by: Alma Curran, Medtronic
In 2024, Medtronic celebrates 75 years in operation. Part of a fast paced and ever-changing industry, one thing has remained steadfast for decades - our mission: to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. This guiding principle drives everything we do and reflects our commitment to transforming healthcare for the better.
Medtronic is more than just a medical technology company; we are a global leader in healthcare solutions, touching the lives of millions of patients each year. Our pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of innovation have led to groundbreaking therapies that improve the quality of life for patients facing some of the most complex and challenging health conditions. From cardiac care and diabetes management to spinal and neurological disorders, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative solutions that change what’s possible in healthcare.
Our promise to “engineer the extraordinary” is not solely about technological advancements. It’s also about how we leverage our expertise and resources to make a broader social impact. Our commitment to corporate citizenship and philanthropy is an extension of our mission and a reflection of our values. We believe that everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, should have access to the healthcare they need. This belief drives our efforts in global health equity, education, and community support.
In Ireland, a significant country in Medtronic’s global operations, our presence has fostered innovation, economic growth, and a strong commitment to community development. Medtronic employs more than 4,000 people across sites in Galway, Athlone and Dublin in a variety of manufacturing, R&D, commercial and corporate roles.
We believe that by investing philanthropic efforts in the well-being and opportunities for our communities, we can create a ripple effect that leads to broader societal benefits. Our local initiatives are designed to address the unique needs of each community we serve, whether through direct support, volunteerism, or partnerships with local groups.
Medtronic Foundation STEM Equity Grants
From 2022- 2024, the Medtronic Foundation enabled us to reach more than 12,000 young people in Ireland through partnerships that remove barriers to access quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and create opportunity for economic advancement. Underserved and underrepresented communities face deep and continual challenges with economic stability. Providing opportunities for equitable STEM education is one of the ways the Medtronic Foundation has worked to reduce barriers to achieving health, well-being and prosperity.
Alma Curran, Director of Corporate Affairs for Medtronic Ireland said: “Our STEM grants go far beyond funding. We bring Medtronic employee volunteers, nonprofits, and communities together, and in doing this, we’re able to amplify our impact and create lasting change.”
Rise Against Hunger- It Starts with a Meal
With high levels of employee engagement in volunteering, Ireland was selected to participate in a global volunteering series sponsored by the Medtronic Foundation. The partnership engaged Medtronic employees from seven countries in volunteer events on behalf of Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organisation growing a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies.
The Rise Against Hunger meal packing event combined a food packing process with an educational experience to make a global impact worldwide and touch the lives of our volunteers.
In Galway, 258 Medtronic employees volunteered their time with the charity to pack more than 60,000 nutritious meals for people facing food poverty around the world-enough to feed 280 children for a full school year.
Medtronic Mission Makers
We actively support programmes that promote health education, awareness, and early intervention. This year we launched a Fund with The Ireland Funds - Medtronic Mission Makers. As a mission driven company, Medtronic will support ten charities in Ireland to deliver their own mission to improve lives by funding patient awareness activities.
Employees nominated, reviewed and selected diverse and impactful projects from Irish charities including Croi, The Irish Cancer Society, The National Women’s Council, Diabetes Federation and the Dillon Quirke Foundation. These partnerships raise awareness about chronic diseases and will empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to manage their health proactively.
Medtronic employees play a crucial role in all of these efforts. Through programs such as the Medtronic Foundation Volunteer Grants, Matching Grants or skills-based volunteering initiatives, our team members are encouraged to contribute their time, skills, and resources to causes they are passionate about.
Achieving our mission requires the power of diverse perspectives to challenge our thinking, spark innovation, and reinforce our shared values. Diversity isn’t just a priority—it’s integral to our business strategy. It drives the creation of fresh ideas, fosters product innovation, and ultimately enables us to better serve our patients.
In Ireland, Medtronic employs individuals from more than 65 nationalities. Since 2023, Medtronic has been engaged in a five-year Signature Innovation Partnership with the University of Galway. A key goal of this partnership is to enhance Medtronic’s reputation as a premier destination for students of all backgrounds. We are dedicated to promoting a culture where all employees feel they belong, are respected, and feel valued for who they are. Our philanthropic and volunteering opportunities are a key part of this offering.
As we continue this journey looking to the next 75 years of Medtronic, we are inspired by the extraordinary resilience and strength of the patients and communities we serve. Every life touched, every barrier overcome, and every innovation realized is a testament to the power of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organisations such as Philanthropy Ireland and individuals who share our commitment to a healthier, more equitable world.