As the digital age continues to redefine the landscape of business and technology, Irish women are making remarkable strides on the global stage, highlighting the talent, knowledge and impressive potential available on this small island, while changing the lives of people all over the world.
Living proof of this is Dr Elizabeth McGloughlin, co-founder and CEO of Galway-based company, Tympany Medical, who stands among the distinguished semi-finalists of the prestigious 2025 European Prize for Women Innovators. This esteemed prize, funded under the Horizon Europe framework, aims to celebrate exceptional female entrepreneurs whose innovations are ‘not only transformative but also pivotal in shaping Europe’s future’.
The European Commission, through the joint efforts of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT ) and the European Innovation Council (EIC ), has unveiled 19 trailblazing women vying for top honours.
Tympany Medical – revolutionising endoscopy
Hailing from Galway, Elizabeth McGloughlin has carved a niche in the med-tech sector with Tympany Medical. The company’s groundbreaking variable angle endoscopy technology is poised to revolutionise surgical procedures, enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining healthcare efficiencies. Tympany Medical’s innovation addresses critical challenges in minimally invasive surgery, offering surgeons improved visualisation with greater flexibility, which translates to better precision and reduced recovery times for patients.
McGloughlin’s journey reflects the resilience and ingenuity synonymous with Irish entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, Tympany Medical has secured significant recognition, standing as a testament to the potential of combining scientific excellence with entrepreneurial vision. Her nomination in the EIT Women Leadership category underscores not just her individual prowess but also the broader impact of her work in advancing healthcare technologies.
Speaking about her nomination, Dr McGloughlin said, “I am delighted to be amongst a group of innovative and talented women who are driving innovation forward in Europe.
“Since the early days of Tympany Medical, EIT Health and the EIT community have been champions and supporters of our vision to disrupt minimally invasive surgery and winning this award would be a huge honour and validation of the work both myself and the team have put in to date.”
Irish excellence on the European stage
While McGloughlin leads the charge, she is not the only Irish contender making waves. Rhona Togher, co-founder of Sligo-based company Lios, has also secured a semi-finalist spot in the Women Innovators category. Founded by Togher and her co-founder, Eimear O’Carroll, Lios’s innovative SoundBounce material offers unprecedented acoustic performance, providing superior noise reduction while being lighter and more versatile than traditional materials. Their technology holds transformative potential across sectors such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.
The presence of multiple Irish semi-finalists highlights Ireland’s dynamic ecosystem that nurtures tech innovation and female leadership. Their achievements resonate with the European Innovation Agenda’s goals of inclusivity and excellence, serving as powerful inspirations for aspiring women entrepreneurs across the continent.
A celebration of vision and impact
The European Prize for Women Innovators is more than a recognition; it is a platform that amplifies the voices and achievements of women who are breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks in their respective fields. The competition features three categories: the Women Innovators Prize, the Rising Innovators Prize for exceptional women under 35, and the EIT Women Leadership Prize.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Start-Ups, Research and Innovation, encapsulated the spirit of the prize: “Be an example. Dream with ambition and lead with conviction.” This sentiment echoes in the stories of McGloughlin, Togher, and O’Carroll, whose innovations are driving economic growth and creating meaningful societal impact.
As the finalists prepare for the European Innovation Council Summit on April 3, 2025, where the winners will be announced, Ireland watches with pride.
McGloughlin and her peers’ achievements reaffirm the country’s position as a hub of technological excellence and a beacon for female innovators. Their stories inspire the next generation to dream boldly and innovate fearlessly, proving that with vision and determination, Irish women can and do change the world.
