MEDICAL
Inspiring young minds to shape the future of MedTech innovation
Mag O’Keeffe, Vice President, Advanced Operations (NPI) and Global Additive Technologies at Stryker
I
nnovation is often associated with breakthrough technologies, cutting-edge manufacturing and the latest advances in
healthcare. But every innovation starts with something much simpler: curiosity. Long before a new medical device reaches a patient, someone asked a question, spotted a problem or imagined a better way of doing something. Those moments of curiosity are where innovation begins, which is why inspiring young people to think creatively, solve problems and explore new ideas is so important. As MedTech continues to evolve at pace, the future of our industry will depend not only on technological advances, but on the next generation of innovators who will help bring those advances to life.
STARTING EARLIER When we talk about the future workforce, it’s easy to focus on university graduates or early- career professionals. But if we want to inspire the innovators of tomorrow, we need to start much earlier. Many of the skills that underpin engineering,
manufacturing and innovation, including creativity, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, are already being developed by children in primary schools. That’s why early engagement matters. It opens
young minds to possibilities they may never have considered and helps them see themselves as
future creators, designers and innovators.
BRINGING INNOVATION TO LIFE Stryker’s involvement in the Empower3D programme is a powerful example of what can happen when education, research and industry come together. Delivered in partnership with I-Form, Research
Ireland’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, the programme equips teachers with the skills, tools and confidence to bring 3D design and printing
into their classrooms. Schools receive 3D printers and materials, while students are challenged to identify real problems in their communities and design practical solutions. Importantly, they are not simply learning how to use a new technology. They are learning how innovation happens. They learn to observe, question, create, test,
improve and collaborate. They experience the same design-thinking process that drives innovation across industry every day. The impact has been significant. Since launching
in 2021, Empower3D has engaged more than 160 teachers and over 3,200 students across Ireland, helping young people experience first-hand the possibilities of advanced manufacturing. This year’s winning schools – Newport
Convent Primary School, County Tipperary, Aston Village Educate Together National School, County Louth, and Cork primary schools St Catherine’s National School, Bishopstown and Scoil Barra Naofa, Monkstown - demonstrated exactly the kind of creativity and ingenuity the programme is designed to encourage. As Eimear Cummins, sixth class teacher at St
Catherine’s National School, Bishopstown, County Cork, observed: “For many of them, this was their first experience of 3D design and printing, and it has been remarkable to see how quickly they developed their skills, confidence and creativity.”
12 July/August 2026 Irish Manufacturing
www.irish-manufacturing.com
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