In this episode, Claire Rutherford is joined by Paul Fitzpatrick. Paul is an entrepreneur with a wide range of experience in medical devices, healthcare, consulting, and hospitality. He’s helped start and grow over 10 businesses, taking them from ideas to successful exits, including through mergers, acquisitions, and international expansions. Paul's expertise includes areas like EMS, physical therapy, nurse staffing, breast cancer screening, molecular diagnostics, and drug delivery. He’s raised over $50M in funding and has been involved in more than 20 mergers and acquisition deals worth over $100M.

Together, they discuss Paul’s professional journey from being a paramedic to becoming a successful consultant and entrepreneur, discussing the importance of taking risks, recognising opportunities, and the challenges of navigating the healthcare industry. He emphasises the significance of patience, perseverance and persistence in entrepreneurship, as well as the need for funding and market validation.

This episode is a must listen for anyone involved in running a business, no matter what stage you’re at.

Connect with Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljfitzpatrick/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-rutherford/

Definition IP: https://definitionip.com/

What does it really take to lead a biotech startup?

In this episode, Claire Rutherford sits down with Joe Hedley, co-founder and CEO of NunaBio, a company at the forefront of synthetic DNA production for advanced biotech applications.

Joe shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey to leadership, offering insights into the dedication and resilience required to build a biotech company from the ground up. From navigating the challenges of fundraising to staying focused through the highs and lows, his experience offers valuable lessons for aspiring founders.

They also explore the important of balance whilst being a CEO, ensuring that you have other focuses and schedule down time in order to prioritise well-being and maintain a good level of productivity.

This episode is a must listen for any founders and new startups within the biotech field.

Find out more about NunaBio:

Website: https://nunabio.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joehedleynunabio/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-rutherford/

Definition IP: https://definitionip.com/

How do we reduce water wastage through leaking pipes, without digging the pipe up?

To discuss Origin Tech’s revolutionary No Dig technology, Claire Rutherford is joined by John Marsden, the Commercial Director at Origin Integrity Management and Origin Tech Ltd. Founded in 2019, Origin Tech develops cutting-edge technologies to reduce water wastage, lower carbon emissions, and manage water pipeline risks more effectively.

John shares the story behind Origin Tech’s creation, how the company has evolved, and the critical environmental challenges it’s working to solve. We dive into the tech behind their solutions, how the company is expanding, and what the future holds for this innovative business.

Find out more about Origin Tech:

Website: https://www.origintech.co.uk/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-rutherford/

Definition IP: https://definitionip.com/

What does it take to turn groundbreaking science into life-saving treatments?

In this episode of Defining the Future, Claire Rutherford is joined by Prof Carrie Ambler. Carrie is a Professor at Durham University and the Chief Scientific Officer at LightOx Ltd, a pioneering company dedicated to developing novel chemicals for targeted phototherapies, particularly for oral cancer and wound care.

Since founding LightOx in 2016, Carrie has been instrumental in advancing the company's innovative approach to cancer treatment. Her diverse background, which includes significant experience in the health and life sciences industry, has equipped her with the expertise needed to lead LightOx's scientific and commercial endeavours.

Carrie is deeply involved in all aspects of the business, from investment and clinical trials to regulatory and laboratory work. Her leadership and vision have been crucial in steering LightOx towards clinical trials and expanding its therapeutic pipeline.

Carrie shares her journey from academia to the startup world, the challenges of drug development, and the importance of purpose in their work. The conversation also touches on future aspirations and the balance between personal life and professional responsibilities.

Find out more about LightOx:

Website: https://lightox.co.uk/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-rutherford/

Definition IP: https://definitionip.com/

How can we transform waste CO2 into something valuable?

In this episode of Defining the Future, Claire Rutherford is joined by Dr Daniel Stewart, CEO and co-founder of ViridiCO2. ViridiCO2 technology takes carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and turns it into chemicals that can be used in the production of greener and more sustainable products including; consumer personal products, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing.

The conversation explores the technology behind this innovative process, Daniel’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship, and the challenges and opportunities in commercialising sustainable solutions to combat climate change.

They also unpack the realities of launching a startup; from securing funding and building a mission-driven team to scaling with purpose. The importance of balancing profit with purpose in innovation is emphasised, along with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to find their purpose and make data-driven decisions.

Find out more about ViridiCO2:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viridico2/

Website: https://viridico2.co.uk/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-rutherford/

Definition IP: https://definitionip.com/

What does it take to create a revolutionary PCR device for diagnostics?

In this episode of Defining the Future, Claire Rutherford is joined by Jonathan O'Halloran. Jonathan is the co-founder of QuantuMDx, former Chief Scientific Officer and inventor of many of its proprietary technologies. Jonathan has a specialist interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and was a diagnostics advisor for the O’Neill Review. He was awarded European CTO of the Year in 2015.

Together, they discuss the journey of QuantumDx, the development of the Q-POC system, and the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in the biotech field. Jonathan shares insights on the importance of community support, learning from mistakes, maintaining company culture, and the driving purpose behind their innovations. The conversation also touches on the future of diagnostics, the fight against antimicrobial resistance, and Jonathan's vision for impactful investments.

Tune in to find out the journey Jonathan has been on from setting up in his garage to becoming a global business.

Connect with Jonathan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanohalloran/

Website: https://www.quantumdx.com/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-rutherford/

Definition IP: https://definitionip.com/

Welcome to Defining the Future, the podcast that celebrates the ideas, innovations, and people making the world a better place.

I’m Claire Rutherford, a patent attorney and founder of Definition IP.

In this podcast series, I sit down with visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who are driving real, lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

In each episode, we’re unpacking the stories behind the breakthroughs and the passion fueling their work. It’s about the people who are changing the game, and how their unique journeys are transforming the future for the better.

From groundbreaking solutions to inspiring founder stories, Defining the Future is your chance to hear directly from the voices leading the way.

Join us and discover the stories behind the innovations that are shaping tomorrow.

Make sure to rate the podcast and leave a review and subscribe now so you don’t miss out on future episodes.