Episodes

  • MedTech Innovator: Accelerating Healthcare Innovation

    MedTech Innovator: Accelerating Healthcare Innovation
    Apr 29 2024
    Accelerators provide essential coaching, resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to startups, enabling them to navigate challenges and scale effectively in the competitive landscape. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and I have a co-host, Jim Gernatt. He leads the Innovation Partnership ecosystem for Siemens, working with incubators and accelerators. Today, we're speaking with Paul Grand, founder and CEO of MedTech Innovator, one of the foremost MedTech accelerators globally, dedicated to fostering innovation in digital health, medical devices, and diagnostics. In this part one of a two-part episode, you will gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by startups in the MedTech space. From understanding the funding dynamics and investor sentiments to the genesis of MedTech Innovator as a platform to support and guide healthcare startups, this episode offers a deep dive into the world of medical technology entrepreneurship. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: MedTech industry funding challenges and exit opportunities. (2:28) Entrepreneurship, resilience, and persistence in the MedTech industry. (7:29) The evolution of a venture capitalist in the MedTech industry. (13:17) The challenges faced by MedTech startups in gaining visibility (16:27) MedTech innovation and its impact on healthcare. (21:35) Connect with Paul Grand: LinkedIn Website Connect with Jim Gernatt: LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    26 mins
  • Navigating Angel Investment with Sandy Wollman

    Navigating Angel Investment with Sandy Wollman
    Mar 25 2024
    Often, entrepreneurs embark on their journey with a brilliant idea they believe addresses a pressing market need. But turning that idea into reality requires more than just ingenuity; it demands funding. Today, we'll delve into the world of startup funding, exploring the strategies and challenges entrepreneurs face as they seek the financial support necessary to bring their innovations to life. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and joining us today is Sanford Wollman, or Sandy, an ACA (Angel Capital Association) board member, Director of the Syndication Committee, and the co-founder and Managing Director of Westchester Angels. In this episode, Sandy provides valuable insights into what startups need to know from the initial stages of pitching to navigating due diligence to attract angel investment. We will also explore the collaborative nature of the angel investing ecosystem, the importance of finding the right angel group, and the role of organizations like the ACA in facilitating connections and providing educational resources for entrepreneurs. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Sandy’s entrepreneurship, business failures, and personal growth. (6:03) The dynamics and characteristics of the angel investing ecosystem (22:36) How the ACA works with angel groups to help startups raise money easier (28:33) How the ACA streamlines the investment process for angel groups (35:43) The "pizza lunch test" and its significance in the angel group. (41:14) Siemens partnership with the ACA (44:26) Advice for entrepreneurs. (47:28) Connect with Sanford Wollman: LinkedIn E-mail ACA Website Westchester Angels Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    59 mins
  • Sustainable Space Travel

    Sustainable Space Travel
    Jan 31 2024
    If you're like many outside the launch industry, the concept of a company that is pushing the aerospace boundaries by developing the world's first commercial rocket powered by carbon-neutral biofuel might sound foreign to you. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today, I'm joined by David Hayrikyan, the Chief Technology Officer at BluShift Aerospace, a US-based startup company in Brunswick, Maine. BluShift Aerospace is a sustainable space launch service provider, offering dedicated, small 'taxi-ride' Space Launch Services, catering to the quickly growing market of sending nano-satellites and micro-satellites into space In this episode, you will get a captivating glimpse into the world of space exploration, innovation, and sustainability, with BluShift Aerospace. You will also get to hear in-depth about BluShift's unique rocket technology, the use of carbon-neutral biofuels, and their plans for launching from Maine.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Space exploration and Blue Shift's mission to reach the stars. (3:43) Space technology and rocket development. (8:38) Carbon-neutral biofuel for rocket launches in Maine. (15:30) Using Siemens NX for rocket design and simulation. (21:30) Advice for both aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in joining startup companies. (26:51) Connect with David Hayrikyan: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    35 mins
  • Creating Safer Healthcare Environments with the ALTA Platform

    Creating Safer Healthcare Environments with the ALTA Platform
    Jan 2 2024
    We live in a world where advancements in medical science have extended our lifespan and are transforming how we experience healthcare. However, one statistic shows one-third of the surveyed healthcare workers plan to leave their jobs in the next year due to experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. Many are looking for ways to make healthcare a bit easier by developing technologies that will help with the labor-intensive tasks they deal with every day. In this episode Kevin Blevins and Jim Gernatt interview Jay Singh, the CEO and founder of Able Innovations, a healthcare technology company.  Able Innovations' ALTA platform is addressing a critical challenge in healthcare by making patient transfers safer and more efficient, benefiting both healthcare workers and patients In this conversation with Jay, you will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare innovation. You will also get to hear about a robotic device developed by Able Innovations, that allows a single caregiver to transfer a patient with the push of a button, providing a consistent and dignified experience for the patient. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The problem of patient transfers in healthcare and the Alta platform (07:32) Automating patient transfers using sensors and technology (09:41) Safety and adoption of new technology in healthcare (16:06) Medical technology and partnerships. (18:56) Product development, commercialization, and company growth (27:34) Connect with Jay Singh: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn Connect with Jim Gernatt: LinkedIn
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    42 mins
  • The Osom Privacy Story

    The Osom Privacy Story
    Nov 30 2023
    When you hear the word "privacy," what comes to mind? Your personal information? The security cameras in your home? Your favorite Alexa or Google device that is listening to your every word? But what about your car, or even more importantly, what about your phone? According to the ACLU website, cell phones and other wireless electronic devices are vital communication tools that have become necessary for full participation in modern life. But they are also powerful tracking devices that can be used to infringe on individual privacy. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today; I'm speaking with Jason Keats, founder and self-proclaimed "Chief Hooligan" at Osom Privacy, a US-based startup company developing new smartphone technology that, according to their website, is built better and built private.  In this episode, you will gain valuable insights into the critical role of privacy in today's technology, especially smartphones, and the challenges and strategies of starting and running a successful startup. You will also hear about Keats' passions, such as racing, and how they parallel his professional life, illustrating the diverse interests and skills that can contribute to entrepreneurial success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The challenges of hardware production  and Osom's partnership with Solana for the "Saga" device  (04:04) Materials used in smartphone manufacturing, like glass and titanium, and their impact on product quality (13:04) The importance of maintaining a flat organizational structure (24:36) Privacy-focused tech and racing sponsorships (28:57) The use of Siemens software at Osom Privacy (34:20) Connect with Jason Keats: LinkedIn  Website  Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    45 mins
  • Space Engine Systems' Vision for Space Exploration

    Space Engine Systems' Vision for Space Exploration
    Oct 31 2023
    If you're not familiar with the phrase "hypersonic," just think Mach 5, or something traveling at five times the speed of sound. There are several companies out there developing vehicles to travel at these speeds; they include private companies, such as the one we're going to speak with today. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today, I'm joined by Pradeep Dass, the President and CTO of Space Engine Systems, a Canadian-based aerospace start-up company located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In this episode, we will dive deep into Pradeep Dass's insights and vision for Space Engine Systems offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of aerospace innovation. In this episode, you will gain insights into Space Engine Systems' focus on pushing the boundaries of high-speed flight and its determination to make space more accessible. You will also get to hear about the challenges and limitations of traditional rockets, such as the waste of fuel, which Space Engine Systems aims to overcome with their approach. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Multi-fuel propulsion system. (00:12) Aerospace and medical applications, including the rapid transport of organs. (08:44) Space exploration and reusable rocket. (12:52) Space technology development and funding. (17:27) The challenges of developing new technology and the importance of a clear mission in space exploration.  (23:31) Hypersonic aircraft design and development challenges. (34:51) Space Engine Systems works with Siemens. (42:58) Connect with Pradeep Dass: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    44 mins
  • Impulse Space's Pioneering Approach to In-Space Transport

    Impulse Space's Pioneering Approach to In-Space Transport
    Sep 29 2023
    The world is currently witnessing the rapid commercialization of space. According to Google, there are over 100 launch companies, some of which are already in regular operation. But what happens when these rockets deliver their payloads to space? How do satellites, which are the payloads, move from their drop-off points to the specific orbits assigned by the International Telecommunications Union? I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and today, I'm joined by Dan Olson, the Vice President of Engineering at Impulse Space, a startup dedicated to in-space transportation and infrastructure for the commercialization of space. In this episode, we will explore various aspects of Impulse Space's work and the aerospace industry. In this episode, you will gain insights into the exciting developments in the commercialization of space and Impulse Space's pivotal role in this rapidly evolving industry. Additionally, you'll discover more about Dan's remarkable journey, from designing race cars to spacecraft, highlighting the surprising commonalities in design and innovation across different sectors. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Dan's journey from designing race cars to spacecraft (02:12) Impulse Base and its innovative products (07:05) SpaceX launch and payload capabilities (12:15) Space transportation and missions with Impulse Space (17:08) impulse base and its Siemens software integration. (23:41) Connect with Dan Olson: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    29 mins
  • Arkisys and the Evolution of Space Entrepreneurship

    Arkisys and the Evolution of Space Entrepreneurship
    Aug 30 2023
    There have been several technological advancements that have changed society's relationship to acceleration, space, and time. And in the present day, the world is amid a significant surge in the commercialization of space. While some say that the commercialization of space began with SpaceX’s inaugural rocket launch, the story runs way deeper. Today, Kevin Blevins talks to Rahul Rughani, Chief Systems Engineer at Arkisys Inc, a US-based startup focused on developing space infrastructure.  In this episode, you will learn about the multifaceted nature of Arkisys' endeavor, from designing versatile port modules that can host an array of payloads to envisioning in-space manufacturing capabilities that could lead to constructing massive structures hundreds of meters across. You will also get to hear more about Arkisys’ partnership with Siemens, utilizing cutting-edge technology like Siemens NX to design, model, and render their innovative concepts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The concept of reconfiguration in space (5:52) The process of launching payloads onto the port module (10:51) The role of a systems engineer (16:18) Arkisys’ “Direct-to-Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)" contract with the US Space Force (21:01) Monetizing power in space (25:43) Radiation is a significant concern (30:27) Advice for budding entrepreneurs (36:00) Connect with Rahul Rughani LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    42 mins