May 4, 2021: Unprecedented pandemic response. First-of-its-kind heart technology. And innovation in reducing certain heart surgery-related infections. All of these Medtronic healthcare innovations are among the 2021 World Changing Ideas recognized today by Fast Company.

“There is no question our society and planet are facing deeply troubling times. So, it’s important to recognize organizations that are using their ingenuity, impact, design, scalability, and passion to solve these problems,” says Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “Our journalists, under the leadership of senior editor Morgan Clendaniel, have discovered some of the most groundbreaking projects that have launched since the start of 2020.”

In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Medtronic tripled ventilator production at its facility in Galway, Ireland, and open-sourced specifications for one ventilator model so other companies could join in the effort. The Medtronic COVID-19 response received finalist designation in both the General Excellence and Pandemic Response categories, as well as Honorable Mention in the World Changing Idea Health category. “The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges which required unprecedented responses,” said Geoff Martha Medtronic Chairman and CEO. “Our efforts to increase the time-sensitive demand for ventilators in response to COVID-19 demonstrated the Mission-driven action that Medtronic employees continue to take every day to put patients first with bold leadership, inspiring innovation, and inventive partnerships.”

In all, Medtronic received “world changing idea” recognition in six Fast Company categories. The Micra leadless pacemaker received Honorable Mention status in the Health category and the Best World Changing Idea North America categories. And the TYRX Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope was named a World Changing Idea Health finalist.

Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners and finalists from more than 4,000 entries. The World Changing Ideas Awards, now in their fifth year, focus on recognizing social good, seeking to elevate finished products and brave concepts that make the world better. A panel of judges from across sectors choose winners, finalists, and honorable mentions based on feasibility and the potential for impact.

Medtronic is one of the world’s largest medical device companies, operating in 150 countries and producing products that treat 70 health conditions in areas such as cardiac care, cranial and spine robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems and more. Our therapies help 72 million people a year around the world, or two patients every second.

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