The MedTech Podcast

Shai Policker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Edge Medical Ventures, a medtech venture studio and fund focused on developing and investing in medical devices that address unmet clinical needs. With a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the Technion, an MBA from Columbia Business School and over 25 years building medical device companies, Shai has founded or scaled 18 companies across cardiovascular care, surgery and respiratory health, filing more than 40 patents along the way.In this episode, Shai cuts straight to something most investors won't say out loud: that even a great technology with strong clinical data can still fail. Not because the product is wrong but because the process takes too long and the funding runs out. He breaks down the fragmented decision-making landscape in healthcare, why physicians loving your product means almost nothing if the payer isn't on board and why reimbursement is the real gatekeeper that kills more companies than bad science ever will.We also explore what makes Edge Medical Ventures different from a traditional VC fund. Shai explains how their venture studio model starts from validated unmet needs with a strategic partner already at the table and how their hands-on go-to-market support continues well past the R&D phase. A combination that helped one portfolio company go from zero to FDA approval with distribution agreements and paying customers on just $2.5 million. We also get into the Israeli startup mindset, the right way to think about IP and patents and how to know when a founder should step aside.Timestamps[00:00:17] What Pulled an Electrical Engineer Into MedTech 25 Years Ago[00:01:48] What 18 Companies Taught Shai That One Never Could[00:03:04] How to Know If the Problem Is Painful Enough to Build Around[00:04:56] Why 80% of MedTech Startups Fail Even With Great Technology[00:07:53] What a Venture Studio Actually Is and How It Differs From a VC Fund[00:10:51] The $2.5 Million Company That Got FDA Approval and Started Selling[00:13:54] Why Israeli Startups Move Faster Than Everyone Else[00:17:28] How to Think About Patents Without Becoming Obsessed With Them[00:23:44] Balancing Speed and Discipline Without Creating Expensive Mistakes[00:26:20] Final Advice: What Shai Wishes Every MedTech Founder KnewConnect with Shai - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shai-policker-b8760a3/Learn more about Edge Medical Ventures - https://edgemed.vc/Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Karandeep on YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Medical device training courses delivered by Karandeep through Bywater - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bywater.co.uk/

Jordan Pollack, biomedical engineer, entrepreneur and CEO of Sub-Q Bionics. Jordan began his career at Boston Scientific, later founded VeinWay in Israel and is now focused on building a new treatment paradigm for lymphoedema in cancer survivors.In this episode, we explore what actually creates momentum in MedTech, from networking with intent to building the resilience needed to survive the founder journey. Jordan shares why conferences alone rarely deliver results, how warm introductions and targeted roadshows outperform generic networking and what he had to unlearn after leaving corporate structure behind to become a startup CEO. He also offers a brutally honest take on entrepreneurship, explaining why the role is not for everyone and why persistence, resilience and equanimity matter more than titles or ambition alone.We also go deep into the story behind Sub-Q Bionics and why Jordan chose to focus on lymphoedema, particularly in women recovering from cancer treatment. He explains the clinical reality of the disease, the lack of meaningful treatment options beyond maintenance, and why reimbursement, not just good technology, is often the deciding factor in whether a device company succeeds. Along the way, he shares sharp insights on women’s health being chronically underfunded, the differences between the U.S. and Israeli startup ecosystems, and why mission-led companies are far more likely to stay the course when things get hard.Timestamps[00:00:32] Why Generic Conferences Rarely Create Real MedTech Opportunity[00:02:05] How Networking Shaped Jordan’s Move from Boston Scientific to Israel[00:03:29] What Corporate MedTech Taught Him and What He Had to Unlearn[00:05:54] Why Being a Founder Is Not for Everyone[00:08:49] The Origin of Sub-Q Bionics and the Shift Toward True Disease Treatment[00:11:53] What Lymphoedema Actually Is and Why It Is So Devastating[00:14:06] Why Women’s Health Remains Underfunded and Where Innovation Is Emerging[00:18:25] Why Reimbursement Matters More Than Technology Alone[00:20:58] U.S. vs Israel: Two Very Different Startup Ecosystems[00:25:10] Balancing Founder Life, Health, Travel and RelationshipsConnect with Jordan - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-pollack-81464827/Learn more about Sub-Q Bionics - ⁠⁠https://subqbionics.com/Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Karandeep on YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the Podcast

Kirsten Karchmer, founder of Conceivable, is one of North America's first reproductive acupuncturists. With a career spanning clinical practice, software development and AI integration, Kirsten brings a fresh, deeply personal perspective to the future of women’s healthIn this episode, we explore the root causes of infertility and why simply timing intercourse isn’t enough. Kirsten breaks down the concept of the “Conceivable Cycle,” how subclinical symptoms reveal deeper fertility issues, and why most women are misled by generic wellness advice. She also shares the story behind building an AI-powered virtual care platform, one designed not to replace doctors, but to give millions of women access to tools that previously cost tens of thousands in clinical care.We also talk about IVF, when it should be used, and how even women in their 40s can significantly boost fertility outcomes by improving internal health metrics. The conversation ends with Kirsten’s advice to female founders, the role of automation and AI in running a business and how her unexpected obsession with houseplants helps restore balance in a founder's high-stress lifeTimestamps:[00:00:45] From MS Diagnosis to Reproductive Medicine[00:02:26] Why Fertility Monitors May Be Doing More Harm Than Good[00:04:22] How to Actually Know If You’re Fertile[00:05:00] What the “Conceivable Score” Reveals[00:07:04] Building an AI OS for Women’s Health[00:10:15] Signs of a Healthy vs. Unhealthy Menstrual Cycle[00:13:46] When IVF Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t[00:16:03] Fertility After 35: Misconception or Reality?[00:18:00] The Resistance (and Reception) from Clinicians[00:21:02] Advice for Female Founders and Women in FemTechGet in touch with Kirsten - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-karchmer-0139808/ ⁠Learn more about Conceivable - ⁠https://conceivable.com/⁠Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ ⁠Follow Karandeep on YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal⁠Subscribe to the Podcast

Dr. Brittany Partain, Associate Director of Clinical Affairs and Physician Education at Exagen has a background in biomedical engineering and a passion for problem-solving, Brittany has carved out a unique role at the intersection of diagnostics, clinical education and biotech innovationIn this episode, we explore why autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are so difficult to diagnose, and how Brittany is helping close that gap through physician education and the use of novel T-cell biomarkers. We also talk about building trust with clinicians, misconceptions around diagnostic tools, and the real challenges of advancing innovation in a field that’s historically lagging behind specialities like oncology. Finally, Brittany reflects on her journey as a female leader in MedTech, the importance of collaboration, and why passion matters when navigating a fast-paced, highly regulated industryTimestamps:[00:00:45] Why Autoimmune Diseases Are So Difficult to Diagnose[00:01:55] From Biomedical Engineering to Clinical Affairs[00:04:34] Why Rheumatology Has Lagged Behind[00:07:07] How T-Cell Biomarkers Work and What They Solve[00:09:18] What Autoimmune Diseases Are and How They Present[00:11:05] Common Misconceptions Among Clinicians[00:13:00] How Hospitals and Private Clinics React to New Tools[00:15:07] Building Clinical Trust Through Science[00:18:05] What Most People Don’t Know About Autoimmune Disease[00:21:58] Women in Biotech: Breaking Stereotypes and Leading ChangeGet in touch with Brittany - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-d-partain Learn more about Exagen - https://exagen.com/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwalSubscribe to the Podcast

Martin Burns, CEO of Bruin Biometrics is a former management consultant who worked with Deloitte and PwC and has also served as a guest lecturer at UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he taught entrepreneurship in biotechnologyAt Bruin, Martin is leading the charge to bring pressure injury (bedsore) prevention into the 21st century. Bedsores are entirely preventable yet remain one of the most under-discussed threats in hospitals today, especially among patients with darker skin tones who are often overlooked by traditional visual assessmentsIn this episode, Martin explains why a biology-first approach is needed to tackle these “silent killers,” the major cultural and systemic hurdles to adoption, and why he believes sensor technology should become as routine as checking blood oxygen levels. We also explore investor skepticism, the importance of diverse clinical validation and the operational realities of implementing new technologies in hospitals without disrupting workflowsTimestamps:[00:00:18] What Are Pressure Injuries and Why They’re Deadly[00:02:12] The Moment Martin Saw the Real Problem[00:03:58] The Biology of Subepidermal Moisture[00:06:53] Turning a Science Project into a Scalable Product[00:10:06] Why Traditional Risk Assessments Fail[00:12:41] Addressing Skin Tone Bias in Wound Care[00:17:14] From Skepticism to Adoption: Changing Clinical Culture[00:21:55] Beyond Bedsores: Future Sensor Applications[00:24:17] The Nurse Assistant That Frees Up Hours[00:26:52] Mountains, Gym Days & Recharging Outside WorkGet in touch with Martin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-burns-9391a57/ Learn more about Bruin - https://sem-scanner.com/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwalSubscribe to the Podcast

Mark Fox founder and CEO of Resona Health is a former NASA space shuttle engineer turned wellness-tech entrepreneur. From designing spacecraft to pioneering wearable PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy, Mark brings a rare blend of hardcore engineering and holistic healthcare innovationIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of energy medicine from the scientific foundations of PEMF and resonance frequency therapy to its real-world impact on mental clarity, emotional regulation and chronic pain. Mark also walks us through the uphill battle with FDA compliance, the hidden power of vagus nerve stimulation and the unexpected physics that connect hot air balloons to healthcare innovation. It's a fascinating mix of engineering, wellness tech and startup gritTimestamps:[00:00:35] From NASA to Neuromodulation: Mark’s Origin Story[00:03:05] What Is PEMF Therapy? Explaining the Basics[00:05:48] The New Vagus Nerve Device: Chest vs Neck Placement[00:08:40] Why Frequency > Voltage: Ditching Electrodes for Fields[00:11:22] How Resona Built a 98% Success Rate with Pocket PEMF[00:13:33] Frequency over Pharma: A Founder’s Clinical Pivot[00:16:02] The Compliance Trap: How the FDA Deals With Wellness Claims[00:18:50] Using GPTs for Regulatory Copywriting (and Staying Legal)[00:21:10] What the Body Teaches You When You Build for It[00:24:16] Life Outside of Resona: Flying, Sailing and Freedom to TinkerGet in touch with Mark - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fox-ab589110/ & https://resona.health/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal

Mark Goddard, Vice President of Clinical Services at InfoBionic.Ai, a leading authority in cardiac remote monitoring. A registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in clinical electrophysiology, Mark has pioneered service lines across ambulatory ECG, cardiac event monitoring, mobile telemetry and heart failure management in hundreds of institutions. He’s also a certified Clinical Cardiac Device Specialist with deep knowledge of subcutaneous monitoring and AI-assisted diagnosticsIn this episode, we explore how AI and real-time ECG data are revolutionising arrhythmia detection, heart failure prediction and patient engagement especially for high-risk groups like those with A-Fib. Mark shares practical insights from the front lines of cardiac care, how to tell genuine innovation from AI hype and why the future of diagnostics may lie beyond traditional heart monitoring. We also cover clinical implementation challenges, device design for older populations and the fine line between wellness tracking and medical-grade careTimestamps:[00:00:27] AI-Powered ECG: From Novelty to Necessity[00:03:28] How Clinicians Are Separating Hype from Reality[00:05:07] Why Near Real-Time Beats Traditional ECG Monitoring[00:08:49] A-Fib and the Global Data Gap[00:11:36] When Good Tech Goes Bad: Early Pacemaker Mistakes[00:13:30] Hospitals, Homes and the Future of Cardiac Care[00:19:59] AI vs Machine Learning: What’s the Real Difference?Get in touch with Mark - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-goddard-035ab427/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwalSubscribe to the Podcast

Keith Smith, President of Vonco Products, a leader in medical device packaging and contract manufacturing. Keith has spent years refining the science behind sterile packaging solutions, ensuring that medical products survive extreme conditions, from freezing temperatures to high-pressure airline transportIn this episode, we uncover why medical packaging is far more than just a box, it's a critical component in ensuring safety, sterility and regulatory compliance. Keith shares real-world failures where improper packaging led to catastrophic outcomes, the rigorous testing required to meet global standards and how manufacturers can avoid costly recalls. We also discuss the benefits and pitfalls of outsourcing medical device production, why some companies thrive with contract manufacturing while others struggle and Keith’s own entrepreneurial journey from acquiring Vonco to leading it into the medical device spaceTimestamps:[00:00:27] Why Medical Device Packaging is Critical for Patient Safety[00:02:30] The Hidden Dangers of Poorly Designed Packaging[00:05:46] Surviving Extreme Conditions: Cold, Heat & Pressure[00:07:02] Global Packaging Regulations: Why Standards Vary by Region[00:10:16] The Pros & Cons of Outsourcing Medical Device Manufacturing[00:13:43] From Food Packaging to MedTech: The Evolution of Vonco[00:20:54] Leadership & Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Running a BusinessGet in touch with Keith Smith - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-smith-725508b/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwalSubscribe to the Podcast

Praveen Kumar, Director and Heard of Clinical Sciences at nference, a physician, clinical pharmacologist and an advocate for real-world data in drug development and medical devices. Praveen is passionate about leveraging AI, machine learning and data-driven insights to optimize clinical trials, reduce development costs and improve patient outcomes In this episode, we explore the critical role of real-world data in shaping the future of medicine, how it differs from traditional clinical trials and why it’s increasingly being used for regulatory approvals. Praveen shares real-world case studies of drugs and devices that have successfully used real-world data, the challenges in global regulatory acceptance and how AI is transforming patient recruitment and trial efficiency Timestamps: [00:00:27] What is Real-World Data? [00:02:30] The Key Differences Between Clinical Trials and Real-World Data [00:06:46] How Real-World Data is Used for Drug Approvals [00:08:28] Cutting Drug Development Costs with AI [00:15:33] The Growing Role of Drug-Device Combinations [00:21:53] Emerging Trends in AI and Real-World Evidence [00:25:38] Challenges in Global Regulatory Acceptance Get in touch with Praveen Kumar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveen-kumar-m-33a6bab3/ https://nference.com/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal Subscribe to the Podcast

Axel Strombergsson, Vice President, QuickVault at Veeva Systems a seasoned leader in medical device development and commercialization. With over 18 years of experience in R&D, operations and startup growth, Axel has a proven track record in navigating the complexities of regulatory pathways, venture capital, and global market strategies In this episode, Axel shares his journey from mechanical engineering to becoming a driving force in medtech innovation. We discuss AI-powered diagnostic tools, the importance of proactive healthcare models, and the evolving role of startups in advancing medical technologies. Axel offers valuable advice on preparing for funding rounds, building impactful pitch decks, and addressing key investor concerns Timestamps: [00:00:24] MedTech Innovation Trends [00:04:02] From Engineering to MedTech [00:08:21] Proactive Healthcare Models [00:10:30] Building Investor Confidence [00:14:09] Navigating Global Markets [00:21:49] The Role of Venture Capital [00:25:33] Startup Growth Challenges Get in touch with Axel Strombergsson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-strombergsson/ https://www.veeva.com/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal Subscribe to the Podcast

Dr. Morgan Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer of Archer Review has redefined nursing education with her innovative teaching methods and empathy-driven approach, fostering confidence and competence among the next generation of nurses. In this episode, we explore the gaps in nursing education exposed during the pandemic and how Dr. Taylor is addressing these challenges through groundbreaking solutions like virtual reality and AI-enhanced training. We discuss her global health experiences in Guatemala, her passion for pediatric care and how she leverages technology to bridge educational gaps. She also shares her insights on telehealth, the adolescent mental health crises during the pandemic and the shift toward proactive value-based care models Timestamps: [00:00:27] Gaps in Nursing Education During the Pandemic [00:02:30] Global Challenges in Practical Nursing Training [00:05:35] AI as a Tool in Nursing: Opportunities and Risks [00:06:36] Unique Challenges in Paediatric Care [00:08:55] Telehealth’s Role in Enhancing Accessibility [00:13:13] Moving Toward Proactive, Value-Based Healthcare [00:15:38] Burnout and New Career Paths for Nurses Get in touch with Morgan Taylor- https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-clark-taylor/ https://www.archerreview.com/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal Subscribe to the Podcast

Dr Adam Power Co-Founder and CMO of Front Line Medical Technologies is a leader in innovative medical devices for trauma and emergency care who is committed to lowering the barriers to bleeding control and resuscitation, having previously worked as a vascular surgeon he quickly realised that there needed to be a better way for haemorrhage control so went on to co-found Front Line Medical Technologies in 2017. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of trauma care and the groundbreaking innovations in haemorrhage control, Dr. Powers journey from general surgery to vascular surgery, the importance of preventive medicine alongside the role of new technologies in healthcare and the effect of the pandemic on global healthcare systems. Timestamps: [00:02:38] Quick haemorrhage control techniques. [00:07:00] Gearing up for European CE Mark [00:09:30] From Physician to entrepreneur in med tech. [00:12:51] Shortage of physicians, focus on prevention. [00:15:39] Impact of pandemic on healthcare [00:18:49] Uses for telehealth [00:22:21] Barriers in telehealth Get in touch with Dr Adam Power - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhpower/ https://frontlinemedtech.com/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal Subscribe to the Podcast

Bob Roda President and CEO of Hemosonics, the creators of the Quantra Hemostasis Analyzer, a diagnostic platform that provides a comprehensive blood analysis detailing hemostasis in the operating room in less than 15 minutes. Bob joined HemoSonics in February 2020 as the company’s President and CEO, bringing more than 25 years of global experience developing and commercializing innovative diagnostic and medical device products and services In this episode, we explore his transition from economics to medtech, highlighting the urgent global need for blood donations and the causes behind the current blood shortages. We also examine the significant effects of COVID-19 on blood supply, the biological process of bleeding and its implications for military trauma care. Timestamps: [00:02:34] Blood crisis due to COVID, global issue. [00:05:23] Blood product technology helps save lives. [00:08:22] Technology for acute bleeding management, military applications. [00:14:38] Body's response to injury and bleeding. [00:21:35] Vetinary Applications [00:24:58] Responsibility of leadership: be present, humble. [00:27:56] Passion for healthcare can change lives. Get in touch with Bob Roda - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-roda-8175b24/ https://hemosonics.com/ Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ Follow Karandeep on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal Subscribe to the Podcast