Breakthrough Irish medtech and life sciences start-ups to watch in 2026

Ireland has quietly become a global powerhouse in medtech and life sciences innovation.

From the bustling labs of Galway to the research hubs of Dublin and Cork, a new generation of start-ups is transforming how we diagnose, treat, and manage health conditions. These companies are not only pushing the boundaries of science and technology – they’re also attracting significant investment and international recognition.

We highlight 21 brilliant Irish ventures that are tackling some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

Whether it’s AI-powered diagnostics, wearable devices for cancer care, or next-generation implants for heart and brain health, these companies are redefining what’s possible in patient care. Many are university spin-outs, backed by Enterprise Ireland and the European Innovation Council, and are already making waves in global markets.

What unites them is a bold vision: to deliver smarter, faster, and more accessible healthcare solutions. With strong roots in Ireland’s collaborative innovation ecosystem, these medtech pioneers are not just building products – they’re building the future of medicine.

AuriGen Medical

Galway-based AuriGen Medical is tackling atrial fibrillation and heart failure with a first-of-its-kind implant that integrates stroke prevention, arrhythmia management, and heart failure monitoring. The device includes smart sensors that transmit real-time data to clinicians, enabling proactive care. In 2022, AuriGen raised nearly €3m through a crowdfunding campaign, adding to €1.75m from institutional investors and bringing total funding to over €15m. The funds are being used to support clinical trials and regulatory approvals.

BioSimulytics

BioSimulytics, a UCD spin-out, uses artificial intelligence to optimize drug development by predicting the best crystalline forms of pharmaceutical compounds. This reduces the time and cost of bringing new drugs to market. The company was also among the four Irish recipients of the EIC Accelerator Programme in 2023, sharing in the €18m funding pool. BioSimulytics’ platform enhances decision-making in preclinical development, helping pharmaceutical companies avoid costly formulation issues later in the pipeline.

Celtic Biotech

Dublin-based Celtic Biotech is developing novel therapies derived from natural sources to treat solid cancers and manage pain. Its lead product candidates are based on snake venom peptides, which have shown promise in targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Celtic Biotech was also a recipient of EIC Accelerator funding in 2023, part of the €18m awarded to four Irish medtech firms. The funding will support clinical trials and regulatory progress, with the goal of offering more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.

CergenX

Cork-based CergenX is a spin-out from the INFANT Centre at University College Cork, developing an AI-powered Newborn Brain Screener. The device enables non-specialists to detect brain injury in newborns within 15 minutes, addressing a critical gap in early diagnosis. Founded in 2021 by Jason Mowles, Prof. Geraldine Boylan, and Sean Griffin, CergenX has raised over €2m, including €1.2m in 2023. The funding supports team expansion and product development, with regulatory approval and pilot launches expected in 2025.

Ceroflo

Ceroflo, based in Galway, is pioneering a novel stent device to treat intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), a major cause of stroke. The company last year raised €6.4m to fund a first-in-human clinical trial involving 30 patients. This funding includes €5m through the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) and €1.4m from prominent medtech entrepreneurs and global stroke experts.

Ceroflo’s SubMax Stent is designed to address the limitations of current pharmaceutical treatments, which leave patients with a 20% annual risk of stroke.

Ceroflo brings together a stellar team from the Irish medical device industry, including co-founder and chair Eamon Brady; co-founder John O’Dea, CEO Chloe Brown, CTO Brendan Casey and advisor John O’Shaughnessy.

Cirdan

Lisburn-based Cirdan is a global leader in digital pathology, serving over 150 labs and hospitals across 20 countries. The company raised £2.3m in 2023 to expand operations and create 25 new jobs. Cirdan’s platform includes specimen imaging, patient and clinician apps, and a laboratory information system that integrates with AI and digital pathology tools. The funding, led by Kernel Capital and Clarendon Fund Managers, supports Cirdan’s mission to accelerate diagnostics and improve healthcare outcomes globally.

FeelTect

Spiddal-based FeelTect is transforming wound care with its “Tight Alright” connected-health technology. The wearable device monitors sub-bandage pressure during compression therapy for venous leg ulcers (VLUs), improving healing outcomes and reducing treatment costs. Founded by Dr. Andrew Cameron in 2019, the company recently secured €1.5m in funding from medtech syndicates and the Western Development Commission. This follows a €1.2m round in 2022. The funds will support clinical validation and commercial launch in the US and Europe.

Head Diagnostics

Head Diagnostics, an Irish medtech firm, has partnered with Philips to globally license its digital cognitive assessment platform. This collaboration aims to revolutionise early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The platform, based at NovaUCD and led by CEO David van Zuydam, uses digital biomarkers to assess cognitive function, offering a scalable and non-invasive solution for early diagnosis.

Hooke Bio

Hooke Bio, a University of Limerick spin-out based in Shannon, Co. Clare, is revolutionising early-stage drug discovery with its ultra-high-throughput microfluidic screening platform. This technology enables faster, more accurate drug screening, significantly improving the efficiency of pharmaceutical R&D. In 2023, Hooke Bio was one of four Irish companies awarded funding under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme, receiving part of a combined €18m in blended finance. The funding supports further development and commercialization of its platform, which has the potential to transform how new drugs are identified and validated.

ICS Medical Devices

Galway-based ICS Medical Devices is a fast-scaling catheter manufacturer serving global medtech innovators. Founded in 2019, ICS has grown rapidly, recently announcing the creation of 72 new jobs by 2028, supported by €1.5m in Enterprise Ireland funding. The company specializes in contract design, development, and manufacturing services for minimally invasive catheter technologies, targeting structural heart, neurovascular, and endovascular therapies. ICS has also expanded its R&D and manufacturing footprint, aiming to become the partner of choice for start-ups and established medtech firms worldwide.

LaNua

LaNua, a UCD spin-out founded in 2024, is developing a next-generation embolisation device for treating internal bleeding, vascular malformations, and tumours. The company raised $6.3m in seed funding from Elkstone, Atlantic Bridge, Enterprise Ireland, and Furthr VC. Its Ecore device is designed to improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs. LaNua is initially targeting liver cancer treatments and plans to enter the US market. The company also won the Big Ideas Award at Enterprise Ireland’s Start-Up Day 2024.

Lia Eyecare

Lia Eyecare, a joint spin-out from UCD and University of Galway, is tackling dry eye disease with its non-invasive Nightleaf device. The product uses thermal modulation and a neurological approach to stabilize the tear film layer. Lia Eyecare won a $25,000 cash award at the prestigious M2D2 Challenge in Massachusetts, validating its innovation on an international stage. The company is led by Breda O’Regan and is preparing for US market entry.

Luminate Medical

Galway-based Luminate Medical is developing Lily, a wearable device designed to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss. A spin-out from the University of Galway, Luminate recently secured funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme, part of a €18m award shared with three other Irish medtech firms. The device offers a comfortable, portable solution to a distressing side effect of cancer treatment, aiming to improve patient dignity and quality of life during chemotherapy.

Neurent Medical

Neurent Medical, headquartered in Galway, is a pioneering Irish medtech company developing innovative treatments for chronic rhinitis – a condition affecting millions globally with symptoms like persistent nasal congestion and runny nose. The company’s flagship product, Neuromark, is a minimally invasive, office-based therapy that targets the posterior nasal nerve using radiofrequency energy. This approach offers a safer, more convenient alternative to traditional surgical interventions.

Founded by Brian Shields and David Townley, Neurent Medical has made significant strides in clinical validation. A 2023 clinical trial demonstrated that patients experienced substantial symptom relief within three months of using the device, with no reported safety issues. This positions Neuromark as a game-changer in treating one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide.

Neurent Medical has also seen strong investor confidence. In January 2021, the company raised €20.6m in a Series B funding round led by Fountain Healthcare Partners, with participation from Atlantic Bridge, Life Science Partners, and Enterprise Ireland. This followed an earlier €9.3m Series A round in 2018. The funding has supported product development, clinical trials, and the company’s expansion into the US market.

In addition to its technological and clinical milestones, Neurent announced plans to create 125 jobs at a new manufacturing facility in Galway, reinforcing its commitment to local economic growth and global medtech leadership.

Neuromod Devices

Neuromod Devices, led by CEO and founder Dr Ross O’Neill and headquartered in Dublin, has developed Lenire, a breakthrough neuromodulation device for treating tinnitus. The device combines sound stimulation with tongue stimulation to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms. In 2023, Neuromod raised €30m in a Series B2 round, including €15m in equity led by Panakès Partners and €15m in venture debt from the European Investment Bank. The funding supports US market entry following FDA De Novo approval, expansion across Europe, and next-generation product development.

Shorla Oncology

Founded in 2018 by Sharon Cunningham and Orlaith Ryan in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Shorla Oncology is a trailblazing pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative oncology treatments, particularly for rare, orphan, and paediatric cancers. The company’s name – Shorla – is a blend of the founders’ first names, symbolising their shared vision and deep commitment to improving cancer care.

Cunningham and Ryan, both former colleagues at EirGen Pharma, leveraged their experience in regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical development to build Shorla from the ground up. Their mission: to address unmet clinical needs and drug shortages with more effective, accessible therapies. Today, Shorla boasts a team of 35 scientists and clinicians and has already secured FDA approval for three cancer drugs, including JYLAMVO, the only oral liquid methotrexate for several cancer and autoimmune conditions.

In 2023, Shorla raised $35m in Series B funding, led by Kurma Partners, with participation from Seroba Life Sciences, Enterprise Ireland, and international investors. This funding is accelerating the company’s pipeline and global expansion, particularly in the U.S. market.

Shorla’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Cunningham and Ryan were named EY Entrepreneurs of the Year, a prestigious recognition of their leadership and innovation. They were also honoured in the Future Leaders category at the Business Person of the Year Awards, cementing their status as two of Ireland’s most influential entrepreneurs in life sciences.

Sports Impact Technologies

Dublin-based Sports Impact Technologies, founded by Eóin Tuohy, is developing a behind-the-ear wearable that detects head impacts in real time. The device uses proprietary sensors to measure linear and angular accelerations, transmitting data instantly to coaches and medical staff. The company placed third at the M2D2 Challenge and received in-kind support from Mintz and bene : studio. Headquartered at NovaUCD, it aims to reduce concussion risks and improve athlete safety across sports.

SymPhysis Medical

Galway-based SymPhysis Medical is developing a patient-centric device called Releaze to treat malignant pleural effusion, a condition affecting around 50% of late-stage cancer patients. The device allows patients to manage fluid buildup in the chest at home, reducing hospital visits and improving quality of life. Founded by Tim Jones and Dr. Michelle Tierney, the company has raised over €5.6m to date, including €1.9m in 2022 and €1.5m in 2023. SymPhysis is targeting FDA approval and a US market launch, with ambitions to raise an additional €4.5m to support expansion and regulatory milestones.

VERSONO Medical

Founded by CTO Hugh O’Donoghue and CEO Finbar Dolan, Galway-based VERSONO Medical is developing the FastWire System, a breakthrough ultrasonic device for treating chronic total occlusions in arteries. The company won the CX Innovation Prize at the Charing Cross Symposium in London and is conducting a pivotal FREEFLOW study in the US. VERSONO raised €6.7m in funding and secured a €7m Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) grant for its Vascusense programme. The firm has grown from two to 22 employees and is expanding its Galway base.

Vertigenius

Founded by vestibular expert Dr Dara Meldrum, Vertigenius aims to improve the delivery of care to people suffering from vertigo.

Last year the Trinity College Dublin spin-out raised €2.1m in seed funding to expand its vertigo treatment platform. The company’s wearable head sensor and software enable therapists to prescribe and monitor vestibular rehabilitation exercises remotely. The funding round, led by Atlantic Bridge with support from Ascentifi and Enterprise Ireland, will support expansion into the US and UK. Vertigenius aims to improve access to care and reduce waiting times for the 390m people affected by vertigo globally.

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