The Healthtech Podcast

In this conversation with Rachel Murphy, founder of The Grafter, listeners gain insights from her extensive experience in building and exiting healthcare companies. She discusses key strategies for founders to maximize their business value before an exit. Rachel highlights the importance of preparation, including creating a detailed data room and sell pack. She also shares her experiences navigating entrepreneurial challenges in the UK, the impact of politics on startups, and strategies for identifying valuable assets in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Olivia Burns, Founder of Hypoplas, is on a mission to revolutionize hospital gowns for sustainability and dignity. She shares her journey from living with a congenital heart condition to creating patient-centric designs. The conversation dives into the importance of including patient voices in healthcare innovation and the ethical implications of treatment experiences. Olivia also highlights how empowering patients can enhance healthcare outcomes and discusses the critical role of a Chief Patient Officer in bridging patient insights with AI technologies.

James O’Donovan, Head of Research at the Community Health Impact Coalition, discusses the pivotal role of community health workers in transforming healthcare systems. He emphasizes the need for these workers to be recognized as essential professionals, deserving fair compensation and training. The conversation highlights their impact on data collection and health initiatives in underserved areas. Additionally, James addresses the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance and how community health efforts can combat it, showcasing innovation and collaboration in healthcare.

Aashima Gupta, global director of healthcare strategy and solutions at Google Cloud, shares her journey from fintech to healthcare, inspired by personal loss. She discusses the revolutionary role of AI in patient care and data interoperability, emphasizing the need for effective communication in healthcare systems. Aashima highlights advanced AI technologies like Gemini and Med-PaLM and advocates for integrating them with human judgment. She underscores the importance of ethical guidelines and practical applications in enhancing healthcare experiences and improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Ross Harper, CEO and co-founder of Limbic, is pioneering clinical-grade AI tools to transform mental health care. He discusses the impact of AI technology on diagnostics and treatment, especially since the pandemic. The conversation dives into the accessibility challenges within the UK mental health system, highlighting how AI can reduce waiting times and address minority demographic needs. Harper emphasizes the importance of integrating technology while maintaining a human touch, making a compelling case for responsible AI deployment in mental health.

This week, James is joined by Lara Lewington, technology broadcaster, journalist, and AI commentator. Lara has presented a variety of programmes across ITV and BBC, including fifteen years on the BBC's flagship technology show, Click. Her book 'Hacking Humanity', published in July 2025, is the ultimate guide to the tech-driven health revolution we are approaching. Learn more: https://www.laralewington.com/Apply to be a guest: https://www.thehealthtechpodcast.com/ Subscribe to Healthtech Pigeon 🐦: https://www.healthtechpigeon.com/Get in touch with James: https://www.jamessomauroo.com/

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.

When OpenAI and Penda Health dropped a preprint claiming their “AI Consult” tool cut diagnostic errors by 16% in Kenyan clinics, headlines lit up across healthtech. But veteran digital‑health researcher Dr Paul Wicks spotted the cracks.00:00 Introduction to OpenAI's Preprint and Its Significance05:55 Understanding Preprints and Their Impact on Research11:58 Evaluating the Methodology and Results of the Study18:01 The Importance of Trust and Transparency in AI Research23:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on AI's Role in Medicine29:50 Randomized Control Trials and Their Importance36:47 Building Trust in AI Systems43:05 The Need for Transparency in AI Development

Christoph Lippuner, CEO and co-founder of Semble, shares insights from his unique transition from investment banking to healthcare technology. He discusses the emotional hurdles of shifting from medicine to entrepreneurship, focusing on the need for self-belief and actionable goals. Christoph delves into the importance of empathy in creating user-friendly healthcare software, the evolution towards joyful patient engagement, and the role of AI in enhancing workflows while maintaining human connection. His journey emphasizes systemic improvement and ethical considerations in healthcare.

Discover unconventional paths into health tech with insights on risk-taking and innovation. Explore the evolving landscape for career opportunities as technology addresses healthcare challenges. Learn about the integration of digital health within NHS frameworks and the importance of co-production. Gain practical advice on networking and the value of diverse experiences, showing how personal journeys can drive healthcare advancements. Embrace flexibility in career paths and the potential of unexpected experiences to shape your future in this dynamic field.