The Midwest is the center of manufacturing in the U.S. and while it is undoubtedly far past its prime, it nonetheless retains the title. The U.S. as a whole has largely moved on from manufacturing, with large companies moving their factories overseas to take advantage of cheaper labor. While the American manufacturing industry is considerably smaller than before, the skilled workforce which it left behind persists. By combining that workforce with the world-class academic and research institutions which have sprung up around the region, the Midwest has proven itself to be a leader in medical technology development and manufacturing, with plenty of room for growth (Deloitte, 2024).

At the center of the Midwest's medtech success is its history of precision manufacturing. Minnesota and Wisconsin have capitalized on their skilled labor forces (BLS, 2020) to move from producing automobiles to complex medical devices. Their expertise ensures efficient and precise production, which is absolutely critical in an industry where quality is literally a matter of life and death. Minneapolis-Saint Paul, in particular, has become a global medtech epicenter and home to companies like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott (U.S. Economic Development Administration, 2023). Such dense concentration of industry leaders fosters a rich environment for collaboration, attracts skilled workers, and promotes the development of future technologies (U.S. Economic Development Administration, 2023).

Other Midwest states are also competitive in the medtech space. Illinois, headquarters of Abbott Laboratories, is a major player. The resources and capital available in Chicago alone have enabled the creation of innovation hubs such as MATTER and mHUB (BioPharmGuy, n.d.). This spurs R&D, and encourages medical device and diagnostics startups to make Illinois their base of operations. The rest of the Midwest also offers a robust environment for the medtech industry. Ohio’s Cleveland Clinic, coupled with a strong bioscience sector, provides an environment for clinical trials and direct access to the market (Cleveland Clinic, 2025). Michigan is also a significant contributor, as it is home to Stryker and experiencing growing venture capital interest in the region's healthcare sectors (Medical Design and Outsourcing, 2023).

While the Midwest has already been successful when it comes to medtech, it is increasingly focused on promoting research and development. Events like MD&M Midwest showcase innovation across a broad spectrum of critical sectors, including digital health, drug delivery, orthopedic care, neurology, in-vitro diagnostics, and cardiovascular care. The increasing demand for digital therapeutics and at-home diagnostics, significantly accelerated by COVID-19, has become especially of interest. Companies are actively developing AI-powered solutions for remote patient monitoring, virtual treatment, and accessible self-testing. As with every industry, artificial intelligence is increasingly driving new developments in the industry (FDA, 2025). The use of smart manufacturing applications helps to optimize supply chains, and increase the effectiveness of personalized care. It is hoped that this improves access to medical devices and creates devices which are capable of making earlier diagnoses and identifying more effective therapies (Deloitte, 2024).

While global investment in medtech has seen some shifts, the Midwest has been able to consistently attract funding. Minnesota alone secured over $1.5 billion in funding for its medtech companies in 2023 alone (Minnesota Chamber, 2023), underscoring strong investor confidence in the region's potential. 

In conclusion, the Midwest is a key region for medtech, both present and future. With its robust infrastructure, leading academic institutions, supportive innovation hubs, and a clear vision for the future of healthcare, the Midwest is undeniably at the forefront of shaping the next generation of medical technology and diagnostics.