Akara Co-Founder: ‘Special’ to Earn Second Spot on Time’s Best Inventions List
Niamh Donnelly, co-founder and chief technology officer at Irish health-tech firm Akara, describes the company’s second appearance on Time Magazine’s Best Inventions list as “just as special” as their first recognition. The 2025 medical and healthcare category winner continues Akara’s track record of innovation in accessible healthcare technology. Recent data reveals that such repeated honors remain rare in the competitive med-tech landscape.
In 2019, the startup first gained international attention with its initial breakthrough, and this latest achievement underscores their sustained impact. Donnelly emphasized Akara’s “grand vision” for transforming healthcare accessibility while addressing inclusivity challenges within the startup ecosystem. Industry reports suggest that maintaining such consistent innovation requires balancing technological advancement with practical healthcare needs.
The company’s focus on developing AI-driven medical solutions aligns with broader trends in healthcare automation. According to recent analysis of technology adoption patterns, successful health-tech companies increasingly prioritize user-friendly interfaces that bridge gaps in medical service delivery. This approach appears central to Akara’s strategy for expanding their technology’s reach across diverse healthcare settings.
Donnelly highlighted how the recognition validates their team’s commitment to creating technology that serves underrepresented communities in healthcare. Experts at medical technology research note that inclusive design principles often separate transient innovations from those with lasting impact. The co-founder’s comments reflect growing awareness that technological solutions must address systemic barriers to care.
Beyond the immediate celebration, the achievement signals important shifts in how healthcare innovation is measured and valued. Research indicates that recognition from established publications can accelerate adoption of emerging medical technologies, particularly when combined with robust clinical validation. Akara’s repeated success suggests their solutions effectively balance cutting-edge technology with practical healthcare applications.
The startup landscape continues evolving, with analysis shows increased attention on technologies that democratize access to medical services. As healthcare systems worldwide face staffing challenges and resource constraints, automated solutions like those developed by Akara represent growing areas of investment and development. The company’s trajectory offers insights into how health-tech firms can sustain innovation while scaling their impact.
Looking forward, Donnelly’s vision for Akara extends beyond individual products to creating integrated systems that enhance healthcare delivery. Sources confirm that the most transformative medical inventions often emerge from understanding nuanced clinical workflows and patient needs. This patient-centered approach appears fundamental to Akara’s philosophy and their continued recognition as innovation leaders.