Talent to Thrive: The Newsletter for Ireland's Medtech Sector - January 2025

Welcome to the Irish Medtech Skillnet newsletter!

Welcome to the latest newsletter from Irish Medtech Skillnet, the premier source of innovative, funded, industry-led training for Ireland's medtech and manufacturing sectors.

In this issue
1. Upcoming Courses: Driving Innovation, Transformation and Quality Standards for the New Year
2. Industry News in Ireland
3. EU medtech regulations creating significant challenges, according to Medtech companies.
4. Set to Thrive in 2025: Investment and Expansion Announcements in the New Year
5. Skillnet Ireland CEO Paul Healy to Step Down
6. Ibec strategy launch
7. Industry Insights - In Conversation with Sharon Higgins, Executive Director Membership & Sectors at Ibec.
8. Irish Medtech Skillnet in the Spotlight
9. On the Road: Site Visits to our Industry Partners
10. Meet the Team features Dr. Yvonne O’Byrne, Business Development & Project Manager at Ibec

Upcoming Courses: Driving Innovation, Transformation and Quality Standards



1. BioInnovate 101: Fast-Track Profitable Health Tech Innovation

Master the essentials of BioDesign to supercharge your health tech innovation journey. This 3-day crash course dives into the tools, mindset, and strategy for creating breakthrough healthcare solutions while minimizing risk. Packed with real-world case studies and hands-on problem-solving, its your playbook for turning ideas into impact.

Who Should Attend?
Perfect for innovators across industries:

Engineers (R&D, Software, Data Science)
Regulatory and Quality Pros
Marketing and Post-Market Gurus
Healthcare Professionals

What You’ll Learn

Pinpoint unmet medical needs with clinical and market insight.
Navigate the BioInnovate process from problem to product.
Hone your pitch: communicate challenges and solutions like a pro.
Create razor-sharp filtering criteria for clinical priorities.
Build and sell your value proposition with confidence.

Why Attend?

BioInnovate Ireland, a Stanford BioDesign affiliate, has a proven track record in training global MedTech leaders. This is your chance to join their ranks and bring your health tech ideas to life. Innovate smarter. Start here.



2. * Coming Soon * Digital Transformation, simplified: Master the Process, Maximise the Value

In the fast-paced MedTech and Manufacturing sectors, digital transformation is no longer a choice—it’s essential. This industry-driven programme is specifically designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies required to lead successful digital transformation initiatives. Over four engaging and interactive in-person sessions, participants will develop the expertise to identify opportunities, create strategic roadmaps, and drive meaningful change that delivers measurable business outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

Participants will delve into key aspects of digital transformation tailored specifically to the MedTech industry, including:

Complete a digital maturity assessment for your company to provide a clear roadmap for technology use.
Identifying and evaluating digital opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation.
Building strategic plans that align transformation efforts with organisational goals.
Effectively engaging stakeholders to secure buy-in and foster collaboration.
Executing transformation plans that deliver sustainable value and a competitive edge.

Programme Highlights:

      Digital Maturity Assessment for you company: Evaluation of your company's current digital capabilities, helping identify strengths and areas for improvement.
      Practical, Actionable Insights: Learn proven strategies and practical tools for leveraging digital transformation to address MedTech-specific challenges and opportunities.
      Industry Expertise: Engage directly with leading industry practitioners, digitalisation experts, and change management specialists.
      Real-World Applications: Participate in hands-on, facilitated sessions that blend theoretical frameworks with real-world scenarios and case studies.
      Networking Opportunities: Collaborate and connect with like-minded professionals and industry leaders to exchange ideas and best practices.

This programme is your opportunity to become a driving force behind innovation and operational excellence in the MedTech sector. By mastering the process of digital transformation, you will not only simplify complexity but also unlock unprecedented value for your organisation. Watch this space for booking details, coming soon.


3. Masters in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs - 2025 Intake Coming Soon

Navigating the complex and ever-evolving regulatory landscape is critical to success in the medical technology industry. The Masters in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs is a specialised programme designed to develop advanced regulatory expertise, empowering professionals to excel in managing compliance, market access, and product lifecycle requirements in the MedTech sector. Learn more here.

This in-depth programme equips participants with:

A comprehensive understanding of global regulatory frameworks, standards, and guidelines.
Expertise in preparing regulatory submissions, including Clinical Evaluation Reports and Technical Documentation.
Insights into the processes for achieving and maintaining market approvals across key regions.
Knowledge of risk management and post-market surveillance to ensure compliance and patient safety.
Strategic skills for aligning regulatory processes with organisational goals to enhance market competitiveness.

2024 Evaluation

The programme has recently been evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative measures, with resoundingly positive feedback received from all stakeholders including students, industry, Irish MedTech, Irish Medtech Skillnet and the MSc course coordinators from both the University of Galway and ATU Sligo.

In 2019, the MSc was shortlisted for the best new postgraduate course with the higher education awards.
The MSc programme objectives are consistently met or exceeded as noted in the feedback from all the key stakeholders including the ability to produce graduates with the essential breadth and kind of knowledge, skill set and competencies required to function as a Regulatory Affairs professional in the medical device industry and to be capable of an immediate contribution to regulatory projects and projects with a regulatory element in a medical device company environment.
The student survey feedback is one of the most valuable for any course evaluation and it should be noted that 98.2% said that the MSc overall either ‘Exceeded’ (57.1%) or ‘Met’ (41.1%) all their expectations. This is a notable endorsement of a blended learning Masters.
In addition, 92.9% of the students felt that this MSc benefitted them in terms of career progression.

This programme is the definitive choice for regulatory professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and drive success in the MedTech sector. By completing the Masters in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs, participants will emerge as leaders capable of navigating the complexities of global regulatory environments while ensuring innovation and compliance go hand in hand.

Read the evaluation in full here, and follow our social media channels for details of the 2025 schedule coming soon.




Maximise your 2025 Training Budget with our Subsidised Programmes

Enrolment is now open for the programmes above and many more on our website!


Irish Medtech Skillnet develops and delivers transformative, industry-led training solutions to help companies of all sizes in the medical technology and manufacturing sectors to grow and retain best-in-class talent, supporting the future success and competitiveness of medtech in Ireland.

Our training programmes are subsidised by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, saving companies an average of 35% on standard course fees, with minimal barriers to access. Whether you are a start-up or a multinational, all Irish companies can access our funded training programmes with no paid membership required.

View our 2025 Programme Catalogue here.







Industry News for Ireland: The Global Medtech Hub

EU medtech regulations creating significant challenges, according to Medtech companies

The EU’s Regulations 2017/745 and 2017/746 on medical devices and in vitro diagnostics aim to ensure the availability of safe and effective devices while making the sector more competitive and supporting innovation.

However, the MDR and IVDR regulations are already facing sharp criticism from Medtech companies in the EU targeted evaluation which opened for public feedback on December 12th, to help the Commission assess whether the rules:

are effective, efficient and proportionate.
meet current and emerging needs.
align with other actions.
have EU added value.

There are still more than two months until the consultation closes, and many larger companies and trade groups have yet to respond, but comments to date indicate some consistent challenges for the industry.

Big Problems for Small Companies,
Without the resources of their larger counterparts, startups and small firms are experiencing a regulatory burden:
ACI Medical: A U.S. company halted EU sales of its device preventing amputations due to “financially burdensome” MDR compliance.
FaceYourPain: A two-person EU startup scrapped its clinically proven digital tool, calling compliance “entirely unfeasible.”
Weber Hospital Systems: Proposed streamlining certification to focus on core standards and reduce bureaucracy.

IVDR: Killing Innovation?

Critics argue IVDR stifles diagnostics innovation:

Dutch hospitals claim IVDR fixes a problem that didn’t exist, making market entry “virtually impossible” for small firms.
Cypress Diagnostics: Halved its portfolio and saw productivity plummet by 50%, calling the rules “a mess.”

Legacy Devices: Over-Regulated

Rules forcing re-certification of proven devices are seen as problematic:

MedOne Surgical: Called documentation demands for simple tools “ridiculous.”
Physidia: Advocates for post-market surveillance over re-certification to balance safety with reduced red tape.

What’s next?

The EU is accepting feedback until March 21, with possible regulatory tweaks to follow in early 2025. Stay tuned on the outcomes or have your say here.




Set to Thrive in 2025? Industry Outlook for the New Year

Media reports forecast significant growth for the Medtech sector in 2025, building on its established reputation as a global hub for medical technology innovation. With over 450 medtech companies operating nationwide, Ireland stands as the second-largest exporter of medical devices in Europe, contributing more than €12 billion annually to the economy.

Investment announcements in recent weeks underscore the sector's vitality and set the stage for a dynamic year ahead:

Aerogen will create 725 jobs in Galway and Shannon across R&D, manufacturing, science and engineering as part of a 10-year expansion plan,

Fire1 has raised $120m to complete a clinical trial for its heart failure management system.

• Start-up Deciphex announced a €31m Series C funding round spearheaded by venture capital firm Molten Ventures, which will be used to advance its mission to democratise access to high-quality pathology (the study of disease).

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) announced a €30 million expansion of its Enniscorthy facility, creating 85 new jobs.

• Belfast-based medtech company Axial3D secured $18.2m in investment to drive the global expansion of AI-powered 3D medical imaging

LaNua Medical, a University College Dublin spin-out, secured €6 million in seed funding to develop its Ecore device, aimed at modernizing embolization procedures.

• Galway Medtech Neurent secured funding from London-based Claret Capital Partners to invest in sales & marketing, product development and further US expansion

Luminate Medical made Charlie Taylor’s top Irish tech firms to watch in 2025, for their innovative solutions which counter the adverse side effects experienced by cancer patients as a result of chemotherapy including their flagship product ‘Lily’, a portable cap-like treatment for chemotherapy-induced hair loss that is based on compression therapy. An additional 35 million people will be diagnosed with cancer by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Solutions like these are increasingly needed.

Congratulations to all these companies on their achievements and remember that Irish Medtech Skillnet is ready to support all industry needs for advanced talent development in 2025. As the sector cements its success and meets its challenges within an evolving health ecosystem, we can help you Thrive in 2025.



Skillnet Ireland CEO Paul Healy to Step Down

Skillnet Ireland, the agency responsible for workforce development, announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Paul Healy will step down from the CEO position, having informed the Board in November. Paul will leave Skillnet Ireland at the end of Quarter One, 2025.

Brendan McGinty, Chairperson of Skillnet Ireland, said: “Paul’s contribution to the transformation and success of Skillnet Ireland over the past nine years has been immense, leading the implementation of two ambitious Statements of Strategy. Paul has significantly deepened Skillnet Ireland’s roots with industry bodies, sectors and directly with companies, more than doubling the number of enterprises that engaged with Skillnet Ireland programmes, during his tenure, ensuring the agency is in an exceptionally strong position going forward.

Through Paul’s leadership, Skillnet Ireland is now at the centre of the Government’s workforce development agenda, with the agency delivering on multiple policy actions assigned to it in the digital economy, the green transition, SME innovation, and talent development for the major industry sectors. Paul is leaving to embark on a new career as part of a business consulting partnership and we wish him every success in that endeavor.”

Skillnet Ireland has commenced the recruitment process to select and appoint a new Chief Executive to the agency.




Industry Insights: In conversation with Sharon Higgins, Executive Director, Membership & Sectors, Ibec

Sharon Higgins is a member of Ibecs Executive Director Team, holding the position of Executive Director, Membership & Sectors. Sharon oversees the work of 39 trade associations, including Irish Medtech, and 16 Training Networks, including Irish Medtech Skillnet. She is responsible for Ibec's overall membership development, account management and membership engagement. She also oversees Ibec's Marketing activity, Digital framework and corporate events.


Since joining Ibec in 1996, Sharon has held several senior positions within the organisation including Director of Member Services, Head of Sectors, Director of Irish MedTech; and Assistant Director, BioPharmachemical Ireland. Sharon graduated from the University of Limerick with a BSc and MSc in Industrial Chemistry and was awarded a distinction in the Diploma in Company Direction by the Institute of Directors. She is a past recipient of the 'Outstanding Contribution to the Medtech Sector'' Award by the industry in Ireland.

Sharon shared her perspectives and predictions for the Medtech industry when we sat down with her recently.


Sharon - Can you tell us about your role within Ibec, and the path that brought you here?

I completed a degree and research Master’s in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Limerick, which set the foundation for my career. My first role was in 1994 as a validation/technical engineer at Élan Pharmaceuticals in Athlone, where I worked on drug delivery technologies, including the nicotine patch—my first real exposure to the Medtech industry. In 1996, I joined Ibec as Technical Director for Pharmachemical Ireland (now BioPharmaChem Ireland), supporting the pharmaceutical and biopharma sectors. Then, in 2000, I became Director of a new association that moved into Ibec, the Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA), which at the time represented only about 30 companies in the medical device and diagnostics sector.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed the sector's tremendous growth. The Irish Medtech industry is now a global leader, with over 250 companies and exports worth €7.3 billion, spanning everything from implants and stents to contact lenses and wound care products. This growth reflects the hard work of many individuals and organisations, and I’m proud to have been part of that journey.

In my current role as Executive Director for Membership & Sectors at Ibec, I oversee 39 trade associations, including Irish Medtech, and 16 training networks such as Irish Medtech Skillnet. I’m passionate about driving the strategic direction of these sectors to ensure they remain globally competitive. My background in Industrial Chemistry, combined with my leadership training through the Institute of Directors, has equipped me to help foster growth, sustainability, and innovation across diverse industries, from Medtech to BioPharma and engineering. Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated by the opportunity to support and drive the success of Ireland’s industrial sectors, ensuring they are prepared to meet both current and future challenges.

You played an integral role in the launch of Skillnet Ireland, which has now flourished and grown to 70 Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives, providing upskilling programmes, industry insights, and business supports to enhance productivity, competitiveness and sustainability for Irish companies and the Irish economy. Tell us about the origin of Skillnet Ireland, and how its unique structure transformed the continuing professional development landscape in Ireland? Also - has it evolved as you expected?

Skillnet Ireland was first established in 1999 after significant lobbying by Ibec and ICTU, with a visionary, enterprise-driven approach to upskilling and training. This demand-led training model directly addressed the real-world needs of businesses while empowering their workforce to thrive in an ever-changing economy. At the time, Ireland was experiencing significant transformation, particularly in sectors like medtech and manufacturing. There was a growing recognition that traditional approaches to workforce development needed to be reimagined to ensure Irish companies remained competitive on a global scale.

The core idea behind Skillnet Ireland was to build a unique structure where businesses took the lead in identifying their own skills gaps and designing tailored training solutions through collaborative networks. This bottom-up, industry-led approach was revolutionary at the time and has proven to be one of the key factors in its long-term success. By fostering partnerships across industries and engaging directly with employers, we created a highly responsive and flexible training ecosystem.

Over the past 25 years, Skillnet Ireland has evolved beyond what we initially envisioned. What started as a network of just a handful of businesses has grown to encompass 70 Skillnet Business Networks, supporting diverse sectors across the economy, from medtech and advanced manufacturing to ICT, financial services, and beyond. This scale of growth reflects the agility and adaptability of the model, as well as its alignment with Ireland’s economic and social priorities. At Ibec, we are especially proud of the work that our 11 Skillnet Business Networks and our Mentorswork initiative, each continually evolving to offer targeted upskilling and new academic qualifications that enhance competitiveness in these sectors.

In sectors like medtech and manufacturing, Skillnet Ireland has been a game-changer. It has provided targeted upskilling programs and cutting-edge industry insights that have helped businesses not only improve productivity and competitiveness but also embrace sustainability and innovation. For example, its work in advanced manufacturing has enabled companies to harness Industry 4.0 technologies, while its support for medtech businesses has contributed to Ireland's global leadership in this field.

What I find particularly rewarding is how the organization has stayed true to its founding principles while continually innovating. The introduction of national initiatives, such as Skillnet Ireland’s role in the transition to a green economy and the embrace of digital transformation, shows how it continues to adapt to the evolving needs of businesses and society.

To answer your question about whether Skillnet Ireland has evolved as I expected - yes and no. I always believed in the potential of the model to make a lasting impact, but the scale and depth of its influence have exceeded my expectations. Its success is a testament to the power of collaboration and the forward-thinking mindset of Irish businesses and policymakers. The journey of Skillnet Ireland over these 25 years is proof of what can be achieved when industry, government, and education work hand-in-hand to build a better future.

Sharon, you are a known advocate for lifelong learning amongst the teams you lead, and the individuals you mentor. You currently oversee 16 Training Networks, including Irish Medtech Skillnet, and you have directed 39 individual Trade Associations at a time of expansion and significant economic growth in Ireland.

How important is talent development in evolving industrial economies like ours?

Talent development is absolutely crucial, particularly in evolving industrial economies like Ireland’s. As industries grow and become more globally competitive, the demand for skilled talent becomes increasingly urgent. At Ibec, we’re committed to supporting businesses to ensure, not only the resources they need to succeed today but also the workforce they need to thrive tomorrow. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to foster continuous learning and professional development.

The Medtech industry, for example, is extremely broad, driven by people with diverse educations, skills, and backgrounds—from regulatory, manufacturing and to marketing. It’s clear that talent in this sector comes from a variety of disciplines and perspectives, which is a huge strength. While certain areas, such as technical R&D and manufacturing roles, have historically seen more male representation, today we’re seeing greater diversity across all levels of the industry. This diversification is bringing fresh insights, new skills, and innovative ways of doing business, all of which are crucial to the sector’s continued success.

The Medtech sector is a fantastic employer with the unique advantage of creating products that save and enhance lives around the world every single day. Ensuring higher levels of involvement and attracting excellence in this space means we need to continue growing and diversifying our talent pool, investing in training, and promoting lifelong learning. Through our Training Networks, including Irish Medtech Skillnet, we can help address the skills gaps emerging from new technologies, while also supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds to take on leadership roles. Talent development is not just about closing skills gaps; it’s about creating an environment where all individuals can grow, contribute, and help their organisations stay ahead in a competitive global market. It’s a long-term investment that benefits both individuals and the broader economy.

In a recent interview, you said With the rapid evolution of new technologies, the manufacturing sector is undergoing significant change, and it is essential to adapt to these developments to ensure we remain successful and competitive during this transformative period”. At this time of rapid change and evolution in our industry, what new skills needs do you see emerging and what skills are becoming less relevant?

As part of my role overseeing Sectors in Ibec, we’re acutely aware of the challenges the manufacturing sector is facing, particularly regarding labour retention and rising costs. The Talent to Thrive report, commissioned by Irish Medtech Skillnet and supported by Irish Medtech, provides a comprehensive analysis of the future skills needed to ensure Medtech’s continued growth. The report highlights key opportunities to develop upskilling initiatives, which are vital to maintaining Ireland’s competitive edge in Medtech. By addressing emerging skills gaps, we can ensure that the sector remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to thrive.

In addition, the 2024 Ibec report ‘Facing Forward: Manufacturing Confidence Amidst Evolving Challenges’ sheds light on some of the broader challenges facing the manufacturing sector, including labour costs and talent retention. According to the Ibec survey, 70% of businesses cited labour costs as their top concern, while 65% pointed to difficulties in attracting and retaining staff. These challenges are not new, but they are becoming more pressing as we face full employment and ongoing regulatory labour cost increases. The report highlights that while a large majority of manufacturers remain optimistic about the future, they must address these issues to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

The need for talent development is clear, especially as we see demand outpacing supply in key areas. Greater engagement with the education sector is essential to help build the talent pipeline for the future. Additionally, streamlining work permit and visa processes will be critical for attracting the right skills to Ireland, ensuring that we can sustain growth across sectors like Medtech, BioPharma, and manufacturing.

With networks such as The Irish Medtech Skillnet, we are addressing these needs through the development of Industry led targeted training programmes that help companies overcome these challenges. Our networks are focused on developing the skills needed for leadership, digitalisation, and regulatory affairs, among other areas. These initiatives are essential for ensuring that the sector remains competitive and can continue to innovate, adapt, and thrive in the face of these ongoing challenges.

What advice do you have for Leaders and Managers in Medtech who are striving to support and motivate their workforce, and keep them aligned with this pace of change in the marketplace?

For leaders and managers in Medtech, the key to motivating and supporting a workforce through a time of rapid change is a combination of clear communication, continuous learning, and fostering a culture of adaptability. The pace of change in the marketplace is intense, especially with advancements in digital technologies, AI, and robotics, and the workforce needs to feel equipped to keep up. One of the most important things leaders can do is invest in continuous learning and upskilling. As we saw in the Talent to Thrive report, and as highlighted in Ibec’s latest findings, the need for lifelong learning has never been more critical. As roles evolve in the digital age, it’s essential that employees have access to relevant training that not only builds their skills but also gives them confidence in navigating change.

Ireland’s manufacturing sector, including Medtech, has already demonstrated incredible growth. Between 2012 and 2022, Irish-owned manufacturers saw a 76% surge in exports, which shows that the sector is resilient and capable of thriving amidst global challenges. However, this growth also comes with new pressures, particularly around rising costs, labour retention, and the increasing demands for innovation. Leaders should focus on aligning their teams with the vision for the future. This involves not just providing the necessary skills training, but also empowering employees to engage with the company’s long-term goals and ensuring they understand how they fit into the wider strategy.

One of the exciting opportunities in Ireland is the potential for growth in areas like AI, robotics, and digital transformation. These technologies offer opportunities to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. For leaders, this means embracing these tools, both for the company’s benefit and for the development of their teams. By supporting employees in upskilling in these key areas, leaders will help ensure that the workforce remains competitive and capable of embracing the future.

Another important consideration is creating an environment that attracts and retains talent. As Ibec’s survey highlights, 65% of businesses struggle with talent retention, which underscores the importance of employee engagement and providing a working environment that fosters personal growth, recognition, and purpose. A strong social infrastructure, including access to housing, broadband, and other essential amenities, also plays a part in making Ireland an attractive place to live and work.

Ultimately, the most effective leaders will be those who prioritise open communication, continuous learning, and a sense of shared purpose as they guide their teams through this period of change. By focusing on both the personal and professional growth of their employees and fostering a culture of adaptability, leaders can ensure that their teams remain motivated, engaged, and aligned with the future direction of the industry.

Finally, Sharon, as someone who was personally recognised for your outstanding contribution to the Medtech industry in 2014, what is the primary legacy you want to leave for the world?

After some thought, my legacy lies in empowering learners, fostering a culture of continuous growth, and aligning training with organisational goals to drive measurable impact.

"Growing talent is not about filling roles today—it's about nurturing potential, cultivating passion, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow."

Thank you to Sharon for her time and her valuable insights!



Irish Medtech Skillnet in the Spotlight

Irish Medtech Skillnet on the Road

Promoting our transformative training solutions “on the road” is all in a day’s work for our team! We’ve already started to build our 2025 Tour schedule. You’ll find us at:

QARA Forum, Thursday 6th March, Radisson Blu Hotel Limerick
Sterility Forum, Wednesday 9th April, Sheraton Hotel Athlone

Can we add your event to the list?

If you’re planning an event or career day to support continuing professional development for your employees, we would love to be there! We can participate in industry events as speakers or panel participants. These events keep us close to our industry audience, and drive awareness of our industry-led, funded programmes which attendees can avail of. Please get in touch to invite us to your upcoming event.



Meet the Team: Dr. Yvonne O’Byrne, Project Manager and Business Development Senior Executive with the Irish Medtech Skillnet

As a Project Manager and Business Development Senior Executive with the Irish Medtech Skillnet, Yvonne is responsible for coordinating the development of new training programmes in collaboration with our industry and academic partners and leading the Industry Insights research projects which we undertake to inform and guide the future direction of the Irish medtech industry across a broad range of topics, relevant to our sector. Yvonne also works on the new, consortia-led Manufacturing Engineering and Polymer Technology Apprenticeships.

In her role, Yvonne has been able to leverage past experience on managing complex projects, having previously worked with the V-LINC expert research group in Munster Technological University (MTU) on a wide variety of EU funded projects. Her pragmatic approach to project management is also part-shaped by her past experiences in elite sport, where she developed the ability to lead, problem solve and communicate effectively under pressure!

Yvonne has a keen interest in public health, having successfully defended her PhD thesis entitled ‘Project Spraoi: The implementation and outcomes of a process evaluation of a school-based health promotion intervention’ in 2022, and is delighted to have the opportunity to work with companies in the medical device and health technology industry who are making a huge difference to the quality of patients’ lives daily.

Since joining the Irish Medtech Skillnet in 2023, Yvonne has had the opportunity to support the development of new programmes that align with industry needs such as BioInnovate 101, our accredited Professional Mentor Training and Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives. However, her highlight of 2024 was the launch of our landmark report ‘Talent to Thrive: The Future Skills Report for Ireland’s Medtech Sector, 2024–2028’ developed by the Irish Medtech Skillnet. This landmark report provides a clear blueprint for the future skill needs of the Irish Medtech sector across five strategic pillars: Manufacturing, Research, Development and Innovation, Sustainability, Regulatory Affairs, and Human Resources and also addresses cross functional needs in digital and transversal skills. The huge body of research work presented in this report from stakeholders across the
medtech and adjacent sectors in Ireland and abroad is a testament to the dynamism and rigor of the
Irish Medtech Skillnet team. It offers us and our valued industry partners a comprehensive roadmap to identify and address emerging skills gaps in the coming years, through our transformative training solutions.

If you would like to connect with Yvonne via LinkedIn here, please reach out to her if she can offer assistance
to you. Yvonne and the entire IMS team are here to help!

Dr. Yvonne O’Byrne
Project Manager and Business Development Senior Executive with the Irish Medtech Skillnet
E: yvonne.obyrne@ibec.ie
W: www.IrishMedtechSkillnet.ie


Thank you for joining us in this edition of Talent to Thrive, the monthly newsletter updates from Irish Medtech Skillnet for Ireland’s Medtech Sector! We look forward to continuing our journey of learning and innovation together in future and we plan to bring you these updates regularly.

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