The Healthtech Podcast #409 Charles Nduka from Emteq: How Can Health Wearables Reconnect Us With Ourselves?
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Aug 13, 2025 Charles Nduka, Founder and CSO of Emteq, is at the forefront of wearable technology that interprets facial expressions. He discusses the importance of empathy in healthcare, particularly for patients with facial paralysis, and shares personal insights on blending emotional intelligence with technology. The conversation explores 'light bulb moments' that sparked innovation, alongside how wearables can improve patient care and address social isolation in autistic individuals. Nduka also dives into the emotional factors impacting health and the role advanced tech plays in rehabilitation.
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Mirror Trauma That Sparked A Career
- Charles describes a patient tortured under Saddam who could not raise one eyebrow and was traumatised by his mirror reflection every day.
- Repairing a simple brow imbalance transformed his psyche and became a career-defining moment for Charles.
Founding Facial Palsy UK
- Charles recounts training with facial paralysis surgeons and founding Facial Palsy UK to help patients access multidisciplinary care.
- The charity's website now attracts nearly half a million unique visitors a year and improved service access across the UK.
Patient Question That Launched Emteq
- After using EMG feedback with patients, Charles was asked why they couldn't have a home device for training their facial muscles.
- That question triggered an NIHR-funded R&D project and the initial path toward spinning out Emteq.
