Boston Scientific has announced a €75m investment in its Galway site, including the expansion of its research and development (R&D) capabilities, further strengthening its role as a global centre for cardiovascular innovation.
The development, which is supported by funding from the Irish government through IDA Ireland, includes purpose-built laboratories to enhance the ability of teams in Galway to design, develop and test next-generation medical technologies across a range of cardiovascular therapies.
Heart failure and renal denervation technologies
The expanded capability will support priority programmes across structural heart, cardiovascular and endoscopy, as well as emerging areas such as heart failure and renal denervation technologies, underpinned by a strong regional talent base and STEM ecosystem.
Education minister Hildegarde Naughton said: “The decision by Boston Scientific to invest again in Galway shows real confidence in the talent and infrastructure available here.
"The importance of R&D and innovation to Ireland’s economy cannot be overstated. It is achieved through a strong partnership between industry, government and IDA Ireland and has acknowledged that Galway is now an internationally recognised medtech hub. This is due in no small part to the presence of Boston Scientific, one of the largest life sciences employers in the country, and I want to very much thank them for their continued investment.”
Enterprise minister Peter Burke said: “This €75m investment by Boston Scientific is a strong vote of confidence in Galway, in Ireland’s life sciences ecosystem, and in the highly skilled workforce that underpins it.
"Expanding R&D capability in this way strengthens Ireland’s role as a global hub for medical technology innovation and supports the development of life changing treatments for patients worldwide. The Government is committed to supporting companies like Boston Scientific as they continue to scale, innovate and create high value employment across the regions.”
As a global leader in medical technology innovation, Boston Scientific continues to invest in capabilities that advance patient care, with Galway playing a key role in delivering that innovation.
“We are seeing strong momentum across our cardiovascular business, and this investment reflects the important role the Galway site plays in that progress,” said Lance Bates, executive vice president and president, interventional cardiology and vascular therapies, Boston Scientific.
'Advancing meaningful innovation for patients'
“The local team is delivering complex, highly collaborative work that is advancing meaningful innovation for patients. The strength of the site, the talent in Ireland and the support of the Irish government and IDA Ireland give us confidence to continue investing in our future growth.”
Boston Scientific has a long-established presence in Ireland spanning more than 30 years, with over 7,000 employees across sites in Galway, Cork and Clonmel producing more than 30 million devices each year for patients worldwide.
Medical devices exported from the Galway facility every year include drug-coated devices, vascular balloons and heart and oesophageal stents. These products help treat patients with conditions including heart disease, vascular disease, oesophageal cancer and those at risk of stroke.
Rachel Shelly, global head of life sciences and Food at IDA Ireland, said: “Boston Scientific’s €75m R&D investment in Galway reinforces Ireland’s leadership in medical technology innovation. For more than 30 years, Boston Scientific has invested in advanced manufacturing and innovative technologies in Ireland, benefiting patients, communities and ecosystems locally and globally. IDA Ireland looks forward to continued collaboration with Boston Scientific to advance medtech excellence.”