Transatlantic MedTech and manufacturing opportunity with the City of Mentor, Ohio
Heriot‑Watt University recently hosted a high‑level international engagement event at its Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies Immersive Suite, bringing together Scottish innovation leaders and senior economic development officials from the City of Mentor, Ohio, and Team NEO, Northeast Ohio’s regional economic development organisation.
The event, delivered in collaboration with the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC), marked a significant step in strengthening transatlantic links and opening new routes for MedTech and advanced manufacturing companies seeking to access the US market.
Connecting Scottish innovators with US market leaders
The City of Mentor, located outside Cleveland, Ohio, is a well-established manufacturing and innovation hub. Home to more than 200 companies operating across sectors including biotechnology and MedTech, aerospace, advanced and precision manufacturing, and the automotive supply chain. It offers a strong environment for international businesses looking to scale within the US market.
Through structured presentations and 1-to-1 discussions, the session was designed to provide MDMC client companies direct, face-to-face access to US economic development decision-makers, alongside practical insights into shaping a credible and effective US market entry strategy. Participants explored routes to establishing a commercial presence in the US Midwest, opportunities to build partnerships with US-based manufacturers and customers, and the range of support available through local and regional economic development agencies. Part-funded study visits and market immersion trips to Ohio were also noted as potential opportunities.
"We had an extremely productive and insightful visit to the MDMC… to engage directly with companies and hear more about their potential US expansion plans. The opportunity to sit down, one-on-one, face-to-face, and discuss the various companies' products and how they are approaching the US market was tremendous and exhibited the effectiveness of our concierge-based and uniquely tailored process to assist. The City of Mentor's bespoke and targeted approach has already helped other UK companies succeed and land softly, and we are looking forward to providing similar avenues to the MDMC." - Kevin D. Malecek, Director of Economic Development and International Trade, City of Mentor
Building a platform for international growth
Hosting the session within the Immersive Suite allowed for an engaging and interactive environment, supporting open discussion and deeper exploration of individual company ambitions.
For MDMC clients, the event represented an opportunity not only to understand the practical realities of operating in the US, but also to begin building trusted relationships with partners and economic leaders who can support long‑term growth.
This collaboration highlights both Heriot‑Watt University and the MDMC’s role in convening global partnerships and supporting innovation‑led businesses as they take their next steps onto the international stage.
Find out more about the type of support the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) provides- https://mdmc.ac.uk/