Trinity College Dublin’s School of Engineering is beaming with pride as they celebrate the remarkable achievements of Dr. Tom McCartan, a distinguished alumnus who graduated from Trinity’s MSc in Biomedical Engineering programme in 2016. Dr. McCartan’s journey is an embodiment of excellence and innovation, recognised not only through his academic accomplishments but also his ground-breaking contributions to the field of biomedical engineering and entrepreneurship.

Dr. McCartan’s passion for biomedical engineering led him to starting Trinity College Dublin’s MSc programme in 2015 and he emerged as a brilliant scholar. He conducted his MSc Biomedical engineering research on early detection systems for severe asthma attacks using smart inhalers, supervised by Prof. Richard Reilly and Dr Terence Taylor. He was honoured with the prestigious 'Trinity Schols' foundation scholarship during his time at Trinity, a testament to his dedication and academic prowess.

During this time, Dr. McCartan’s team 3R, also won first place at MIT health hackathon for post-stroke care. 3R, a post-stroke recovery and rehabilitation platform, won the inaugural Irish MIT health hackathon, in 2016 picking up the grand prize of €3,000 to help fund its research. His victory at the MIT Hacking Medicine hackathon further underscores his ability to think creatively and develop solutions that have the potential to transform healthcare. This triumph is a testament to his expertise and his dedication to solving complex challenges in the medical field.

Fast forward to 2023, Dr. McCartan has been named one of the 30 under 30 by the Business Post, a recognition that highlights his exceptional accomplishments and his potential to shape the future of Irish tech. This recognition showcases his impact in the tech industry and his commitment to driving innovation forward. Announcing the top 30, the Business Post commented that there is no doubt that the work done by Dr McCartan has saved many lives for which we owe him a debt of deepest gratitude. The biomedical engineer developed the national Covid-19 Critical Care Index, a clinical risk tool the HSE used to alert medical teams to patients’ needs and to predict ICU bed demand.

At the heart of Dr. McCartan’s achievements is his startup, Nazata Bio. The company, founded by Dr. McCartan in Clonmellon, Co. Westmeath, focuses on pioneering advancements in the field of biomedical engineering. The company is developing a digital therapeutic for high blood pressure that functions as a specialist dietitian, exercise coach, and behavioural scientist, creating a personalised treatment programme for each patient. When asked about this project, Dr McCartan stated:

“I was drawn to this issue as high blood pressure is the #1 risk factor for death worldwide, as the main cause of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. It affects 1.4 billion people worldwide and causes 1/6 of all deaths; that’s 10 million deaths every year. Fixing it will also help reduce health inequality, as it disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic groups. It’s the kind of issue that, by working to fix it, you can make a huge impact on global health.”

Nazata Bio’s pioneering work has caught the attention of Forbes, a global platform that recognises and celebrates innovative ventures. This recognition not only validates Dr. McCartan’s vision but also sheds light on the transformative impact his startup is poised to make in the healthcare industry.

Trinity College Dublin’s School of Engineering takes immense pride in Dr. Tom McCartan’s journey from being a graduate of the MSc in Biomedical Engineering programme to becoming a prominent figure in the tech and healthcare sectors. His achievements stand as a testament to the quality of education and support provided by Trinity’s Centre of Biomedical Engineering, where Dr. McCartan credits much of his success.

As Trinity College Dublin celebrates Dr. McCartan’s accomplishments, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of this exceptional individual in shaping the future of biomedical engineering, entrepreneurship, and technology. Tom serves as an inspiration to current and future students looking to make their mark in the world of engineering and innovation.

For more information, about Trinity College Dublin School of Engineering's programmes and news please visit our official website at https://www.tcd.ie/engineering/.

To find out more about Nazata Bio, visit: https://nazatabio.com/.