Strengths

Scotland is home to over 140 medical technology (medtech) companies, ranging from major mulitnationals (such as Alere and LifeScan Scotland) to smaller innovative home-grown companies (such as ModeDx), and every size in between.

Strength of Scotland's medical technologies

More than 6,000 people work within Scotland’s medtech industry with particular strengths across:

  • Non-imaging diagnostics 
  • Cardiovascular therapies 
  • Surgical instruments 
  • Opthalmic surgery 
  • Orthopaedics and spine 
  • Imaging

9 reasons to invest in Scotland 

Scotland’s proven medical history stretching back over 500 years, coupled with a forward-thinking modern industry, makes it the ideal place for medical technology design, manufacture and commercialisation.

  • Diverse and supportive supplier community − Scotland has in excess of 150 support and supply companies with a wide range of capabilities relevant to the medical technology sector. Capabilities range from clean rooms, engineering and lab services to medical supplies, packaging and waste treatment. 
  • Easy access to clinical skills and excellence − including the NHS, Scotland’s single healthcare provider and the world’s biggest healthcare delivery organisation 
  • Groundbreaking, world-renowned research − with particular strengths in imaging, ophthalmics, orthopaedics, cardiovascular instrumentation and implants 
  • Highly skilled, adaptable and growing workforce − 17,000 new higher education graduates with qualifications suited to medical technology are joining our talent pool each year from our world-class universities 
  • World-class, tailored facilities – Scotland has a unique property portfolio ranging from dedicated life science parks such as the Edinburgh BioQuarter to more general technology centres 
  • Depth of experience in convergent technologies – from micro and nanotechnology, physics and photonics to materials and technical textiles, electronics and specialised software solutions, Scotland's sheer diversity in medtech offers opportunities for cooperation and collaboration 
  • Government funding and support for the commercialisation of research – with around £350 million funding per year, Scottish universities offer not only a rich stream of innovative ideas but also state-of-the-art facilities for research
  • Dynamic, industry-led support network − Scotland has a host of associations and organisations all keen to develop the medical technology sector here and help your business
  • Culture of success – Scotland's medtech companies (such as Touch Bionics and Aircraft Medical) are becoming leaders in their fields helping boost Scotland's international reputation 

Individually, each of these strengths is significant. Together, they constitute a truly compelling proposition.

Investment potential and opportunities

How we can help support your company growth in the medtech sector