The Untapped Potential Of AI To Tackle Complex Medical Problems with Viwat Visuthikraisee, Co-Founder and COO of Auransa
The most valuable breakthroughs in drug development come from finding the right direction before picking up speed.
In this episode, Viwat Visuthikraisee, Co-Founder and COO of Auransa, discusses his journey from studying theoretical physics in Japan to building an AI-driven biotech company in the Bay Area. His early fascination with computers led to a career in software and, ultimately, to applying computational power to biopharma using human-derived molecular data to identify promising drug candidates early. He reflects on the role of large language models like ChatGPT as productivity tools that expand human capabilities without immediately replacing core programming skills. Viwat also discusses the challenges of drug discovery and advises founders to raise funds whenever possible, build the right team, and focus on long-term success.
Tune in and learn how AI is transforming drug discovery, why direction matters more than speed, and what it takes to lead innovation in a high-stakes industry
Resources:
Follow Auransa on LinkedIn and visit their website.
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There’s No Commercialization Without Deep Scientific Integrity with Dr. Chris Murphy, CEO and founder of Ocular Services on Demand
Scientific integrity, mission-driven purpose, and great teams are the true drivers of innovation.
In this episode, Dr. Chris Murphy, CEO and founder of Ocular Services on Demand, a distinguished veterinary ophthalmologist and serial healthcare entrepreneur, shares his journey from veterinary ophthalmology into entrepreneurship and medical innovation. He describes how his early curiosity about raptor eyes led to a passion for research and business, influenced by his academic foundation at Cornell. Dr. Murphy explores the comparative anatomy of vision across species and how animals adapt their sight for survival. His work on ocular wound healing expanded into broader medical ventures, resulting in companies like Imbed Biosciences and OSOD. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes integrity in leadership, science-driven innovation, and the importance of building teams for societal good.
Tune in and learn how one man bridged the gap between science, startups, and service to leave behind a legacy that truly heals!
Resources:
Connect with and follow Dr. Christopher Murphy on LinkedIn.
Follow Ocular Services on Demand (OSOD) on LinkedIn and visit their website.
Learn more about Imbed Biosciencies on their LinkedIn and explore their website.
Read Confucius: The Secular As Sacred by Herbert Fingarette here.
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1:43:32
How Startups Can Plug Into Cutting-Edge University Research with Michael Lemcke, Associate Director of the Venture Catalyst program at UC Davis
The future of innovation depends not just on breakthroughs in research but on the ecosystem that translates them into impact.
In this episode, Michael Lemcke, Associate Director of the Venture Catalyst program at UC Davis, shares how the university helps turn research into viable startups. He explains how initiatives like proof-of-concept funding, incubators, and investor networks support innovation from idea to company. Michael also highlights the strengths of the Sacramento region for startups in health, food, agriculture, and biotech, and how UC Davis fosters cross-disciplinary partnerships. He discusses the One Health initiative, the $1B Aggie Square project, and offers advice for startups seeking university collaboration: be intentional, clear on value, and focused on the long term.
Tune in and learn how ecosystems are what truly launch the future of health and tech innovation!
Resources:
Connect with and follow Michael Lemcke on LinkedIn.
Follow UC Davis Venture Capitalist on their LinkedIn and visit their website.
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How Biosensors Will Power The Next Healthcare AI Revolution with Rich Yang, CEO of Biolinq
The future of personalized medicine hinges on developing high-resolution, home-based biosensors that provide the continuous, high-fidelity data needed to power foundational AI models.
In this episode, Rich Yang, CEO of Biolinq, shares his 27-year journey in diabetes and biosensing, beginning with the first FDA-approved CGM and leading to his current role. He describes the ambitious goal of building a novel semiconductor biosensor that combines five complex disciplines: semiconductor manufacturing, software, material science, consumer electronics, and scaling. Rich highlights Biolinq’s unique value proposition, which includes metabolic tracking, real-time LED feedback, and multi-electrode reliability. He also reflects on the future of multi-analyte sensing, the importance of hiring resilient talent, and how deep tech is shaping proactive health management.
Tune in and learn how deep tech is revolutionizing metabolic health and what it takes to lead a team through unprecedented technological hurdles!
Resources:
Connect with and follow Rich Yang on LinkedIn.
Follow Biolinq on their LinkedIn and visit their website.
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Why Persistence And A High Say-Do Ratio Matter Most In A Founder with Brian Flucht, Head of the US Region for Global Brain
The best venture capitalists combine strong business strategy with smart financial discipline, an increasingly vital mix in today’s AI-driven world.
In this episode, Brian Flucht, Head of the US Region for Global Brain, reflects on his 20-year venture capital journey, comparing his strategic corporate VC experience at Nike with his current financially-driven global role. He shares how his investment approach shifted from being a generalist to developing deep, thesis-driven convictions, particularly in deep tech and solutions that act as "painkillers" rather than "vitamins." Brian also offers practical advice for founders, highlighting the importance of storytelling, audience awareness, and qualities like persistence and a strong say-do ratio. He discusses the growing influence of AI in both venture capital and healthcare and shares his optimistic view of the current VC landscape and exit opportunities.
Tune in and learn how to navigate the evolving venture landscape, from pitching corporate VCs to understanding the transformative power of AI in both investing and healthcare!
Resources:
Connect with and follow Brian Flucht on LinkedIn.
Follow Global Brain on their LinkedIn and visit their website.
Email Brian directly here.
The HealthTech Invest podcast will help you be in the know on all things Healthcare Investing. Through interviews with cutting-edge health entrepreneurs, savvy investors, health system leaders, and more, the HealthTech Invest podcast powered by Niterra, will help you level up and make an impact in healthcare investing.