Stryker, where innovation drives medical advancements
Stryker hosts internship programmes designed for third level students and graduates looking to develop fulfilling, rewarding careers.
Stryker’s story in Ireland started from relatively modest beginnings, with its first operations starting in Cork in 1998 with only 20 employees. Today, the company employs over 5,500 people across the island of Ireland, reflecting a remarkable journey of growth and innovation.
Ireland, with its skilled workforce, R&D ecosystem and unique ability to balance a local footprint with a global perspective, is the ideal location to flourish.
These qualities have established Ireland as an international leader in driving innovation, supported by proactive engagement with agencies like IDA Ireland that enable global businesses to thrive in the country. This ecosystem has supported Stryker’s growth, fostering a culture of innovation that is at the core of the company’s success story.
With approximately 450 MedTech companies operating across the country, the sector employs over 45,000 people, making Ireland the largest employer of MedTech professionals in Europe per capita. Stryker is proud to be part of this life-changing industry, impacting over 150 million patients worldwide.
Stryker’s success in Ireland is built upon a unique ecosystem that is driven by its six state-of-the-art manufacturing sites and three innovation centres, which advance medical technology globally.
Stryker’s AMagine Institute in Anngrove is a global leader in additive manufacturing, producing highly customised medical implants with precision and efficiency. The Instruments Innovation Centre in Carrigtwohill develops sophisticated surgical tools that enhance clinical outcomes and surgical efficiency, while the Neurovascular Innovation Hub in Cork designs and develops medical devices to treat stroke patients around the globe.
Over the past 27 years, Stryker has evolved into a leader in medical technology advancements and Ireland is home to Stryker's largest innovation and manufacturing hub outside the U.S. A drive for innovation is more than enhancing existing technologies or seeking to improve what already exists, it is about envisioning the future and relentlessly pursuing what is possible. This permeates every aspect of the company’s operations.
As Mag O'Keeffe, VP, global additive technologies at Stryker, explains: “Innovation is not simply about building on what already exists; it’s about imagining how we can make the greatest possible impact for patients and healthcare providers.”
This forward-thinking approach has driven Stryker to pioneer transformative solutions, from leveraging advanced robotics to introducing groundbreaking 3D-printed implants that significantly improve patient outcomes.
“The company’s culture is designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, ensuring that innovation and curiosity thrive. Our teams are encouraged to think of innovation not just as a goal but as a way of working. Innovation isn’t created by a single leader or a dedicated team; it’s driven by the collective energy of people who dare to think differently and who share a common passion for improving lives,” says Ms O’Keeffe.
Stryker’s people are at the heart of its success. The company’s workforce represents a diverse mix of skills, backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared commitment to making healthcare better. This culture of openness and continuous learning enables employees to develop professionally, while contributing to medical technology advancements.
The company attracts top talent both nationally and internationally by creating environments where innovation can thrive and continually investing in its people and skills. Through programmes such as graduate schemes, apprenticeships and educational assistance initiatives, Stryker has invested in and built a resilient and innovative workforce that is manufacturing and developing the latest technologies to improve healthcare outcomes for patients globally.
Recently Stryker announced the launch of its Training Centre of Excellence, a new initiative that will help upskill employees, enhance leadership capabilities and foster manufacturing excellence at the company’s facility in Tullagreen, Co Cork.
The three-year training initiative, developed with the support of IDA Ireland, will equip employees at the facility with the agility and skills for the future of work, promote innovative thinking, embed a culture of continuous improvement, and advance sustainability. By investing in its people and their skills, Stryker can ensure that they thrive in a rapidly changing world and foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
Stryker’s journey in Ireland is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration and investment in people. By continuing to embrace these principles and remaining focused on what’s next, Stryker will continue to develop innovative products and services that make healthcare better for customers and their patients both here in Ireland and across the globe.
