What does it really take to build an AI health tech startup — beyond the hype, pitch decks, and buzzwords?

In this episode, I sit down with Ian and Anya from RespiraDigm to unpack the unfiltered reality of turning academic research into a commercially viable AI healthcare company.

This is a grounded, honest conversation about what happens when deep science meets real-world execution.

We explore how RespiraDigm transitioned from university research into a real-world health tech venture, the complexities of building AI in a highly regulated healthcare environment, and the strategic decisions founders must make when commercialising advanced technology.

• What it actually takes to build an AI healthcare startup

• The gap between academic research and commercial reality

• Why many health tech startups struggle before product-market fit

• The role of AI, data quality, and validation in healthcare innovation

• How trust, credibility, and compliance impact health tech adoption

• What founders and investors often underestimate in regulated industries

• Lessons that apply to any AI or deep-tech startup, not just healthcare

This episode is especially relevant if you are a:

• Startup founder building AI or deep-tech products

• Investor evaluating early-stage health tech opportunities

• Researcher or academic exploring commercialisation

• Business leader navigating AI adoption in complex environments

There is no shortage of conversation about AI.
What is rare is honest insight from founders who are navigating regulation, data integrity, funding realities, and long-term impact in real time.

RespiraDigm’s journey is a strong case study in how meaningful innovation happens when science, strategy, and execution align.

If you are serious about building, backing, or understanding AI-powered businesses that create real-world impact, this conversation will challenge assumptions and sharpen your thinking.

If you value real conversations about AI, startups, strategy, and innovation:

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• Share this episode with a founder or investor who should hear it

• Add your thoughts or questions in the comments

This podcast exists to explore what it truly takes to build, not just what sounds good on a slide deck.

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