In Claregalway’s Corporate Park, a quiet but powerful medtech transformation is underway. Salt Medical, a rising Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO ), has just completed an eventful and highly productive first year, one that has seen the company go from an empty shell of a building to a fully operational medical device innovation hub.
Officially opened in April 2025, Salt Medical’s new facility is now home to a state-of-the-art ISO Class 8 cleanroom, an advanced R&D lab, and a rapidly growing team. The company has established itself as a go-to partner for medical device design, prototyping, manufacturing, and compliance — with a particular focus on minimally invasive technologies such as catheters, guidewires, and smart surgical tools.
According to Salt Medical's Karen Flanagan, what sets Salt Medical apart is its commitment to offering end-to-end services to clients, from concept development through to product launch.
"The company supports innovators through every step — from early-stage ideation and rapid prototyping, to design verification, regulatory advice, and final production. For startups, SMEs, and even multinational clients, Salt Medical offers an agile, collaborative, and highly experienced team under one roof," she said.
One of the standout features of Salt Medical’s offering is the cleanroom itself. Designed and built to international standards, the cleanroom is not only used by Salt’s in-house team but is also available for hire — a rare opportunity for medtech startups or companies with overflow needs to access world-class facilities without long-term capital investment. The company has already seen interest from both small innovators and larger firms based in Parkmore and the broader Galway medtech cluster.
This model supports Salt Medical’s broader vision: to create a space where innovation is made more accessible and achievable. Rather than functioning solely as a manufacturer, Salt acts as a strategic partner — working alongside clients from the very beginning of their development journey. Bring them in, discussing their ideas and enabling them in the creation of a prototype.
The past year has also seen significant internal growth for the company. Since moving into the new facility, Salt Medical has tripled its workforce, and recruitment remains a key priority as the company looks to expand further. Current open roles span engineering, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, sales, administration, and product building. The company’s leadership is eager to continue building a team that brings both local knowledge and global ambition to the table.
As part of its visibility and networking strategy, Salt Medical will once again take part in the MedTech Ireland conference in Galway later this month. Having made its debut at the event last year, the company returns this time with a completed facility, new capabilities, and a stronger market presence. The event offers an opportunity for Salt to showcase its services, attract new clients, connect with potential recruits, and reinforce its growing reputation within the Irish medtech ecosystem.
This year, the company is also highlighting a new capability: component sourcing through a sister site in China, allowing Salt Medical to provide clients with precision components quickly and reliably. This service complements their in-house offerings and further positions Salt as a comprehensive solution provider for medical device development.
The team at Salt is led by Dr Yuqi Shaughnessy, whose roots in the BioInnovate Ireland programme at University of Galway have shaped the company’s collaborative and innovation-first culture. Many team members have worked in Galway’s major medtech firms and startups, bringing valuable industry knowledge and real-world product development experience to every project.
Salt Medical continues to engage with local and national innovation partners, including I-Form and GRETB, and is in the process of applying to support programmes through Údarás na Gaeltachta. Their commitment to collaboration, education, and regional development reflects a belief that global success begins at a local level.
The company also recently participated in MD&M West, a leading medical technology conference in California, and plans to return next year to continue building international relationships. These efforts signal a company with strong global ambitions, but one that remains firmly rooted in the Galway region.
Despite all of the activity, Salt Medical hasn’t lost sight of what makes its work meaningful: helping people turn innovative ideas into life-changing medical solutions.
"Whether it’s a startup founder with a napkin sketch or a surgeon with an idea for a smarter tool, Salt’s doors are open. We invite visitors to tour the Claregalway facility, meet the team, and explore how collaboration can accelerate development," said Karen Flanagan.
"As demand for our services continues to grow, Salt Medical is already looking at expanding its footprint within the Corporate Park in the year ahead. With a track record of rapid progress and a clear vision for the future, we are well-positioned to become one of Ireland’s key players in the global medtech industry.
For more information about Salt Medical, to enquire about cleanroom hire, or to explore current career opportunities, visit www.saltmedtec.com or email [email protected].
