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Send us a Message This episode takes MedTech 101 to Nairobi for the first time. I sit down with Derek Ngokonyo, managing director of ThatcherX, the Kenyan drone operator using hybrid VTOL aircraft to move blood samples and medical supplies across some of the country's hardest to reach regions. What started as on the ground blood donation advocacy through the Kenyan by Blood Foundation grew into a partnership with Arizona based Good Drone Company and a fleet of ten Malaika drones covering up to 1,000 kilometers on a single flight. We get into the real cost of running a drone program, the two year fight for a Kenya Civil Aviation Authority license, and why ThatcherX draws a hard line between humanitarian cargo and anything that looks like a security threat. If you want to understand how Africa is building its own answer to Zipline, this one is for you. Timestamps 00:00 Cold open: the vision behind ThatcherX 00:37 Welcome back to MedTech 101, first episode recorded in Africa 01:01 Meet Derek Ngokonyo and ThatcherX 03:46 From an IT degree to the Kenyan by Blood Foundation 05:39 The access problem: floods, insecurity and 100km gaps 07:08 The case that sparked the pivot to drones 09:56 Zipline's $600M raise and what it means for the region 10:45 Inside Malaika: five rotors, VTOL and hybrid propulsion 13:08 Range, payload and reverse logistics 16:01 The Good Drone Company partnership and deal structure 20:14 What one drone actually costs 22:56 Training Kenya's first drone pilots 25:51 Funding, adoption and the two year licensing gauntlet 29:39 Ten drones, a new raise and local manufacturing plans 32:00 Weather, terrain and scaling payload to 150kg 34:50 The future of medical drone delivery in Kenya 41:06 Beyond healthcare: tea, radiopharma and e-commerce 42:32 Drawing the line: humanitarian use only 45:26 Closing thoughts Website: https://thatcherx.com/ Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message What if you could monitor your blood glucose levels in 10 seconds, no needles, no blood, just a simple saliva test that looks like a lipstick? In this episode, Rod sits down with Luc Pierart, co-founder of LipsTech and a 30-year veteran of medical technology with over 50 patents to his name. Luc shares how his team has cracked a problem that scientists have been trying to solve since 1941, achieving 98% accuracy in a clinical trial of 180 type 2 diabetic patients using a combination of nanocarbon sensors and AI. We cover the competitive landscape, why big players like Apple and Samsung have failed at non-invasive glucose monitoring, how LipsTech is priced to reach patients in Africa and beyond, and what the regulatory road to market looks like. If you think painless, affordable glucose monitoring is still in the future, this episode will change your mind. Timestamped Summary [00:00] Luc opens with the headline clinical result, 98% accuracy across 180 type 2 diabetic patients, two 10-second daily tests, weekly A1C scoring and meal education feedback. [01:39] Rod introduces the episode from Paris and frames the concept: glucose monitoring via saliva. [03:06] Luc's background: 30+ years in product development, 50+ patents, 12 products launched, early Airpod-like tech, PK Vitality wearable CGM acquired by Withings. LipsTech born from unmet T2D need. [05:32] IP and technology carryover, patents sold with PK Vitality; standard biochemical CGM sensor tech adapted into a novel saliva format. [06:53] What LipsTech is in plain English, lipstick-shaped device, rub inner lips, result in 30 seconds. [08:01] Competitive landscape: BGM finger prick (63% market share), CGM patch (€100+/month), implantables, and failed non-invasive attempts by Apple, Samsung and Google. [11:07] Pricing: reader $49, consumable $49 for 60 reuses, roughly 4x cheaper than CGM. Reusability was the key engineering breakthrough. [12:32] Africa distribution: strong clinician interest at SFD Lyon, blood handling concerns and CGM cost make LipsTech a natural fit for African markets. [14:12] Fundraising: seed round targeting $2M, lab prototype to commercial product, 2027 launch target, angels over VCs, round open until end of 2025. [17:20] Manufacturing: reader in Eastern Europe, sensor pre-series in UK then internalised to France. [18:01] Regulatory pathway: 2027 wellness launch first, IVD Class B/Class 2 medical certification ~2 years later, FDA Q-Sub meeting planned. [20:54] How the science works: nanocarbon sensors plus AI to overcome the ~100x lower glucose concentration in saliva vs. blood. Problem attempted since 1941, 10 patents filed. [23:49] Future vision: multi-sensor lipstick covering glucose, cholesterol, hormones and oral cancer markers. Full home health checkup in one device within 10 years. Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message What if diagnosing depression was as simple as a 15-minute brain scan, no questionnaires, no guesswork, just objective data? That's exactly what Lucas Scherdel and his team at Connectome Health are building. In this episode, Lucas breaks down how their TD-fNIRS technology reads brain activity non-invasively using near-infrared light, how AI turns that raw signal into stable biomarkers, and why the absence of any objective brain test for mental health conditions is one of the most under-discussed problems in medicine today. We also get into the regulatory and investor catch-22 that slows MedTech innovationand Lucas's vision for a world where brain health checks are as routine as visiting the optician. If you work in MedTech, digital health, neuroscience, or you're just curious about where mental healthcare is headed, this one is worth your time. Timestamp: 00:00 – Opening hook: Lucas's vision for mainstream brain sensing 01:33 – Rod's intro and welcome 02:29 – What is Connectome Health? 02:58 – Lucas's background: biomedical sciences, Bayer, WHO 06:48 – How Lucas ended up founding Connectome 10:34 – What does "Connectome" mean? 11:00 – TD-fNIRS explained in layman's terms 12:50 – Why scalable brain measurement has been so hard 16:14 – What does the hardware actually look like? 17:38 – Brain-computer interfaces and the future of prosthetics 19:08 – Challenges: regulatory, manufacturing, scaling 19:37 – Connectome as a software company (platform dependency risk) 22:24 – The inference application layer 23:20 – Business model explained: B2B research tools → future B2C 24:48 – Regulatory landscape and reception from the scientific community 25:17 – Imperial College London healthy population study 26:16 – The investor-regulator catch-22 in MedTech 27:44 – First product: functional brain performance testing 29:34 – Where is mental health tracking headed in 10–15 years? 31:57 – Wrap-up and how to find Lucas (connectome.health / LinkedIn) Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message What if you never had to drive to physio again? Dr. Ashok Gupta is making that a reality - using AI to measure your joints to the tenth of a degree, from your phone. 00:00 Intro & accessibility hook 00:18 Welcome & guest introduction 01:47 Origin story - the "why not PT?" moment 02:44 The 10 - 20% touch insight that made telehealth PT possible 03:39 Early struggles, pivots & the COVID tailwind 06:06 What devices do patients need? 07:23 How computer vision AI measures movement in sessions 09:19 Tracking patient progress over time with objective data 10:43 Patient compliance & the "home as clinic" effect 13:56 Will AI replace clinicians? The TheraNow thesis 16:47 The omnichannel care model (clinic + virtual) 19:38 Regulatory compliance & Joint Commission accreditation 22:52 Real licensed therapists, not bots - 350+ clinician network 26:08 International expansion plans 28:04 The future of virtual physical therapy 30:57 Where to find Ashok & wrap-up Company Website: https://www.theranow.com Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message Ever applied for a job and heard nothing back? You're not alone. 1 in 4 applications right now is a bot, and most companies don't have time to go through 500 applicants. In this episode, medtech recruitment specialist Chay Carter breaks down why the system is broken, what top companies are actually looking for, and how platforms like Reccy Neuro are trying to fix it. Whether you're a student, early career, or looking to break into neurotech or medtech this one's for you. Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction  03:03 Che Carter's background – psychology to banking to neurotech  04:50 Building the Reki Neuro ecosystem – newsletter to job platform  11:01 The neurotech spectrum – implantables, wearables, BCIs  13:15 The bot problem – 1 in 4 applications may be automated  14:20 Newsletter and job board integration  15:24 Candidate matching platform – 70%+ score filtering  19:19 Funding challenges limiting medtech hiring  20:50 Geographic talent hubs – Bay Area, Austin, New York  21:28 Career advice – start at large firms before startups  27:00 The niche ecosystem vision – rebuilding early LinkedIn for medtech  27:20 LinkedIn's decline for focused recruitment  29:28 AI's role in recruitment – helps recruiters, not candidates  31:00 Open access and community growth strategy Links:  Reccy Neuro: https://www.reccy.dev/ Newsletter: https://theneurotechnewsletter.substack.com/ Heres the specific article: https://theneurotechnewsletter.substack.com/p/the-reemergence-of-eeg-why-the-brain Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message In this first MedTech 101 episode of the year, Rodney Moses explores where MedTech is heading in 2026 and beyond. Drawing from industry history, market data, and real-world regulatory experience, he identifies three key growth pillars shaping the future of healthcare: telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and personalised medicine. Using Intuitive Surgical as a case study, Rodney explains how patents, monopolies, and regulation influence innovation and market expansion. He then breaks down why telemedicine is accelerating rapidly, how AI is enhancing (not replacing) clinicians, and why personalised medicine is set to become a trillion-dollar market. This episode offers a clear investment, innovation, and career lens on where MedTech is moving—and where attention should be focused over the next five years. ⏱️ Episode Time-Step Summary (Chapters) (0:00–0:20) High-Growth MedTech Thesis MedTech companies operating in telemedicine, AI, and personalised medicine are positioned for strong long-term growth. (0:20–1:55) Welcome & Podcast Update Rodney Moses welcomes listeners to the first episode of the year, reflects on fewer episodes in 2025, and shares updates on starting postgraduate studies in Munich and expanding the podcast’s scope. (1:55–2:23) Framing the Future of MedTech To predict the future of MedTech, we must first understand the present and recent history of the industry. (2:23–4:08) Intuitive Surgical & Market Evolution Intuitive Surgical’s early patents created a long-lasting monopoly in surgical robotics. Patent expiry enabled competitors, lowered regulatory barriers, and expanded the market. (4:08–4:59) Innovation, Patents & Regulation Discussion on balancing patent protection, innovation incentives, affordability, and the role of regulation in MedTech markets. (4:59–6:35) Telemedicine: Market Growth & Impact Telemedicine as a key future pillar of MedTech, driven by wearables and remote monitoring. Market size: $141B (2024) → $380B (2030)Benefits include hospital decongestion and improved access to care.(6:35–10:00) Artificial Intelligence in MedTech AI as an enabler rather than a replacement for doctors. Use cases include diagnostics, imaging, mental health analysis, and decision support. Market size: $14B (2024) → $255B (2033) Regulatory catch-up remains a challenge, but momentum is strong.(10:06–11:22) Personalised Medicine & Data-Driven Care Shift from generalized treatments to tailored therapies based on individual patient data, improving efficacy and outcomes. (11:22–11:54) Personalised Medicine Market Outlook One of the fastest-growing healthcare markets globally. Market size: $567B (2024) → $1.2T (2033)(11:54–12:57) Where to Focus in MedTech The three strongest growth areas for the next 1–5 years: TelemedicineArtificial IntelligencePersonalised Medicine Surgical robotics remains important but secondary in near-term growth.(12:57–13:11) Closing Remarks Rodney thanks listeners, marks his return to the podcast, and invites guest and topic suggestions. Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message In this compelling episode of MedTech 101, host Rodney Moses sits down with RenovoRx CEO Shaun Bagai to explore the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The conversation opens with a clear-eyed look at the challenges pancreatic cancer patients face, before diving into Shaun’s remarkable journey—from aspiring pre-med student to seasoned medtech leader—and the pivotal role engineering plays in redefining cancer care. Rodney underscores the importance of pairing technological innovation with true patient-centric thinking, setting the tone for an insightful discussion on medtech’s ability to transform lives. Shaun explains how RenovoRx is changing the treatment landscape through its patented localized therapy platform, designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor while reducing life-limiting systemic side effects. Their discussion highlights the development and impact of the RenovoCath catheter and the Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP) system, technologies that enable precise, targeted drug delivery and bring renewed hope for improved outcomes. Rodney and Shaun also touch on the contrast between the agility of startups and the slower pace of traditional medtech companies—using RenovoRx’s journey to a NASDAQ listing, without being acquired by a larger player, as a powerful example of strategic independence. The episode wraps with optimism about the future of oncology and the transformative potential of smarter drug-delivery systems. Timestamp Summary 00:00 | Innovative Approach to Treating Pancreatic Cancer Locally 01:50 | Renovo Rx's Innovative Approach to Localized Chemotherapy Delivery 02:31 | From Medtronic to CEO: A Journey in Medical Innovation 05:28 | Leveraging Technology in Medicine for Widespread Impact 06:47 | RenovoRx's Unique Path in the Medtech Industry 12:39 | Innovative Localized Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment 19:22 | Expanding Life-Saving Technology Beyond the US Market 21:02 | Innovative Delivery Systems for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message Viral Thakkar, COO of LungPacer Medical, joins Rodney on the MedTech 101 Podcast to discuss how cutting-edge innovation is reshaping ventilator technology. They unpack the limitations of traditional mechanical ventilation and its often-overlooked effects on the diaphragm. Viral shares insights into AeroPace, LungPacer’s breakthrough system that uses phrenic nerve stimulation to help patients breathe and recover more effectively. The discussion dives into the real-world challenges of clinical adoption, the significance of FDA Breakthrough Designation, and what the future holds for ventilation care. Tune in to learn how this technology could redefine outcomes for ICU patients by reducing complications and accelerating recovery. Timestamp 00:00 The Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Health 02:02 From R&D to COO: Viral Thakkar's Medtech Journey 03:20 A Journey from Personal Tragedy to Medical Device Innovation 05:56 Ventilator-Induced Diaphragm Dysfunction and Its Consequences 11:38 Innovative Diaphragm Stimulation Technology for Improved Ventilation 15:45 Breakthrough Medical Device Designation and Market Challenges 19:27 Innovative Ventilation Technology Aims to Improve ICU Patient Outcomes Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message Ben Tasker, is an AI expert who has transitioned from academia to the utilities sector, focusing on upskilling and reskilling the workforce for the AI era. He discusses his experience developing AI systems for student success prediction in education and cancer risk identification in healthcare. The core themes are: The importance of responsible and ethical AI practices as the technology rapidly advances The challenges of getting buy-in from end-users (students, patients, employees) and integrating AI into existing workflows The potential of AI to enable more personalized services, especially in healthcare and mental health The need to balance the benefits of AI-powered personalization with concerns around privacy, transparency, and the risk of reinforcing biases Overall, Ben emphasizes the critical role of human-centered design and stakeholder engagement in ensuring AI is implemented effectively and ethically across different industries. Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message Dr Kevin Tracey is a renowned neurosurgeon and the president of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. With over three decades of experience focused on understanding and controlling inflammation. Dr Tracey has pioneered research that led to advancements in bioelectronic medicine. His work explores the potential of the vagus nerve to regulate inflammation, paving the way for innovative treatments for chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Kevin is also a co-founder of SetPoint Medical, which recently received FDA approval for an implant device aimed at treating inflammation. Timestamp 00:00 Bioelectronic Devices Revolutionize Inflammation Treatment 04:28 Exploring Bioelectronic Medicine and Innovative Medical Research 09:09 Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Breakthrough in Inflammation Treatment 13:07 Implant Revolutionizes Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment 15:56 Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Its Role in Inflammation Control 20:25 SetPoint Medical's FDA Approval and Future Distribution Challenges 24:08 The Promise of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Rheumatoid Arthritis 27:29 Understanding Present Data to Predict Future Technological Advancements 29:48 Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Future Inflammation Treatment 32:16 Podcast Interview with Author Kevin Tracey Book: The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes  Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message In this episode of the MedTech 101 podcast, host Rodney Moses sits down with Erin Lee, CEO of Flow Neuroscience, to talk about how technology is changing the way we treat mental health. Erin shares the story behind Flow’s groundbreaking device that uses gentle brain stimulation to treat depression, without relying on traditional antidepressants. Together, they discuss the challenges of drug-based therapies and Flow’s mission to make mental health treatment more effective, affordable, and accessible. Erin also opens up about her unconventional journey into medtech, from her time at leading tech firms to her eye-opening experience at Babylon Health, which shaped her vision for digital health innovation. The conversation dives into how Flow operates as a Scandinavian company with a global footprint, spanning the UK, EU, and now expanding into the U.S. market. Erin explains the regulatory hurdles they face, how they navigate them, and what it takes to bring such a device to different regions. She also talks about Flow’s wearable headset — a clinically proven, non-drug treatment that uses targeted electrical stimulation to improve mood. Finally, Erin reflects on the future of mental health care, where AI and medtech could work together to deliver more personalized and accessible treatments for people everywhere. Timestamp 00:00 Revolutionizing Depression Treatment Without Antidepressants 01:44 Erin Lee's Unconventional Journey to Leading Flow Neuroscience 06:07 Innovative Headset Offers Drug-Free Depression Treatment 12:17 Challenges and Strategies in Medical Device Market Approvals 15:53 Challenges in Introducing Innovative Medical Devices to the Market 22:41 The Future of Personalized Brain Stimulation for Depression Treatment 29:31 Erin Lee Discusses Neuroscience and Upcoming Device Launch Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message In this episode, Rodney sits down with Henry O’Connell, co-founder of Canary Speech, to explore how vocal biomarkers are changing the way we understand health. From detecting anxiety and depression to assessing cognitive function, Canary Speech’s approach breaks through language barriers and gives clinicians clearer insights into patient care. Together, Rodney and Henry discuss how this innovation could open the door to more accessible healthcare—from Utah to the most remote corners of the world. Timestamp 00:00 Canary Speech and the Future of Vocal Biomarkers 07:23 Understanding Emotional Cues in Family Interactions 10:16 Revolutionizing Healthcare with Ambient Listening and AI Analysis 22:54 Understanding Vocal Cords and Emotional Speech Patterns 25:31 AI Revolutionizing Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment 33:09 Leveraging Technology to Equalize Global Healthcare Access 38:31 Connecting with Henry O'Connell Through LinkedIn and Email Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message In this enlightening episode of the MedTech 101 podcast, host Rodney introduces the unique and transformative work of Sinan Golhan, CEO of Geltech, who is at the forefront of advancing hydrogel technology. Hydrogels have the extraordinary capacity to absorb up to 10,000 times their weight in water, making them invaluable across diverse fields such as medtech, pharmaceuticals, and even cosmetics. This episode unravels how Geltech is making significant strides in streamlining hydrogel research through automation, reducing the cost of testing and accelerating the timeline for hydrogel innovations to benefit various industries. As the discussion progresses, Sinan shares his personal journey from UC San Diego to founding Geltech. Motivated by a poignant family health challenge, Sinan's quest has been to enhance the precision of cancer treatments via hydrogels. Throughout this conversation, Sinan delves deep into the hurdles of fundraising and the scalable solutions devised by Geltech to expedite and automate the labor-intensive process of hydrogel testing. Listeners gain an insight into the potential future Timestamp 00:00 Innovative Hydrogel Applications in MedTech and Pharmaceuticals 03:14 Innovating Cancer Treatment Through Robotics and Personal Motivation 05:29 Hydrogels: Transformative Applications in Medicine and Biotechnology 08:28 Revolutionizing Hydrogel Testing with Automated Lab Technology 15:45 Challenges and Strategies in Raising Capital for Startups 17:30 Unexpected Networking Leads to Successful Startup Fundraising 23:17 The Future of 3D-Printed Hydrogels in MedTech GelTech https://www.geltechlabs.com Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message Dr. Elliot Justin and Rodney dive into the world of men's health, discussing innovative solutions addressing erectile dysfunction. Dr. Justin introduces FirmTech's tech ring, a device designed to monitor and improve erectile performance while offering insights into cardiovascular health. With a background in Slavic languages and aspirations to join the CIA, Dr. Justin's journey to medtech is unique. He sheds light on the overlooked causes of erectile issues, the role of testosterone, and the importance of data in improving men's health. Explore how sex tech is evolving beyond pleasure and into essential health insights. 15% DISCOUNT CODE: MEDTECH101 Timestamp 00:00 Innovative Wearable Tech for Men's Health and Cardiovascular Insights 07:42 Rethinking Erectile Dysfunction and Its Underlying Causes 10:56 Erection Rings: Enhancing Performance and Monitoring Health 19:41 Objective Approaches to Men's Health and Testosterone Levels 26:37 Challenges in Promoting Sexual Health Awareness and Product Adoption 28:52 Challenges in Medical Device Approval and Regulatory Corruption 33:10 Innovations and Challenges in Men's Sexual Health Tech https://myfirmtech.com/ Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal

Send us a Message Join Rodney as he hosts Julio, the mastermind behind Latam MedTech Podcast and co-founder of BioAccess, a company bridging U.S. startups with Latin American clinical trials. Explore the hurdles and innovations in navigating clinical trials in Latin America, discover the strategic importance of early-stage testing, and understand the potential of Latin America as an emerging hub for medical device trials. Julio shares insights into market entry strategies, regulatory landscapes, and the mutual benefits of cross-border collaborations in medtech and biopharma, painting a promising picture for the future of clinical research. Timestamp: 00:00 Expanding MedTech Clinical Trials Across Latin America and Beyond 06:25 The Power of Podcasting in Medical Device Research 09:58 BioAccess Facilitates Clinical Trials for Startups Seeking Acquisition 14:23 Navigating Clinical Trials and MedTech in Latin America 23:43 Navigating Medical Device Approvals in Global Markets 28:49 Latin America's Emerging Role in Clinical Research and Innovation Support the show Follow or Connect with Rodney Moses: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Donations Patreon | PayPal