Galway companies at the forefront of medical technology will play a key role in Ireland’s economic recovery, according to Michael Gilmore of Cappella Medical Devices and Enterprise Ireland.
Mr Gilmore was speaking at the launch of the 2011 Medical Technology Industry Excellence Awards, which Cappella won last year, and the results of an industry survey conducted by the Irish Medical Device Association.
“The medical technology sector is vibrant and will play an integral role in our overall economic recovery,” Mr Gilmore said. “We recommend that companies take part in the awards and help increase the profile of the sector.
“The industry recognition of the awards both from the national and international audiences helped to significantly develop the profile of both the company and our Sideguard coronary stent and delivery system.”
Seven out of 10 medical technology companies in Ireland have confidence in their own business, according to the survey results, and more than half are confident of the current business environment.
Fifty-seven per cent of companies surveyed outlined continued confidence in the sector up to the end of 2011, an increase of 21 per cent on the same position a year ago, while 78 per cent have continued confidence in their own business up to the end of 2011, representing a 16 per cent increase from the start of this year. More than a quarter of those surveyed claimed they had more confidence now in comparison with the previous three months.
IMDA director Sharon Higgins said the positive indicators were very encouraging.
“Ireland’s medical technology sector has evolved into one of the leading clusters for medical device and diagnostic products globally. We are the second largest exporter of medical products in Europe, behind only Germany, with exports climbing over 14 per cent over the past two years from 2008 to 2010.
“With more than 200 companies involved in developing, manufacturing, and marketing a diverse range of products and services, we are delighted to launch the industry excellence awards and begin the search for the 2011 Medical Technology Company of the Year.”
Now in its fifth year, the Medical Technology Industry Excellence Awards are currently open for entry at www.imda.ie/awards Any company that is a member of the IMDA, Enterprise Ireland, or IDA Ireland is eligible for entry. Closing date for entry is October 26.
In addition to the overall award, the 2011 excellence awards will also include the IMDA Medical Technology Outstanding Contribution Award. In its second year, this award will recognise an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development, growth and success of the medical technology sector in Ireland.
The 2011 Medical Technology Industry Excellence Awards will take place on December 8 in Limerick. The overall winner will be chosen from a shortlist of entries and will receive a bursary as well as communication support during 2012.
