Innovation in MedTech thrives at the intersection of education, research, and hands-on practice. This was on full display at a recent Catheter Workshop delivered by EyeDea Medtech Education and Zues in partnership with the MET Technology Gateway at ATU Galway. The event attracted participants from Ireland, France, Germany, and the USA, underlining both the global importance of medical device education and Ireland’s growing reputation as a hub for MedTech innovation.
A Full Journey in a Single Day
The workshop was carefully designed to take attendees on the complete journey of medical device development, from initial concept to working prototype, through testing and validation.
The day began with a short but insightful presentation setting the scene. With foundations laid, participants quickly moved into practical work: hand-building fully functional catheters. For many, this was their first time engaging so directly in the craft of device creation, and the opportunity to work with materials and techniques normally reserved for industry was both educational and enjoyable.
“Amazing to actually produce a catheter of varying stiffness by hand. It was a nice size group for the activity.” – Andrew Spring – Smart Reactors.
Testing in a Realistic Environment
After construction, the catheters were put to the test in MET’s Imaging Suite, using our Vivitro pump to fully pressurised anatomical model developed in-house by the MET Lab specifically for evaluating medical devices. The model provided a realistic environment for testing, allowing participants to see the immediate performance of their handmade catheters under simulated clinical conditions.
This stage brought to life the design–develop–test cycle that underpins medical device innovation. The participants could clearly connect the theory from the morning’s presentation with the practical results of their own work.
Behind the Scenes at MET Lab
The learning journey continued with a guided tour of the MET Lab, offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at how advanced anatomical models are designed and fabricated. These models play a critical role in enabling safe, repeatable, and clinically relevant device testing.
The group also had the chance to test their catheters on a tensile tester, an essential step in evaluating device durability and mechanical performance. This added another layer of value, showing participants how multiple testing methodologies work together to build a comprehensive picture of a device’s safety and effectiveness.
A Truly Collaborative Experience
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of collaboration and shared curiosity. Engineers, educators, and innovators from different countries worked side by side, exchanging insights and experiences. The international mix of participants highlighted Ireland’s position as a well-equipped hub for MedTech education and applied research, particularly within the framework of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network.
Feedback was resoundingly positive, with participants praising both the immersive format and the expertise of the facilitators.
“Well delivered, Damien was well versed with the minor details and shows lots of practical experience. Very smooth delivery, hands on with everything. Meagan was also very active and helped a lot in networking and getting familiar with the catheters.” – Lokesh Yadav.
Impact for Industry and Education
For EyeDea Medtech Education, the workshop reinforced the value of blending structured learning with interactive, hands-on experience. For MET Technology Gateway, it demonstrated the unique role Ireland’s Technology Gateway Network plays in supporting industry, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities.
For Industry, by guiding participants through the entire process, from handcrafting to performance testing, the workshop provided a powerful illustration of how education and applied research can come together to accelerate learning, inspire innovation, and strengthen MedTech expertise worldwide.
A Platform for the Future
The success of the event also points toward a growing demand for experiential, applied training in the MedTech sector. As devices become more complex and regulatory standards more stringent, the ability to bring people together in an environment that combines education, prototyping, and testing is increasingly valuable.
This collaborative catheter innovation & prototyping partnership doesn’t just teach the MedTech lifecycle; it unites global MedTech, Life Sciences, and Engineering expertise. The hands-on, RD&I cutting-edge nature of this industrial engagement is the transformational force that converts theoretical design into ecosystem strength and life-changing devices. Driving the next wave of innovative medical devices”.– Dr. Jamie Meehan, MET Technology Gateway Manager
The Catheter Workshop at MET Technology Gateway was more than just a day of learning, it was a living case study of innovation in action, where participants left not only with new knowledge but with real, practical experience they could carry into their work.
To find out more about MET Technology Gateway, check out their website or follow them on LinkedIn.