Tag Archives: Health Transformer

AI in Healthcare: Hallucinations, Hybrid Models, and Accuracy

The Opportunities & Challenges of AI in Healthcare with Cristian Pascual of Mediktor



AI has been quietly transforming healthcare for years, but the arrival of ChatGPT changed the game. Suddenly, everyone—from patients to investors—could see the real-world impact of AI in making healthcare more efficient and accessible.

One company leading this transformation is Mediktor, a pioneer in AI-powered symptom assessment. Before AI had its cultural moment, Mediktor—a member of the StartUp Health community since 2016—was already using it to help stratify patients and guide them to the right level of care. Now, they’re growing rapidly and shaping the future of AI in healthcare.

In this episode, we chat with Cristian Pascual, CEO & Co-founder of Mediktor, to discuss:

  • The evolution of AI in healthcare and why it’s accelerating now
  • How Mediktor’s AI-driven symptom assessment is improving patient care
  • The challenges of AI in healthcare, including LLMs, “black-box” models, and hallucinations
  • Why a hybrid AI approach—combining automation with human safeguards—is the future

As AI continues to shape healthcare, companies must balance innovation with accuracy. Pascual shares insights on how to harness AI’s power while ensuring reliability and trust.

Tune in to explore the next wave of AI in healthcare—and what it means for patients, providers, and the industry at large.


Are you ready to tell YOUR story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of our Health Moonshot Community Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit.
» Learn more and apply today.

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How Optoceutics Is Exploring the Power of Light Therapy Beyond Mood Enhancement



We all know light therapy can brighten our mood, especially for those battling depression or seasonal affective disorder. But what if light could do so much more? In this week’s episode of StartUp Health NOW, we dive deep into the revolutionary work of StartUp Health community member Mai Nguyen, PhD, CEO & Co-founder of Optoceutics.

Forget what you think you know about light therapy. Nguyen and her team are pioneering a new frontier, demonstrating how precisely delivered light, through the eyes, can actually reprogram brain waves. This isn’t just about mood enhancement; it’s about potentially slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Nguyen, a Berkeley researcher turned entrepreneur, as she discusses her groundbreaking device, currently marketed as a wellness tool, but with profound clinical aspirations. Discover how her collaboration with engineers in Copenhagen has led to a novel technology that’s already making waves.

This episode will challenge your perception of the lights around you and illuminate the future of brain health. Get ready to have your mind blown!


Are you ready to tell YOUR story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of our Health Moonshot Community Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit.
» Learn more and apply today.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.


REGEnLIFE: Pioneering Light Therapy in the Fight Against Alzheimer's

Can Light Therapy Slow Alzheimer’s? The Science of Photobiomodulation with Guillaume Blivet of REGEnLIFE



On this episode of StartUp Health NOW, we learn about the power of photobiomodulation, a light therapy that promotes healing at the cellular level. From treating seasonal affective disorder to wound healing, light therapy’s applications are expanding. We’re joined by Guillaume Blivet of REGEnLIFE, a member of the StartUp Health community who is pioneering research into using photobiomodulation to address Alzheimer’s disease. Learn how their unique approach, targeting both the brain and gut, shows promise in reducing inflammation and improving cellular health. We discuss the science, the promising early results, and the potential of this groundbreaking approach.

  • Unveiling Photobiomodulation:
    • Dive into the science of photobiomodulation, a cutting-edge light therapy that stimulates cellular healing at the molecular level.
    • Explore how specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light can trigger biological responses, reducing inflammation and promoting cellular health.
  • Beyond Traditional Light Therapy:
    • Discover how researchers are pushing the boundaries of light therapy beyond seasonal affective disorder and dermatology.
    • Learn about innovative applications of photobiomodulation for internal therapeutic benefits.
  • REGEnLIFE’s Revolutionary Approach:
    • Meet Guillaume Blivet, co-founder of REGEnLIFE, and his team’s pioneering work in applying photobiomodulation to combat Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Explore their unique strategy of targeting both the brain and the gut simultaneously, leveraging the crucial gut-brain connection.
    • Learn about the animal studies that have shown promising results.
  • Innovation in Alzheimer’s Treatment:
    • Understand how REGEnLIFE’s photobiomodulation therapy aims to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by reducing neuroinflammation and enhancing cellular function.
    • Hear about the ongoing human trials in France and the potential for this non-invasive, safe treatment to transform Alzheimer’s care.

Tune in now as we learn how targeting the gut-brain connection with specific wavelengths of light could offer new hope for patients.


 

Are you ready to tell YOUR story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of our Health Moonshot Community Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit.
» Learn more and apply today.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

 


Veravas Improves Diagnostic Tests by Purifying Samples

How Veravas Brings Clarity to Diagnostics by Cleaning Samples



When your health is on the line, accurate diagnostics are crucial. But many blood tests suffer from false positives, false negatives, and frustrating gray areas. In this episode of StartUp Health NOW, host Logan Plaster sits down with John Forrest, CEO & Co-founder of Veravas, a member of the StartUp Health community, to discuss their groundbreaking solution.

  • VeraBIND: Learn how Veravas’ patented technology cleans blood samples to remove impurities, dramatically increasing diagnostic accuracy and eliminating ambiguous results.
  • Transforming Alzheimer’s Detection: Find out how VeraBIND results in a test with a single result that says yes, you have the disease, or no, you don’t.
  • Beyond Blood: Explore the potential of VeraBIND to transform diagnostics for a wide range of diseases, even using saliva samples – which are much easier for older patients to manage on a regular basis.
  • The Future: Hear Forrest’s insights on the challenges and opportunities in the health tech industry and how Veravas is poised to make a significant impact.

Tune in for the conversation and learn how Veravas is turning the tide on diagnostic uncertainty.

 


Are you ready to tell YOUR story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of our Health Moonshot Community Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit.
» Learn more and apply today.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.


Bringing Telemedicine to Remote Communities in Mexico

Diagnostikare Brings Leapfrog Innovation to Life for Indigenous Communities



Diagnostikare, founded by brothers Rafael López and Rodrigo López, MD, is revolutionizing healthcare access in Mexico, reaching deep into remote areas.

In this episode of StartUp Health NOW, hear how this innovative telemedicine company in the StartUp Health community:

  • Started in Mexico City to bring high quality virtual care to people   
  • Partnered with large insurers and major employers like McDonald’s to provide quality telemedicine
  • Provides care to those who may have had very hard time seeing a doctor under the standard system

And now, Diagnostikare is:

  • Expanding access to healthcare in underserved rural communities
  • Collaborating with Bayer and the World Bank to reach remote areas
  • Leveraging technology like Starlink internet for telemedicine delivery

This episode explores:

  • The challenges and opportunities of expanding telemedicine globally
  • The power of partnerships in healthcare
  • The impact of technology on improving access to care

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in global health, telemedicine, and social impact.

Tune in now to learn how Diagnostikare is making a difference!


 

Are you ready to tell YOUR story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of our VIP Health Moonshot Community PRO Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit. Learn more and apply today.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.


Financial Incentives to Close the Gap in Healthcare Utilization: Reciprocity Health’s TheraPay



Many patients have access to healthcare programs but don’t participate, leading to poorer health outcomes and higher costs.

This episode explores a novel solution:

  • Reciprocity Health – a member of the StartUp Health community since 2023 – has developed their platform TheraPay to use financial incentives to encourage healthy behavior.
  • Hear Matt Swanson, CEO & Co-founder, discuss how to design programs that benefit both patients and the healthcare system.
  • Learn:
    • How TheraPay improves patient engagement for better health outcomes
    • The cost-saving potential of proactive care
    • Strategies for closing the healthcare utilization gap

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in improving healthcare access, financial incentives in health, and building a more cost-effective healthcare system.

Listen now and unlock the power of positive reinforcement for better health!


Are you ready to tell your story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of StartUp Health’s PRO Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit. Learn more and apply today.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.


Can taking a selfie be good for your health?

Selfie Health? Hibiscus Health Uses Facial Scans to Detect Diabetes Risk



Can taking a selfie be good for your health?

This week on StartUp Health NOW, we explore a revolutionary new approach to health screening with Kavi Misri, CEO & Founder of Hibiscus Health. Misri is a long-time Health Transformer; after his first StartUp Health portfolio company – Rose Health – was acquired, he launched Hibiscus Health and rejoined the StartUp Health Community.

Discover how Hibiscus leverages smartphone selfies to analyze facial blood flow and identify potential risks for diabetes and other conditions:

  • Easy, intuitive screenings designed for broad adoption
  • Works with existing smartphone cameras and webcams
  • Unlocking the potential of selfies for health screening

Plus, learn about StartUp Health’s Cardiometabolic Health Moonshot Community and how it helps innovative companies accelerate growth.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of healthcare, preventive medicine, and leveraging technology for better health outcomes.

Listen now and see if your selfie can unlock your potential health risks!


Are you ready to tell your story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of StartUp Health’s PRO Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit. Learn more and apply today.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.


Breaking News: Sinaptica's Noninvasive Neuromodulation Device Slows Alzheimer’s Disease in Year-Long Trial

Breaking News: Sinaptica’s Noninvasive Neuromodulation Device Slows Alzheimer’s Disease in Year-Long Trial



Hear the latest groundbreaking news in Alzheimer’s research. Sinaptica, a member of StartUp Health’s Alzheimer’s Moonshot Community, has announced significant results from its Phase 2 clinical trial testing the company’s noninvasive, personalized, precise neuromodulation designed to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Ken Mariash, CEO of Sinaptica, joined us in the StartUp Health Studio to break it all down for us. As you’ll hear, the interview took place prior to the release of this data, which became public on October 31.

In this exclusive interview, you’ll learn:

  • Details on Sinaptica’s Phase 2 trial results show significant promise in slowing Alzheimer’s progression
  • The science behind Sinaptica’s technology
  • How personalized neuromodulation is revolutionizing brain health
  • The potential for proactive brain strengthening and repair
  • The impact on patients’ daily lives
  • The future of Alzheimer’s treatment

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Alzheimer’s research, neuroscience, and the power of innovation to transform lives.


Are you ready to tell your story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of StartUp Health’s PRO Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit. Learn more and apply today.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

 


Anne Wanlund, Canopie

Canopie’s Successful Seed Round Fundraise Provides Personalized Mental Health Support for New Moms



Meet Anne Wanlund, the Health Transformer taking on maternal mental health with her groundbreaking platform: Canopie. Canopie joined StartUp Health in 2021, shortly after launching. Now, a couple years in and Canopie appears to be resonating. They’ve just closed a $3.7M raise, a huge feat for a new startup led by first-time founders.

Hear her story:

  • From policy advocate to passionate entrepreneur
  • Building a solution fueled by a powerful personal experience
  • Canopie’s innovative approach to accessible mental health support
  • Strategies for securing funding in a challenging climate
  • Unlocking honesty with digital resources

Plus, discover:

  • Canopie’s comprehensive platform for preventing and treating maternal health conditions
  • How Canopie identifies and connects at-risk mothers with evidence-based care
  • The range of services offered to both mothers and care partners
  • Canopie’s impact on reaching thousands of moms across the United States and United Kingdom

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about women’s health, innovation, and the power of entrepreneurship in making a difference.


Are you ready to join a Health Moonshot Community? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit. Learn more and apply today.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.


Type 1 Diabetes Therapeutics

T1D Therapeutics: Two Health Transformers Tackle Type 1 Diabetes at the Source



Join StartUp Health NOW for a groundbreaking episode exploring the latest advancements in Type 1 diabetes research. We delve into our T1D Moonshot Community dedicated to improving detection, management, and treatment of the disease, and uncover promising developments on the therapeutic front.

Hear from leading innovators:

  • Warren Marcus, PhD, CEO & Founder of WiNK Therapeutics, shares insights on his mission to cure Type 1 diabetes using the body’s own beta islet cells.
  • Mike Moradi, CEO & Co-founder of Sensulin, discusses the creation of a glucose-responsive insulin for personalized diabetes management.

Discover:

  • The cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of Type 1 diabetes treatment
  • The progress being made towards a potential cure
  • The impact these innovations can have on the lives of people with diabetes

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in diabetes research, healthcare innovation, and the inspiring work of entrepreneurs making a difference.


Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

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