Scottish engineer who designs prosthetic hands makes Forbes 30 under 30 list
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Fergal Mackie, a 28-year-old Scottish engineer, has been named in the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe Science and Healthcare 2026 list for his work on prosthetic hands. Mackie's company, Metacarpal, has developed a mechanical bionic hand that functions without batteries or electronics.
Fergal Mackie, a 28-year-old design engineer from Edinburgh, has been named in the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe Science and Healthcare 2026 list. Mackie founded Metacarpal, which develops fully mechanical prosthetic hands. After breaking both wrists in a skateboarding accident, Mackie became interested in prosthetics while studying at Strathclyde University. He discovered that nearly half of people who use hand or upper-limb prosthetics reject them due to comfort issues, weight concerns, and limited functionality. Mackie's company has developed a mechanical bionic hand called GEM, which operates through a cable system connected to a harness. The prosthetic allows for individual finger motion and various grips, enabling users to perform everyday tasks. Almost 40 people have received the prosthetic since its launch earlier this year. Metacarpal, which now employs 12 people, aims to fill a gap in the market for prosthetics that are practical, reliable, and durable.
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