The Instruments Division of Stryker Corporation officially opened its new Surgical Innovation Centre in Cork.

The Innovation Centre, which features unique design and collaboration workspaces, state-of-the-art prototyping and test facilities, and a simulated operating room, is the first of its kind in Ireland. The centre will focus on the development of new technologies and products to improve patient safety and outcomes during surgery, and increase operating room efficiency across multiple surgical specialties including neuro, spine, ENT and orthopaedic surgery.

Constructed around human-centred design principles, employee wellbeing and a highly efficient and sustainable building design, the centre will allow research and development teams and surgeons to collaborate globally in the development and evaluation of new surgical approaches, product concepts and complete procedural solutions in a simulated surgical environment.

Stryker’s R&D infrastructure in Ireland is underpinned by strong partnerships which the company has developed over many years with its Irish university research partners and medical schools.

Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine, Simon Coveney TD, who toured the new centre, said: “I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to view this new Surgical Innovation Centre and commend Stryker for its vision and interest in developing such pioneering facilities here. This Centre represents a great advance for the company in growing its R&-D function and also demonstrates its commitment to Cork and the region where it provides a considerable number of high-value jobs and has been of significant benefit to the local economy.”

Spencer Stiles, Global President of Stryker’s Instruments division said: “Our team in Ireland has built considerable R&D capabilities to serve multiple market segments and has established a 17-year track record in the development and launch of new products. The opening of our Cork Innovation Centre comes at an exciting time as we expand our global R&D footprint, and increase our ability to engage our European customers as we drive global growth.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA said: “It’s great to see this project come to fruition. It will position the company for next generation research and development, enhancing its reputation and status as a world leader in medical technology innovation. It also further consolidates the company’s strong presence in Ireland and significantly boosts Ireland’s reputation as an excellent location for medical technology companies.”