Summary

The ARC Hub for HealthTech will operate primarily in the Life Sciences, MedTech and Medical Devices areas, which are sectors of strength in the Northern and Western region.   

Anchored by multinationals and indigenous companies and supported by government-funded research and infrastructural assets, Ireland’s Northern and Western Region boasts a thriving MedTech sector. Other sectors of regional strength include high-value manufacturing and ICT services.  

This Hub will deepen links between these synergistic sectors and drive regional impact by developing innovative solutions for evolving healthcare systems, characterised by the rapid uptake of digital technologies and aging populations. Leveraging existing regional infrastructure, the Hub assembles a cohesive team of experts in MedTech and connected health translational research, and entrepreneurship.  

The Hub will deliver a comprehensive innovation and entrepreneurial training platform which will build commercial acumen and enhance success throughout the product development lifecycle.  

This initiative will generate global opportunities, anchor regional companies, retain skilled jobs, and future-proof the region’s economic development. The Hub’s outcomes will address the developmental needs of regional enterprises, accelerating the national and international deployment of medical and connected health technologies. 

A decorative image depicting health technology

Research Areas

The ARC Hub for HealthTech is focused on accelerating translational research in chronic disease management, specifically in five technological thematic areas:  

1) Decision Support and Intervention planning 

2) Smart Implants 

3) Advanced Wearables 

4) Novel Sensors 

5) Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning models 

Research Programme

The ARC Hub for HealthTech accelerates the transition of MedTech and connected health research to commercial success.   

Examples of current translational research projects include:  

  • Smart dressings for advanced wound care  
  • Sensor-enhanced system for advanced fall detection, prevention and health monitoring   
  • Artificial intelligence clinical decision support system for hypertension  
  • A novel respiratory measurement device for screening for lung disease  
  • Pre-Surgical AI assistance for accurate breast cancer tumour sizing in 3D breast scans    
  • An implantable drug delivery device to improve drug treatment of high blood pressure    

Academic Partners

  • RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences 
  • Atlantic Technological University (ATU) 
  • University College Dublin (UCD) 
  • University of Limerick (UL) 
  • Tyndall  
  • University College Cork UCC 

Interested in being involved with the Hub?

The ARC Hub for HealthTech is always looking for motivated researchers and industry partners. To find out more, contact: 

Hub Director: Prof. Garry Duffy, garry.duffy@universityofgalway.ie