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Three Atlantic Technological University innovation centre companies among eight national DTIF funding recipients
ATU iHub Galway has announced that three of its client companies: AuriGen Medical, La Nua Medical, and CroíValve, have been selected as lead partners in projects awarded funding under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) Call 7.
Out of eight companies nationwide to receive funding in this round, three are based in ATU iHub Galway, highlighting the centre’s pivotal role in nurturing globally competitive med-tech innovation in the West of Ireland. Together, these companies will lead projects with a combined funding value of over €19 million.
- AuriGen Medical- PIONEER Project (€6.3m)
AuriGen Medical develops innovative cardiac devices for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Its flagship product, the Zenith left atrial appendage occluder, aims to reduce stroke risk in high-risk AF patients. ATU’s MET Centre is the academic partner associated with this funding award. - La Nua Medical- ECORE Project (€6.0m)
La Nua Medical specializes in image-guided endovascular technologies. Its ECORE™ device enables targeted therapy delivery while blocking blood flow to specific tissue, reducing side effects. - CroíValve- DUO MAX Project (€7.1m)
CroíValve, based in Dublin and Galway, develops transcatheter solutions for severe tricuspid regurgitation. The DUO™ System works alongside the native valve to restore function while preserving valve anatomy.
“For three of the DTIF projects in this round to come from companies based at our iHub is a strong endorsement of the MedLink med tech cluster here in Galway,” said Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University. “AuriGen, La Nua, and CroíValve are tackling some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare. This funding accelerates their path from innovation to patient impact, and I want to congratulate all involved in those companies, as well as our own team in the iHub in Galway.”
Jenny Melia, Enterprise Ireland said the announcement highlighted the strength of innovation in Ireland; “Enterprise Ireland is proud to support the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, which is driving collaboration between SMEs, multinationals and our world-class research base. The projects announced today highlight the strength of Irish innovation in areas such as healthcare, sustainability and advanced manufacturing. By backing these ambitious collaborations, we are enabling companies to develop and commercialise cutting-edge technologies with the potential to transform lives, create new markets and deliver real economic impact for Ireland.”
Dr Jamie Meehan, MET Technology Gateway Manager added; “Securing three out of eight national DTIF awards by ATU iHUB clients—with projects valued at over €19 million—is a phenomenal testament to the calibre of disruptive MedTech innovation being nurtured in the West of Ireland. This success is a direct result of the exceptional, collaborative expertise of the MET and ATU industry-driven and research excellence leadership teams, unlocking disruptive solutions and nurturing open collaboration with our industry partners.”
ATU’s MET Technology Gateway is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27 and is the lead academic consortium partner as part of the AuriGen Medical – PIONEER Project (€6.3m): advancing next-generation cardiac devices for atrial fibrillation patients.
Dr Meehan concluded; “MET acts as a catalyst for systemic change as the technical engine, providing the strategic RD&I support that transforms the breakthrough concepts from industry innovators into fundable, market-ready realities.
This result unequivocally positions Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and MET Technology Gateway (strongly supported by Enterprise Ireland) as central, vital partners in accelerating Ireland’s MedTech and deep-tech future. Comhghairdeachas Ollmhór!”
Dr Chris O’Malley, Vice President, Enterprise & Engagement at ATU said: “This ongoing success combines with the announcement this summer of the €34m in funding for the Health Technology Commercialisation Hub in Galway led by University of Galway and ATU to hugely enhance the region’s innovation ecosystem.”
