The Healthtech Podcast

Dan Jamieson, Founder and CEO of Biorelate, shares insights on leveraging AI for drug discovery. He discusses how his PhD led to a partnership with Pfizer, boosting their target proposal success. Jamieson explains the significance of connecting disparate research to unveil new hypotheses and the evolution of Biorelate’s services into a scalable licensing model. He emphasizes the crucial role of domain expertise in tackling complex biomedical challenges, while highlighting AI's ability to complement, not replace, human scientists in this innovative field.

Mark Kendall, a leading biomedical engineer and founder of WearOptimo, shares his groundbreaking insights on microneedle technology. He discusses the evolution from rocket vaccine delivery to wearable microneedles that monitor hydration in real time. Mark explains the significance of skin as a major indicator of hydration and how his innovative sensors outperform traditional blood draws in clinical trials. He also highlights the potential applications in sports and chronic care, emphasizing the need for early detection in health management.

Dr. Sonia Schamotsky, former A&E doctor and the innovative CEO of 32Co, shares her unique path in healthcare. She dives into the challenges of clinician adoption of new treatments and highlights the importance of trust and information flow in the healthcare system. Sonia discusses her platform that connects generalists to specialists, starting with dentistry and expanding into sleep health. She emphasizes that while AI is valuable, the human connection remains irreplaceable in delivering quality care.

Tomasz George, a PhD-trained longevity researcher and CEO of Freyr Health, dives into fascinating longevity science. He discusses the surprising rejuvenating effects of young blood on aged cells and the public fads surrounding its use. Tomasz highlights the importance of lifestyle choices, exercise, and diet in healthy aging, alongside interventions like gut health and managing stress. He also emphasizes the need for individuals to control their medical data, aiming to revolutionize how health data is managed and monetized.

In this engaging discussion, Steve Roest, the co-founder and CEO of PocDoc, shares insights on revolutionizing health diagnostics with smartphone-based blood testing. He explains how PocDoc's technology can detect cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney issues using a simple finger prick. Steve highlights the importance of scaling preventative health outside GP surgeries and the innovative strategies that led to high uptake rates among patients. With a focus on real-world needs and integration with NHS pathways, PocDoc aims to democratize health screening.

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.