LONDON, September 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

-Damien English TD, the Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, to open two-day event, which is the gateway to inspiration and home of the latest developments around medical device technology-

MEDTEC Ireland is set to return to Galway, the medical technology hub of Ireland, on the 1^st and 2^nd October 2014. The two-day event will be the perfect opportunity for exhibitors and attendees alike to network within what has fast become known as one of the largest medical clusters in Europe; with Ireland home to eight of the world's top ten medical device manufacturers.

The event will incorporate an exhibition, free conference and workshops, with European medtech companies convening to discuss the latest developments in the industry, technological trends and regulatory issues.

One of the highlights of the event is that for the first time an Irish Minister of State will be opening the event. In his keynote address on the opening day of the event, Damien English, the Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, will be addressing key drivers and trends in the medical device market and the future outlook, as well as the promotion of research, innovation and growth.

Damien English comments, "Research and innovation across the medical device industry has, and will continue to be vital for its continued growth and success. Its importance is recognised by the inclusion of this sector as one of the 14 priority areas under Research Prioritisation. These priority areas were identified on the basis of existing strengths of the public research and enterprise base and opportunities that exist in terms of the global marketplace.

"The sector is already thriving - and Ireland is now the second largest exporter of medical technology globally.  But we are also seeing a change, from a prominent manufacturing focus to one that is more complex and driven by R&D.

"Medical technology today involves intensive collaboration between a broad range of partners, including research institutions, clinicians, manufacturing companies and government agencies. Bringing experienced and successful businesses together with new start-ups at the event and giving them the opportunity to learn from each other will be extremely fruitful.

"The popularity of MEDTEC Ireland is growing year on year and I'm very much looking forward to opening the event and engaging with exhibitors and attendees."

The central theme of day two of the event is start-ups and new technologies, and the key note speaker is entrepreneur and former Irish Presidential candidate, Sean Gallagher. Recognised nationally as a champion of small business, Sean will utilise the diversity of his experience to discuss how best to raise funding under current investment challenges and what potential investors are looking for.

Sean Gallagher comments: "MEDTEC Ireland is the only event in Ireland that brings together leaders across the medical technology sector, enabling their development, manufacturing and partnering processes to realise full potential.

"Across the medical device industry, there is renewed pressure on companies to adapt to changing regulations and technology will undoubtedly play a crucial part in this. As regulations tighten, the need for medical device manufacturers to examine their systems, processes and operations is intensifying, and this event will give attendees a great opportunity to explore and share the latest product developments, research and innovations.

"Increasingly we're seeing more and more innovative medtech start-ups entering the field and it's great to be able to share in their successes at the event. There are a number of considerations when it comes to fundraising for medical technology and I'm looking forward to sharing some of theses with start-up companies during the two days."

In addition, this year's event also features the new Start-up Academy, where young businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations and business strategies. Visitors to the event will also decide who wins the Exhibitor Innovations Competition and vote for the best exhibit of the show. For further information, please visit the website - Exhibitor Innovation Competition.

SOURCE MEDTEC Ireland