30 leading medical device and digital health startups from Ireland and across the globe are competing today in Dublin to secure a spot in MedTech Innovator (MTI), the world’s largest and most impactful accelerator of medical technology.

Now in its 12th year, MTI supports the development of the most promising medtech innovations to improve patient care. Partners RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Trinity College Dublin are co-hosting the Dublin pitch event as part of MTI’s 2024 Road Tour, with six events in the USA, Ireland, and Singapore. 

The 30 selected startups include four from Ireland, along with companies from Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. They are competing for a coveted spot among 60 slots in the MTI Accelerator, a four-month programme starting in June, where they receive coaching and mentoring from senior industry leaders and high-profile visibility at the largest medtech conferences in North America. In 2024, MTI will award over US$1,300,000 in cash prizes to programme finalists across the MedTech Innovator, BioTools Innovator, and MedTech Innovator APAC programmes.

“We are thrilled to be back in Dublin with RCSI and Trinity College to host the MedTech Innovator international pitch event. This year’s 30 selected pitch companies share with MTI and RCSI the goal of improving patient outcomes and the quality of life for millions of people worldwide,” said Paul Grand, founder and Chief Executive Officer of MedTech Innovator. “We’re grateful for our continued partnership and can’t wait to see what these innovative startups are working on and how we might accelerate their progress.”
 
MTI received over 1,300 applications for its 2024 programme focused on USA market access and success. Based on input from 500 reviewers, 20% of applicants have been invited to pitch events, including today’s Dublin event. These best-in-class global startups will meet with and receive feedback from 70 expert evaluators, including large medtech manufacturers, investors, and clinicians. MTI has a track record of yielding market success, with its 612 graduates bringing 310 products to market, and 96% of graduates still in business or having been acquired. In 2023 alone, MTI graduates raised $2 billion in funding, accounting for 28% of all capital raised in the medtech sector.

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said: “At RCSI, we are driving improvements in human health through our pioneering research that bridges the gap between medical science and patient care. This partnership with MedTech Innovator and Trinity underscores our commitment to nurturing emerging talents and technologies. By providing a platform for these startups, we contribute to developing solutions that promise to transform patient outcomes in healthcare.”

Dr Michelle Olmstead, Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer at Trinity, commented: “Trinity Innovation and Enterprise is delighted to continue our partnership with MedTech Innovator and RCSI, translating world-class research into enterprises that make positive and sustainable impacts for a healthier society.”  

Innovation at RCSI is co-funded by KT Boost. The Government of Ireland and the European Union co-fund RCSI’s involvement in the KT Boost programme through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.

Five of today’s startups will also be selected to compete for the audience vote at the MedTech Strategist Innovation Summit Dublin on 16 April, with the winner receiving a travel award to the USA and a spot in the MTI accelerator.