Podcast
Project Medtech
Hosted by Project Medtech · EN
The Project Medtech podcast is interview-style podcast on the Medtech Industry where guests share stories, advice, pitfalls, trends and innovations produced by Project Medtech.
64episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 253 | Jake Ward, Founding Member of Ward Law Office | Legal Insights on Patents, Trademarks, and Responsible Use of AI
Mar 2300:40:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jake Ward joins Duane Mancini to break down how startups should think about intellectual property from day one and why smart IP decisions directly impact fundability. Jake shares how Ward Law grew from a three-person boutique to a 35-person, multi-state virtual firm, and why their Midwest roots help deliver high-quality IP services at accessible rates for entrepreneurs. The conversation dives into where to start with patents, then shifts to trademarks and brand strategy and why selecting the right mark early, staying consistent, and timing registration can prevent costly rebrands later. They also tackle AI in legal work, exploring confidentiality concerns, “don’t trust the robot” pitfalls, and how to use AI as a tool without letting it undermine strategy or enforceability.Jake Ward LinkedInWard Law Website Duane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 252 | Jenny Lynn Walding, CEO at milkmade | Solving Breastfeeding Challenges with Medtech
Mar 1600:48:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jenny Lynn—founder of milkmade and a mom-turned-entrepreneur—shares how a frightening breastfeeding experience, including an undiagnosed tongue tie and the exhausting “weighted feed” routine, sparked the idea for a Smart Nipple Shield that can deliver continuous, actionable insight into infant milk intake. The conversation explores why breastfeeding—despite being the clinical “gold standard”—so often breaks down early, driven by perceived and actual low milk supply, fragmented care, and limited access to lactation support, especially in rural communities. Jenny Lynn also unpacks her path from marketing and health tech into regulated medtech, including patents, pursuing clinical validation, and navigating a Class II De Novo pathway with no predicate. Jenny Lynn Walding LinkedInmilkmade Website“Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado Perez“She Persisted” by Chelsea Clinton & Alexandra Boiger Duane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 252 | Merom Klein, Co-Founder at Courage Growth Partners | Cultivating Courage and Resilience in Medtech Innovation
Mar 900:52:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Merom Klein—business psychologist, innovation leadership expert, and co-founder of Courage Growth Partners—joins Duane Mancini to unpack why courage is a decisive differentiator for medtech innovators trying to earn funding, win pilot customers, and drive adoption of a new standard of care. Merom shares how his entrepreneurial family background, early work in organizational psychology, and experience building startups shaped his focus on making courage contagious. The conversation reframes fear as inevitable—and even necessary—and explores how leaders can “flip the switch” in high-stakes moments to avoid risk-averse traps, respond productively when partners or teams fall short, and turn criticism into forward motion. They dive into resilience, the value of pressure as a privilege, and why your #1 job in tough rooms is changing the energy and aligning people to shared purpose.Merom Klein LinkedInCourage Growth Partners Website“Courage to Champion” BookDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 251 | Sarah Fox, Investor at Angelini Ventures | Navigating Venture Capital in MedTech
Mar 200:42:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Sarah to unpack her path from healthcare operator to investor and what founders should know when raising capital today. Sarah shares how her experience as the 10th employee at a digital health startup shaped her empathy for founders and the practical lens she brings to diligence, from ICP and pricing to building durable foundations early. The conversation pulls back the curtain on venture mechanics—how syndication and relationships really work, why fundraising is difficult when LPs demand DPI, and how fund structure, lifecycle, and co-investments can shape outcomes for startups. Sarah also explains Angelini Ventures’ global strategy and thesis-driven focus in areas like cardiology and neurology, and why “exitability” requires forward-looking insight into strategic buyers, technology shifts, and long-term fit.Sarah Fox LinkedInAngelini Ventures WebsiteDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 250 | Duane Mancini with Lindsey Dinneen | The Journey of Project Medtech: Creating Impact & Bringing Value
Feb 2300:42:27Tap to summarizeJoin us for a special 250th episode of The Project Medtech Podcast as host Duane Mancini and Director of Marketing and Engagement, Lindsey Dinneen, flip the script. Duane shares the journey from the podcast's inception during the height of COVID-19 to becoming a consulting, networking, and education resource for medtech startups. They delve into the core philosophy of creating value, the realities of team-building, and the exhilarating moments of client success. This episode is a candid reflection on the impact of the Project Medtech mission, the importance of a value-driven approach, and exciting future prospects. Lindsey Dinneen LinkedInDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 249 | Louise Yochee Klein, Principal at Courage Growth Partners | Innovation Leadership & Risk-Readiness in Medtech
Feb 1600:50:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Louise Yochee Klein to explore the fundamentals of fostering courage and innovation in the MedTech industry. Louise shares her journey from Canada to Philly, co-founding Courage Growth Partners, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and overcoming fear in business. The conversation highlights the critical need for aligning team objectives, adhering to detailed plans, and maintaining positive energy for personal and business success.Louise Yochee Klein LinkedInCourage Growth Partners Website“Courage to Champion” BookDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 248 | Aileen Helsel, Director of Innovation at Carilion Clinic | Cultivating a Thriving MedTech Ecosystem in Roanoke, Virginia
Feb 900:47:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Duane Mancini welcomes Aileen Helsel, Director of Innovation at Carilion Clinic, to discuss the exciting advancements in healthcare innovation in Roanoke, Virginia. Aileen shares her journey from academia to technology transfer and ultimately to her current role, emphasizing the transition from research to real-world application. They explore Carilion Clinic's unique position serving a diverse population, including rural communities, and how this drives impactful healthcare solutions. Aileen Helsel LinkedInCarilion Clinic InnovationDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 247 | Stan Glezer, Managing Director at Outcome Capital | Strategic Transactions in MedTech: Insights & Advice
Feb 200:39:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Stan Glezer, Managing Director at Outcome Capital, to dive deep into the roles of strategic advisory and investment banking in driving innovation within the life sciences sector. Stan elaborates on his multifaceted career, from his beginnings as a physician to leading roles in biopharma and MedTech companies. He discusses the importance of aligning a company's value proposition with market dynamics, the art and science behind M&A deals, and why realistic, transparent goals can unlock transactional success. Stan Glezer LinkedInOutcome Capital WebsiteDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 246 | Katie Brinkman, Biocompatibility Program Manager at Hohenstein | Navigating Biocompatibility in MedTech
Jan 2600:36:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Katie Brinkman to discuss the nuances of biocompatibility, the critical role of biological evaluation plans, and the evolving regulatory landscape, including the importance of risk assessment. Katie also shares her experience with biocompatibility evaluation during significant regulatory changes such as EU MDR remediation and the 10993 standard updates.Katie Brinkman LinkedInHohenstein WebsiteHohenstein Group LinkedInDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
Transcribe →Episode 245 | Matt Wunzin, Founder at Five Design and Development | Embracing Quality, Innovation, and Family in Medtech
Jan 1900:44:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Duane Mancini speaks with Matt Wunzin, a biomedical engineer from Ohio with nearly 20 years of experience in the medtech industry. Matt shares his career journey from earning his degree at the University of Akron to working at various medical device companies, both large and small, and also discusses his transition to consulting with his firm, Five Design and Development. He shares the importance of quality management and documentation in the medtech field, and highlights the opportunities available in Ohio's medtech ecosystem. Matt Wunzin LinkedInFive Design & Development WebsiteDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedIn
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