The funding will support the creation of the Accelerating Research to Commercialisation (ARC) Hub for HealthTech, a collaborative initiative involving the University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University, and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The ARC Hub aims to speed up the development and commercialisation of innovative health technologies. Twenty-three promising research projects have been selected for funding, each with strong potential to improve patient care and scale rapidly if successful. Key focus areas include smart implants, advanced wearable devices, and cutting-edge sensors to monitor health conditions more effectively.

Funded by the Irish Government and the European Regional Development Fund, this initiative is designed to strengthen the region’s already vibrant MedTech industry. Thousands are employed in the sector, which benefits from a steady stream of highly skilled graduates from local universities.

The new Hub will bring together clinical and business expertise to advance new treatments for chronic diseases. It will also provide regulatory guidance and collaborate with companies to accelerate the journey from research to market.

Minister for Innovation James Lawless emphasised the Hub’s potential to transform entrepreneurial training in the North West and enhance both healthcare delivery and innovation ecosystems. He noted the importance of making new health solutions available more quickly to those who need them.

Welcoming the announcement, Interim President of the University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, highlighted the strength of regional collaboration. He described the ARC Hub as a powerful alliance that will tackle key healthcare challenges and leverage innovation for both national and global benefit.