Tánaiste Leo Varadkar visited Galway on Friday to formally open a state of the art expansion to GMIT, which will help create jobs in the region.
The Innovation Hub (iHub) extension and new Medical Imaging Suite are the latest additions to the Dublin Road campus at GMIT.
Tánaiste Varadkar said that these facilities are a “real boost” for present and future entrepreneurs in Galway and beyond.
“This new space will provide start-ups with the space and network to develop new ideas and collaborate with industry and their peers.”
“I think it’s a really exciting opportunity and I look forward to hearing about the success of companies who originated from here in the future.”
GMIT’s iHub has doubled in size to 2,400m2, accommodating hi-tech incubation space for eleven dedicated MedTech R&D units, and seven incubation units for start-ups,
It also now includes a co-working space, an events space, social hubs, and breakout meeting and networking areas.
Inside the building is GMIT’s new Medical Imaging Suite operated by the Enterprise Ireland Medical and Engineering Technology Gateway (MET).
The Medical Imaging Suite was installed over the summer to assist in training clinicians, staff, and students, as well as evaluating medical devices.
This new Philips Azurion 7 M20 fluoroscope provides state of the art imaging capabilities to industry, research and academic partners.
Manager of the Medical Imaging Suite Sharon White said that it “perfectly complements” existing expertise in “medical imaging, anatomical modelling and physiological replication”.
“Additionally, it provides our industry partners with access to facilities not readily available outside
Tánaiste Varadkar said that the past two years have shown the importance of having a thriving medtech sector in Ireland.
“We want to grow the industry further here and are providing the investment and infrastructure to make it happen.”
“This new Medical Imaging Suite is a state of the art piece of equipment and will be a great resource for researchers and industry alike,” Leo Varadkar said.
“I wish GMIT the very best of luck with this expansion and to any entrepreneurs with an idea in the MedTech space, this facility and the expert network around it is here for you. Take a chance on your idea and the Government will back you.”
