Galway native Tom Kelly, former Divisional Manager for Industrial and Lifesciences at Enterprise Ireland, was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to Medtech at the Irish Medtech Awards this month.
Irish Medtech, the Ibec group that represents the medtech sector, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland held the Irish Medtech Awards 2025, as part of Medtech Rising in The Galmont, Galway on December 4.
Dr Eoghan Ó Faoláin, Irish Medtech Director, said, “Congratulations to all the winners at the Irish Medtech Awards 2025, and a very special award for the industry is Irish Medtech’s Outstanding Contribution to Medtech Award for a recognised leader [who has] helped advance the sector here.”
“Tom Kelly exemplifies the spirit of this award. As the Enterprise Ireland Divisional Manager for Industrial and Lifesciences he tirelessly worked to advance Ireland’s medtech sector, and strengthen our global reputation.”
“He has helped founders embrace new technologies and innovate, supported upskilling, giving more people access to meaningful careers by shaping the apprenticeships”.
“He has been an ardent proponent of the power of collaboration as illustrated by his involvement in events like Medtech Rising that bring together the medtech community to share best practices.”
“His contributions to the medtech community have been immeasurable, and continue to have a lasting impact on our sector, and on so many individuals working within it.”
The recipient of this coveted award is selected by the Irish Medtech Board, with the support of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, to acknowledge a person’s contribution to the sector as a whole, rather than to any one company or organisation.
Originally from Ballinasloe, Tom completed his PhD in Chemistry, at the University of Galway. He joined what was then the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, which later became part of Enterprise Ireland, where his focus shifted from large EU to research contracts to business development, helping startups to scale.
Tom Kelly, after accepting the accolade, remarked, “I feel greatly honoured to receive this award, and I am cognisant of the eminent persons that have been previous recipients.”
“As a former public servant, I feel particularly honoured. I am very grateful to the many wonderful and supportive colleagues that worked alongside me in contributing to the development of the sector.”
“I remain very ambitious for the medtech sector in Ireland, which already employs 50,000 plus people and exports over €20 billion. I am eager to see the emergence of Irish owned multinationals of real scale with [their] own products and IP alongside start-ups with ambition to succeed in the global marketplace.”
“We already have some of the brightest talent from all over the world innovating in the Irish medtech community with businesses supported by Enterprise Ireland, and IDA Ireland, as well as Ibec’s Irish Medtech.”
“Within Ireland’s global medtech hub, to my delight, Galway is a major centre that is being strengthened while adding jobs and growing the economy.”
Tom’s commitment to public service has made an impact with many people across the country affected by his work as he supported not only medtech and its sub-supply businesses but also industries such as engineering and construction.
During his time in Enterprise Ireland, he has led its strategy for the cleantech, electronics and life sciences sectors; the Lean Business and Environment and Green Technologies programmes; and as Head of the Technology Development Division, he played a crucial role fostering manufacturing excellence and increasing innovation.
