The event, which is sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences, has a strong track record of launching student success with previous finalists progressing to national and international competitions
The winners of the fourth annual University of Limerick (UL) ‘Dragon’s Den’ Medical Device Innovation Showcase were announced this week. The event, sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences, the leading global structural heart innovation company, was held on 15th April at UL’s Bernal Institute. The winning team was announced as NaviCor Medical.
The event provides an opportunity for three teams of Biomedical Engineering students from the University’s Masters programme (Year 4) to pitch medical device concepts to a distinguished panel of industry and academic leaders. The event showcases student capability, providing a high‑visibility platform for some of the top innovators and an inspiration for students in Years 1–3 of their studies.
NaviCor Medical’s winning project, EchoTrack, featured an innovative ultrasound-visible catheter tip. This advancement allows for real-time tracking during procedures, significantly enhancing accuracy and safety while minimising the need for fluoroscopy and reducing radiation exposure in cardiac and vascular interventions.
The event also included keynote addresses from Edwards Lifesciences and Engineers Ireland and was attended by an audience comprising of 225 UL biomedical students, faculty members and the Head of the School of Engineering.
Emmet Kelly, Vice President & General Manager, Edwards Lifesciences Ireland, said: “Building on the foundation of our collaboration with the University of Limerick through a Memorandum of Understanding last year, our partnership with the Dragons’ Den showcase further reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation, developing talent and making a lasting impact, both locally and globally. We value the opportunity to support an event that further deepens our relationship with the University of Limerick.”
Dr John Mulvihill, Course Director of BioMedical Engineering, Chair of ULREG, Associate Professor BioMechanics and MechanoBiology commented:
“The UL Dragons’ Den Medical Device Innovation Showcase continues to be a cornerstone event for our Biomedical Engineering programme, and the consistent support from industry leaders like Edwards Lifesciences is invaluable. It’s a high-visibility platform where our students truly shine, demonstrating their ability to tackle complex challenges and develop solutions that have real-world impact. This collaboration is instrumental in preparing our graduates to become leaders in medical technology.”
The Dragons’ Den has a strong track record of launching student success. A recent highlight includes a UL team becoming the first all-female group to win the Engineers Ireland Innovative Student of the Year award in 2024, and the first UL winners in 15 years.
For more information, visit https://www.ul.ie/
To read up on more of the most recent manufacturing coverage, take a look at Irish Manufacturing’s News Page
