Abbott is a global healthcare technology company founded in 1888 by Dr. Wallace C. Abbott in a Chicago drugstore. Over more than 135 years, it has expanded into four broad areas: diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and health monitoring. The company employs around 115,000 people and sells products in more than 160 countries.
Abbott's technical work spans several distinct fields. In diabetes care, its FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system has become a widely used wearable device. In cardiovascular health, the company has a long-standing presence in cardiac devices and is currently developing the AVEIR DR leadless pacemaker. On the diagnostics side, Abbott has a history of firsts in clinical and infectious disease testing, including what it claims to be the first licensed HIV blood test. Its newer Lingo biowearable targets everyday health and wellness monitoring beyond clinical settings. Abbott also produces a range of science-based nutrition products designed to support health across different life stages.
The company operates across a wide range of technical disciplines, including continuous glucose monitoring, cardiovascular device engineering, clinical diagnostics, nutrition science, and wearable health technology. Engineers, scientists, and technical professionals at Abbott typically work within large, specialised teams operating at significant scale - from hardware and software development in devices to laboratory science in diagnostics.
Abbott has appeared on Fortune's list of Most Admired Companies every year since 1984, according to the company.
