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

July
In this issue
1. Thrive in 2025: Upcoming Course Highlights
1. Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives
2. Digitalisation of Manufacturing: Choose from Masters or Microcredentials
3. Professional Mentor Training (EMCC)
2. Industry News in Ireland
1. Skillnet Ireland Annual Report 2024: Powering Enterprise Through Talent
2. A Clinical Trials Revolution in the City of the Tribes
3. Celebrating our Living Leadership Graduates
4. Skills at the Core: Two National Reports, One Clear Message for Ireland’s Medtech Sector
3. Irish Medtech Skillnet in the Spotlight
1. On the Road: Upcoming Events and Site Visits to our Industry Partners
4. Industry Insights - In Conversation with Liam Sheedy, two-time All-Ireland Hurling Championship winning Manager with Tipperary and senior adviser on leadership, performance and strategy.
1. De-risk, Develop and Scale your R&D with our Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives programme
Following a successful pilot in 2024, the ‘Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives’ programme is now re-open for bookings through Irish Medtech Skillnet, delivering a powerful blueprint for future-focused leaders investing in R&D and innovation. The programme takes place October 21st - 23rd, at the award-winning Wineport Lodge, in Athlone.

Established from Stanford University’s globally recognised BioDesign methodology, this course is essential for C-suite and senior-level leaders. It offers an immersive, three-day programme that demystifies innovation strategy and translates it into a practical system for leading breakthrough solutions in complex, regulated environments.

Feedback from Past Participants

Whether you are driving next-gen medical devices, diagnostics, or digital health technologies, the programme equips executives with a systematic approach to identifying unmet needs, validating concepts, and aligning innovation strategy with commercial goals.

Delivered by an international faculty of seasoned BioDesign educators and medtech entrepreneurs, the programme introduces global best practices and challenges participants to think creatively while managing risk, resources, and regulation — the trifecta that defines success in today’s medtech landscape.

You can learn more by attending our informational webinar to outline 'Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives' programme, taking place on September 16th. Book it here.

The event will feature:

• Eoghan Ó Faoláin, Facilitator, Director, Irish Medtech Skillnet | Board Member, BioInnovate Ireland

• Camille O’Malley, CTO & Co-Founder, Xtremedy Medical | MIT Innovator Under 35 | BioInnovate Fellow/BioInnovate Ireland Industry Training Manager

And past participants from the programme:

• Robert Nolan, Merit Medical
• Frank White, Medtronic
• Kevin Conlon, Harland Medical Systems Europe Ltd.

For organisations committed to embedding innovation at the core of their culture, this programme offers more than training — it is a strategic investment in leadership capability. Spaces are limited, and early booking is strongly encouraged. Secure your spot now and position your leadership team at the forefront of strategic innovation. Explore the Programme.

2. Master the Digital Future of Manufacturing, with flexible learning opportunities

As digital transformation reshapes industry, our MSc in Digitalisation of Manufacturing offers manufacturing professionals the skills to lead that change. Delivered in partnership with Technological University Shannon (TUS) and IDEAM Research Institute, this Level 9 programme blends research-led insight with real-world application.

• Designed for manufacturing, mechanical or engineering professionals, and those migrating from associated disciplines to guide Industry 4.0/5.0 adoption in medtech and manufacturing.

• Key technical modules include Data Analytics & Machine Learning, Cyber-Physical Systems & IoT, and Database Design & Visualisation.

• Flexible hybrid delivery: four bootcamps and workshops over two years, plus online tutorials

For those not ready to commit to the full MSc, individual subject-specific micro-credentials are also available, offering focused upskilling in core digital manufacturing areas. Learners can opt to take standalone modules such as:

• Data Analytics and Machine Learning

• Cyber-Physical Systems and IoT

• Digital Twins in Production Operations

• Database Design and Data Visualisation

Each module offers a certified, credit-bearing pathway to targeted expertise, with the option to stack them toward a full qualification over time. The course also emphasises an applied research dissertation co-sponsored by industry, allowing professionals to tackle real “lived” problems and deliver real innovation in their workplace. Graduates gain:

• Cutting-edge technical competence in automation, AI, robotics, and industrial data systems

• A Level 9 MSc degree, with pathway potential to a PhD

• Deeper leadership, research and communication skills tailored for the digital transformation era

This subsidised programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and built for flexibility. It’s not just upskilling; it’s a strategic investment in your leadership and your company’s evolution. Learn about it here.

Elevate Performance Through Mentorship: Book Professional Mentor Training (EMCC)

In any dynamic industry, effective mentorship is pivotal for cultivating talent and driving innovation. The Professional Mentor Training (EMCC) programme, developed by Irish Medtech Skillnet in collaboration with EDelia Group, is tailored for emerging leaders in management roles. This comprehensive course equips all participants with the skills to mentor effectively, fostering personal and professional growth within their teams.

The programme offers experiential learning led by expert facilitators, personalised development and coaching, in an 11-week

blended learning schedule designed to accommodate the demands of busy professionals.

Learn more about this programme during our upcoming webinar featuring three inspiring alumni —leaders who’ve embedded the mentoring toolkit into real-world leadership strategies. Hear from Lorraine Keane, Senior Process Development Engineer at Boston Scientific, Adrian Hogan, Apprenticeship Program Co-ordinator at Johnson & Johnson and Mary Devery, Principal Quality Consultant at Aztec Medical. Book your place at our webinar on September 9th.

This Irish Medtech Skillnet programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
By completing this programme, participants will be adept at applying mentoring skills to enhance the development of their mentees, and ready to step into leadership roles within your organisation. Learn more about it here.

There’s lots more to avail of in 2025

Enrolment is now open for many more programmes on our website! Our training programmes are subsidised by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, saving companies on standard course fees, with minimal barriers to access. Whether you are a start-up, scaling up, or a multinational, all Irish companies can access our funded training programmes with no paid membership required.

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. View our 2025 Programme Catalogue here.

Skillnet Ireland Annual Report 2024: Powering Enterprise Through Talent

Amidst a backdrop of global uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, Skillnet Ireland’s 2024 Annual Report underscores one resounding theme: talent is Ireland’s most vital economic asset. With a record €76 million invested in workforce development, the agency supported over 90,000 trainees and 24,000 businesses in 2024, 91% of which were SMEs. This record-breaking output highlights the resilience and agility of Skillnet Ireland’s enterprise-led model—sharpening Ireland’s competitive edge through strategic upskilling.

In their foreword, Chairperson Brendan McGinty and Chief Executive, Mark Jordan set a clear tone: as the cost of doing business rises and geopolitical tensions persist, talent development will be Ireland’s lever for growth. The report outlines how Skillnet Ireland is stepping up to face major economic shifts and external forces—from trade restrictions to AI adoption to climate transition—while helping the Government meet its ambitious job creation goals.

In a year of standout innovation across 70 Skillnet Ireland networks, Irish Medtech Skillnet featured prominently in the report. Two of our flagship initiatives were showcased as transformative for the medtech landscape last year:

View the report in full here.

Key Usage Statistics from 2024

(L-R) Dr Eoghan Ó Faoláin, Director, Irish Medtech; Dr Ann O’Connell, Network Manager, Irish Medtech Skillnet; Eugene McCarthy, Head of Department of Analytical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, School Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University; and Tracey Donnery, Director of Policy & Communications, Skillnet Ireland.

• The launch of Europe’s first Master’s in End-to-End Sterility Assurance (in partnership with Irish Medtech and ATU Galway)

• The release of the landmark ‘Talent to Thrive: The Future Skills Report for Ireland’s Medtech Sector 2024 – 2028 report charting the skills roadmap for Ireland’s medtech sector

The Master’s, which builds on the preestablished Postgraduate Certificate, equips professionals with deep expertise in sterility, microbiology, and innovation management—fortifying Ireland’s global medtech leadership. Meanwhile, the Future of Skills report forecasts 56,000 direct jobs in the sector by 2028 and calls for urgent investment in digital, data and sustainability skills.

This year also saw Skillnet Ireland earn praise from the EU Commission for delivering best-in-class programmes and implementing meaningful policies across critical national strategies, including offshore wind, digitalisation, climate action, and housing. As Skillnet Ireland enters the final year of its 2021–2025 strategy, the organisation will continue to empower enterprise transformation through future-focused talent and redefine what’s possible when industry leads the way. View the report in full here.

Clinical trials are the gateway to global markets, R&D reimbursement and consumer trust. With R&D, design and manufacturing strongly rooted here, Ireland’s lack of trial delivery infrastructure has been a bit of an anomaly for the industry and robust clinical trial capacity has been a pitfall for many innovators. According to Silicon Republic, a dynamic accelerator programme launched in Galway and championed by Medtronic veteran John Kilmartin, aims to change that. Clinical trials are the last piece of the puzzle for Ireland’s medtech sector”, says Kilmartin, a former Medtronic executive who has joined the recently established Institute for Clinical Trials to help drive the uptake of medtech trials through a new ‘Hypercare’ initiative.

The pilot project will map every step from ethical board applications to patient onboarding and data systems, while a Hypercare “rapid-response team” will guide Irish Medtechs to first-in-human trials. It’s an all-hands-on-deck approach: involving universities, HSE, CROs, regulators, hospitals and patient groups under one roof.

‘Hypercare’ will act as a go-between, Kilmartin explains, supporting and guiding companies in their dealings with the National Research Ethics Committees (NREC) and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

John Kilmartin. Image: Martina Regan Photography 2024

Ireland already offers a powerful medtech ecosystem with strong imaging and clinical facilities, robust governmental support, and proximity to major manufacturing operations. Combine that with Ireland's deep talent pool and scale-up culture, and you have an ideal testbed to deliver trials fast, safely and cost-effectively. If successful, this pilot will reposition Ireland as a leader in trial-making. Early-phase studies conducted here could speed access to life-changing innovations, giving Irish R&D innovators a new competitive edge, and attracting FDI from global players keen to trial on Irish soil.

Stay tuned for further updates as Hypercare-supported trials are set to begin within the next few months.

Celebrating our Living Leadership Graduates

Congratulations to all participants on the Living Leadership programme which wrapped up with a Certification ceremony in June. Special congratulations to our own Mary Kane, Operations Manager for Irish Medtech Skillnet. Mary and all the motivated and enthusiastic participants on the programme represented a range of medtech and manufacturing companies, including Writech, Serosep, Stryker, Hanley Calibration, Alcon, Cook Medical, Veryan Medical, Neurent Medical, Teleflex, and Johnson & Johnson.

Dr. Ann O'Connell, Network Manager for Irish Medtech Skillnet congratulated the participants on their accomplishment, which has "empowered them to lead at all levels in the Irish medtech and manufacturing sectors”. This popular programme combines interactive sessions, with personalised coaching to give participants the tools, insights, and confidence to excel as leaders. The programme was expertly facilitated by Genos International. Learn more about the programme.


Pioneers to Watch: Our Clients Lead the Way in 2026 HealthTech Innovation

We’re thrilled to see three of our valued client companies featured in ThinkBusiness.ie's “Irish Medtech Start-ups to Watch in 2026”. Congratulations to the exceptional teams at Neurent Medical, Symphisis Medical, and Versono Medical, three "brilliant Irish ventures" who have put innovation, bold thinking and strategic execution at the heart of their enterprises.

At Irish MedTech Skillnet, we believe in supporting Medtech leaders at every step of the journey. If RD&I is a strategic focus for your company in 2026 and beyond, now is the time to learn more about our game-changing 'Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives' programme, a cutting-edge roadmap for leadership teams ready to prioritise needs-led RD&I as a core business driver. This programme will help you lead with intent, insight, and impact – and foster market-driven innovation at an organisational level.

The programme is masterfully led by BioInnovate Ireland's expert faculty, who bring over 30 years of experience in generating commercial opportunities and fostering tangible healthcare change, and bookings are open now here on our website.

Read the full article and be inspired!


Skills at the Core: Two National Reports, One Clear Message for Ireland’s Medtech Sector

Two landmark reports, one from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) in June 2025, and the other from Irish Medtech Skillnet in June 2024, are sounding the same urgent call: Ireland’s economic future hinges on collaboration, agility, and future-proofing our people with digital and transversal skills.

The new EGFSN’s “Skills Insights” report is a cross-sector blueprint for workforce resilience, championing continuous lifelong learning, micro-credentialing, and apprenticeships as cornerstones of a dynamic, future-ready economy. It urges industry, government, and academia to co-design responsive education and upskilling systems, underscoring the need for transversal power skills like problem-solving and teamwork, alongside technical and digital fluency.

That may sound familiar!

Irish Medtech Skillnet’s 2024 “Talent to Thrive” report, developed in collaboration with Irish Medtech and KPMG, focused on medtech and manufacturing, and similarly identified technical, digital and transversal skill sets as the areas of greatest need for the industry. Skills development in these three vital areas is seen as mission-critical for the growth of Ireland’s 48,000-strong medtech workforce. where those gaps exist.

Technical refers to non-digital skill sets that apply to specific scenarios and problems (e.g., injection moulding). Digital relates to the shift towards automation and advanced manufacturing, and the infiltration of digitalisation across all roles and functions. Transversal relates to learned and proven abilities that are transferable across different scenarios, industries, and jobs, and are essential for personal and professional success (e.g., communication, leadership). From automation on the production floor to smart devices, AI diagnostics and sustainable design, the demand for new skills is accelerating across every function, including RD&I, manufacturing, regulatory, HR, and sustainability.

In line with the EGFSN report recommendations, Irish Medtech Skillnet is already focused on developing and delivering smarter, shorter, industry-led training to fill those skills gaps and meet professionals and industry needs. Both reports stress that our greatest asset is not just training in isolation, but as part of a collaborative ecosystem where industry, policymakers and educators unite to build a workforce that’s not just ready for change, but staying ahead of it.

It’s gratifying to see that the EGFSN 2025 Skills Insight report syncs so thoroughly with our own 2024 sector-specific roadmap. It’s clear that skills development will play a vital role in overcoming global competition, regulatory upheaval, trade restrictions and digital disruption for Medtech and for the economy overall.

Irish Medtech Skillnet in the SpotlightIrish Medtech Skillnet on the Road
Promoting our transformative training solutions “on the road” is all in a day’s work for our team! These events keep us close to our industry audience and drive awareness of our industry-led, funded programmes which attendees can avail of.

If you’re planning an event or career day to support continuing professional development for your employees, we would love to have a stand there! We can also participate in industry events as speakers or panel participants. Here’s how our 2025 Tour schedule is shaping up. Please get in touch if we can add your event to the list.

• Career Day - Taking place in Merit Medical in August 2025
• Professional Mentor Training Informational Webinar - Join our webinar on 9th September 2025.
• Optimising Operations Through Technology – Taking place at TUS Coonagh Engineering Campus on 9th September 2025.
• Strategic Innovation for Senior Executives Webinar - Join our webinar on 16th September 2025.
• Further Education & Continuing Professional Development Expo – Taking place in Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in September 2025.
• Medical Technology Ireland Exhibition – Visit our stand on 24–25 September 2025 at the Galway Racecourse.
• Medtech Rising 2025 – We’re proud to sponsor this Irish Medtech event on Thursday, 4th December 2025, at the Galmont Hotel, Galway.

Industry Insights: An interview with Liam Sheedy

Liam Sheedy is one of the few people in Irish public life with deep roots in both elite sport and executive leadership. A two-time All-Ireland hurling winning manager with Tipperary in 2010 and 2019, Liam has also built a long-standing career in banking and now supports organisations across Ireland and beyond as a senior adviser on leadership, performance and strategy.

He is a Managing Director at Consello Group, sat on the Board of Sport Ireland for 10 years where he chaired the High Performance Committee, former Manager of two-time All-Ireland GAA Hurling Senior Championship Winners Tipperary in 2010 and 2019, Phillips Sports Manager of the Year, and a regular contributor to Irish Medtech Skillnet’s leadership programmes. During his time at Bank of Ireland, Liam led significant cultural and operational change during periods of financial uncertainty. Alongside this, he remains a familiar presence in homes across Ireland as a straight-talking GAA analyst on RTÉ’s Sunday Game.

With over 25 years of experience in high-performance environments, and a Master’s in Coaching and Performance from Ulster University, Liam brings a practical, people-centered approach to leadership. He is passionate about continuous development and creating the kind of culture where people can thrive on a consistent basis and enjoy the journey.

Liam Sheedy.

Reflecting on the recent 2025 hurling championship and the remarkable progress made by the Tipperary team he once managed, Liam highlights the power of hard work and leadership in driving performance. With that backdrop, we sat down with Liam to talk about resilience, building high-performing teams, and the role of lifelong learning in leadership.

Liam, you’ve led at the highest level in both sport and business. What shaped your path as a leader?

I didn’t go straight to college due to our family circumstances; I went straight to work. That early experience gave me drive and appreciation for every opportunity. My late brother Jimmy, a teacher, always emphasised the value of learning, and that stuck with me. Later, doing my Master’s in Coaching and Performance helped me connect practical experiential leadership with theory. It gave me language for what I had learned on the field and in business and helped me lead with more intention.

You work closely with Irish Medtech Skillnet to deliver leadership development. Why are these industry-led programmes so valuable?

These programmes are built with the sector, for the sector. That makes all the difference. In a high-pressure, fast-moving industry like medtech, leaders need tools that are practical and relevant. Structured development like this helps people step back, grow confidence, and return stronger. It’s about real-world impact, not just theory. It is also vitally important that you understand what the best in the world are doing in the leadership space, and learn how to adapt your own leadership style to meet the demands of a fast-changing dynamic environment.

You’ve spoken about the importance of hard work over raw talent. What does it take to build a winning team that performs under pressure?

Hard work is the great differentiator. Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard. Culture is key too, teams need trust, belief, and a shared purpose. Whether it’s a dressing room or a boardroom, the best teams understand that setbacks are part of the journey. They stay connected, back each other, and keep showing up to deliver the bounce back.

What leadership lessons from sport apply directly to the business world?

The environments might differ, but the principles are the same: high standards, communication, accountability, belief, and clarity of purpose. Sport taught me to manage the person, not just the role and that’s just as true in a business context.

You often say leadership is about helping people thrive. What does a high-performance culture actually look like?

It’s not about pressure, it’s about clarity, accountability, and care. You create the culture by what you model, reward, and tolerate. Ultimately it comes down to how we act, react and interact. The right culture makes it easier for people to bring their best—and feel good doing it.

You’ve built a public profile as a GAA pundit. How important is visibility for leaders today?

It’s a contact sport without question and you have to put time into interacting with people and building relationships. Visibility builds trust. Whether it’s through the media, in your community, or within your team, how you show up matters. People need to hear your voice and see your values and behaviours in action. Leaders today need to be intentional about their presence.

In your view, what’s the most underrated leadership skill?

Listening, real listening. Not waiting to talk or giving them the answer, but actually hearing what people are saying. When people feel heard, they engage. When they engage, they perform. We have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason!!!

Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave behind, Liam?

That I helped people believe in themselves, thrive, and enjoy the journey. That I created environments where people could grow while understanding the need to be challenged. My purpose is all about making a difference and inspiring people to realise their full potential in Business and Sport. I’ve always believed leadership is about service. If I’ve left people stronger and more confident, that’s enough for me. It also helps when you are doing what you love and loving what you do.

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

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