Stronger Together

Advancing Global MedTech Innovation: WTC Dublin and WTC Twente Forge Connections Between Ireland and the Netherlands

Through a dynamic trade mission spanning Dublin and Galway, the two World Trade Centers brought together MedTech leaders to promote international collaboration, innovation, and growth across borders.

From September 22 to 25, the World Trade Center Dublin proudly partnered with colleagues at World Trade Center Twente, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ireland and GO4EXPORT, to host the Medical Technology Ireland Trade Mission.

This impactful mission brought a delegation of innovative Dutch companies to Dublin and Galway to explore opportunities within Ireland’s world-leading MedTech ecosystem, fostering knowledge exchange, partnerships, and international growth across borders.

A Warm Welcome in Dublin

The mission opened in Dublin with a reception hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ireland, where Deputy Ambassador Nora Dessing welcomed delegates and set the tone for a week focused on collaboration and innovation.

At NovaUCD, University College Dublin’s innovation center, participants were introduced to two leading Irish companies—Output Sports, pioneers in wearable performance tracking, and Head Diagnostics, creators of advanced neurological assessment tools. The discussions highlighted the potential collaborations between Dutch and Irish MedTech innovators in digital health and connected technology.

Galway: The Heart of Ireland’s MedTech Industry

The delegation then traveled west to Galway, the beating heart of Ireland’s MedTech sector. Visits to Synecco, a leader in design and contract manufacturing, and BioInnovate Ireland, an incubator that supports next-generation medical entrepreneurs, provided firsthand insights into how Ireland’s collaborative MedTech ecosystem continues to thrive.

Delegates attended the Medical Technology Ireland Expo & Conference at the historic Galway Racecourse—one of Europe’s leading MedTech events, with over 400 exhibitors and international experts. The event showcased Ireland’s position as the EU’s second-largest exporter of medical technology products and its status as the home of 18 of the top 25 global medical device companies.

For the Twente companies, this was an exceptional opportunity to showcase innovation, explore new markets, and engage directly with potential Irish partners. Two of the Dutch participants were so inspired that they secured their own exhibition booths for next year’s conference.

Exploring Ireland’s Advanced Manufacturing Future

The mission continued with an insightful visit to the Kildare Innovation Campus (KIC)—a €286 million development focused on sustainability, quantum technology, AI, photonics, and space innovation. With Europe’s largest cleanroom facility and CO₂-neutral infrastructure, KIC represents the future of deeptech and MedTech in Ireland, projected to create over 3,000 jobs.

A guided tour at MGS Mfg. Group offered delegates a closer look at Ireland’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and sustainable production processes, further illustrating the country’s leadership in engineering excellence and innovation-driven growth.

Celebrating Collaboration and Global Partnership

The trade mission concluded in Dublin with a celebratory closing dinner at Lincoln’s Inn, where participants reflected on a week filled with meaningful connections, shared learning, and the beginning of many promising partnerships.

Participating organizations included: BAAT Medical, D’Andrea & Evers Design, IDE Group, IMS – Production Automation, Vernay, and the Province of Overijssel, along with representatives from MedTech Twente, WTC Twente, and WTC Dublin.

“These connections are crucial for driving innovation, strengthening global trade, and shaping the future of MedTech across borders,” said Maureen Pace, President of the World Trade Center Dublin. “We are proud to work alongside our colleagues at WTC Twente to create opportunities that fuel growth, inspire collaboration, and deliver positive impact in healthcare worldwide.”

Looking Ahead

This mission marked another step forward in strengthening the bridge between Dutch and Irish innovation. WTC Dublin and WTC Twente share a steadfast commitment to advancing global collaboration in medical technology—ensuring businesses have the support, networks, and insights they need to succeed in an evolving global healthcare landscape.

Together, we continue to build bridges that connect ecosystems, empower innovation, and transform patient care worldwide.