑Vana Therapeutics, a QUB spin‑out that secured a landmark $1B collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to advance long‑acting ophthalmic drug‑delivery systems an achievement that puts Northern Ireland firmly on the global map of drug‑delivery innovation. Something I am immensely proud to see.
Ulster University is an essential partner in NI’s life‑sciences ecosystem, contributing expertise in digital healthcare technology, AI, medical‑device R&D, and biomolecular innovation through its Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology and participation in the Future Medicines Institute.
Catalyst: North–South Collaboration at Scale
Catalyst—the leading NI innovation hub—runs ONEHEALTH, a €10M cross‑border programme uniting partners such as QUB, University of Galway, Tyndall Institute and others. The initiative focuses on AI‑driven diagnostics, digital health, medtech and agrifood technologies, while supporting SMEs and enabling 12 cross‑border R&D programmes over four years.
The South: “A global medtech powerhouse” or “Europe’s MedTech Export Giant”
Ireland is Europe’s second‑largest exporter of medtech, contributing over €16 billion annually, representing 14% of all Irish exports. With over 300 medtech companies, 50,000+ employees, and 14 of the world’s top 15 medtech manufacturers present, the country is uniquely positioned as a global manufacturing and R&D leader.
Unprecedented Investment & Innovation
GE Healthcare’s €132M expansion in Cork, record VC dealmaking, and Galway’s role as the “Silicon Valley of MedTech” all point to a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Dexcom’s decision to establish its first European manufacturing hub in Athenry, Co. Galway marks one of the largest private‑sector investments ever seen in the region—€300M over five years, creating 1,000+ high‑skill jobs. The 180,000‑sq‑ft state‑of‑the‑art facility is designed to manufacture millions of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors annually, addressing surging demand across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This move strengthens the West of Ireland’s already elite MedTech cluster and further positions the country as a leader in diabetes‑care technology.
I don’t need to inform anyone on Stryker, Medtronic or Boston, all of whom continue to invest, grow and develop.
EY reports global MedTech revenue reached US$584B in 2025, continuing seven years of growth, with venture funding surging 16%. Ireland plays a major role in high‑growth areas like diabetes‑delivery, structural heart, and robotics.
Sanner’s CDMO offering aligns closely with Ireland’s academic excellence, global commercial reach and cross‑border cooperation.
1. Drug‑Device Combination Expertise
With breakthroughs coming from QUB and Irish innovators in long‑acting and controlled‑release systems, Sanner provides the engineering, moulding, sealing, testing and regulatory know‑how needed to industrialise complex drug‑delivery platforms.
2. Precision Components for High‑Growth MedTech Sectors
Combination devices, inhalation systems, diagnostics housings and more—Sanner has deep expertise.
3. Ideal Partner for Innovators & Scaling SMEs
Ireland’s 400+ medtech and health‑tech companies need CDMO partners capable of iterative development and scale—Sanner’s development model fits these needs.
4. Digital‑Health‑Ready Device Housings
Catalyst’s emphasis on AI, sensors and digital health aligns with Sanner’s precision design in enclosures and smart components.
5. Medical Device Development with Sanner’s Global Footprint
Sanner’s global network gives Irish innovators unmatched scalability:
- Bensheim, Germany – high‑precision manufacturing HQ
- Kunshan, China – world‑class toolmaking and early industrialisation
- Cambridge, UK – close‑to‑home device development for NI & ROI innovators
- Sanner US – transatlantic commercialisation and FDA‑ready pathways
On St Patricks day, Ireland’s Medtech future shines bright.
Ireland is forging its future as one of the world’s most connected, dynamic and innovative medtech hubs. Sanner stands ready to partner with innovators across the Emerald Isle—because in medtech, as in Ireland, success is built on partnership, expertise, and just a little bit of that legendary Irish luck.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit ó Sanner
Happy St Patrick’s Day from Sanner.
