February BioInnovate Ireland's searching for future health innovators

BioInnovate Ireland, the specialist medical device and health technology innovation programme at University of Galway, has launched its latest search for future healthcare innovators.

The programme, which is formally affiliated to Stanford BioDesign and co-funded by the University and Enterprise Ireland, is hosting a special online event for anyone interested on Thursday February 8^th from 7pm-8pm. 

Anyone interested can register on Eventbrite by following a link to the webinar on www.bioinnovate.ie

Dr Sinéad Walsh, Director of Operations at BioInnovate Ireland, explained the purpose of the event: “BioInnovate Ireland is committed to cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs. Each year we welcome applications to the programme from diverse backgrounds, including clinical - all healthcare professionals; technical - engineers, scientists, data analysts, designers;  commercial - business, MBA graduates, marketing leaders; and other highly motivated individuals interested in healthcare innovation. 

“The information evening is the perfect opportunity to explore the programme, hear from distinguished alumni and current fellows, and find out about the transformative impact the programme has had. To date, we have trained 148 Fellows and their work with us has led to 33 new start-up companies that have created new technologies which have benefitted more than 4,000 patients and raised more than €250million in private and public funding.”

Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting the development of Irish-owned companies on their journey to achieving greater scale and to become global leaders in their field. Pioneering Irish innovators are playing a transformative role in the delivery of healthcare solutions around the world. 

"In particular, BioInnovate Ireland is an important part of the ecosystem which fosters the development of these companies, and we would encourage interested innovators to engage with this event to learn more about how this programme can support your career ambition and provide an ideal platform to an exciting new start-up journey. 

"Enterprise Ireland is proud to support BioInnovate, through the Innovators Initiative ‘Pioneering Smart Futures’ education and training programme, which is funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Northern and Western Regional Programme (2021-2027).”

Professor Martin O’Halloran is the Executive Director of BioInnovate Ireland, outlined the programme structure: “The BioInnovate programme is affiliated with Stanford BioDesign and has three key stages - identify, invent and implement. It guides multidisciplinary teams through a full cycle of innovation, from identifying need, to designing and prototyping viable solutions, as well as securing funding.” 

BioInnovate Alumna Camille O’Malley is Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer of XTremedy Medical, said: “The BioInnovate programme is a unique opportunity to explore the medtech entrepreneurship space. It offers candidates the chance to break into new career spaces and grow an expert network with the local and global medtech space. Alumni to date have gone on to found some of Ireland’s highest potential start-ups,  develop breakthrough innovations for patients, lead venture capital teams and beyond.”

The BioInnovate fellowship is a fully funded 10-month programme supported by Enterprise Ireland. It offers fellows with a tax-free monthly stipend of €3,800 and covers programme fees.

BioInnovate Ireland is supported under the Innovators’ Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.

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