🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Fighting Infection with Innovation — Zonova’s Journey in Health Tech

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Dr. Georgia Fleet and Carla Southworth, co-founders of Zonova, about their mission to reduce hospital-acquired infections through groundbreaking antimicrobial technology.

They discuss:

The global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Feedback from the healthcare market on infection control.
Navigating regulatory hurdles and manufacturing plans.
The realities of building investor relationships in early-stage startups.
Broader applications of antimicrobial technologies beyond medical devices.
Key advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in health tech.

Tune in to hear how innovation, persistence, and a clear mission are helping transform healthcare solutions.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Zonova and Its Founders 03:02 — The Problem of Hospital-Acquired Infections 05:52 — Founding Journey 09:01 — Market Feedback and Antimicrobial Resistance 12:14 — Regulatory Challenges and Manufacturing Plans 15:00 — Investor Relations and Startup Challenges 18:03 — Broader Applications of Antimicrobial Technology 21:02 — Personal Experiences and Advice for Entrepreneurs

💡 Key Takeaways

Zonova aims to reduce hospital-acquired infections with novel antimicrobial technology.
75% of catheterized patients experience urinary tract infections.
The founding journey is challenging but highly rewarding.
Market feedback shows strong demand for effective infection control.
Antimicrobial resistance is an escalating global health crisis.
Regulatory pathways vary by region, complicating market access.
Building investor relationships requires resilience and adaptability.
Experienced advisors are essential for startup success.
Antimicrobial technologies have potential beyond medical devices.
Entrepreneurship demands patience and a long-term vision.