“We should be investing in the children and we're not! Instead, we're investing in [someone like] me from a medical perspective.”

We enormously enjoyed catching up with none other than @ Paul Hooper, a longtime supporter of Impact1. Paul's wealth of knowledge, insights, and also humility made him a fantastic guest and we could have chatted forever, but here are few topics that stuck with us:

Pediatric innovation is still massively under-capitalized - When capital gets “sucked out” by outsized AI valuations, it leaves less room for health tech—especially pediatric health tech.

Miniaturization isn’t just a constraint—it’s a strategic advantage - Innovating for smaller patients can create a “knock-on” value proposition that later scales to adults.

AI: hype cycles vs. real clinical value (first wave / second wave) - The “AI on every slide” moment is real—but the second wave is about where AI is actually powerful and additive in medtech.

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In this episode of Impact1 Voices, we are chatting with our very own Alyssa Abo, MD, MBA, FAIUM, Real-World Evidence Lead here at Impact1 and VP of Clinical Innovation at DeepSight Technology. Hear Alyssa's thoughts on how to increase data access, reduce data silos, and her work with DeepSight Technology, which makes a sensor that uses ultrasound for needle guidance.

In this episode, Dave discusses why they deliberately avoided traditional VC funding at first to protect their cause and the strategy behind their chosen business model of driving profitability that can ultimately fund multi-year innovations. This is an excellent case study to demonstrate that business sustainability and growth in the pediatric innovation industry is very possible. You can't miss this story! 

Emma Moran, Head of CobiCure Medtech, shares insights into the pediatric medtech ecosystem and the mission of CobiCure—a nonprofit focused on bringing innovative devices to pediatric patients. With a background in biomedical engineering and strategy at Cook Medical, Emma has become a key leader in the space. She discusses the challenges the ecosystem faced prior to CobiCure, the organization’s initial and evolving strategies, and the strengths of her team. The conversation also explores persistent barriers in pediatric medtech, innovative business models, and the structural changes needed to ensure impactful solutions reach patients. Emma offers practical advice for entrepreneurs seeking funding from impact investors, including where to find them and what alternative funding opportunities exist beyond traditional venture capital.

Andre Bessette is the CEO of Eclipse Regenesis, a company developing a mechanical solution to short bowel syndrome. In this episode, Andre highlights the regulatory pathways available to solutions addressing needs in small patient populations. He also discusses clinical study site selection, payor engagement, and the current challenges of short bowel syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis care.

In this episode, Krista dives into the essential aspects of user involvement in design, the importance of metrics, and new initiatives to advance innovation in global health.

Sofía Ferreira is an Innovation Manager at i4Kids, a pediatric innovation hub at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital. In this episode, Sofía highlights key differences between product commercialization in the United States and Europe.

Beverly Tang is the CEO of Starlight Cardiovascular, a company developing a portfolio of devices to address congenital heart defects. In this episode, Beverly discusses the synergies involved in building a multi-product company, creative methods for fundraising, and how to conduct needs finding without formal ties to a health system.

Anna Lisa Somera is the CEO of Rhaeos, a company developing the FlowSense device to assess hydrocephalus shunt flow in pediatric and adult patients. In this episode, Anna Lisa discusses how her team chose to use their platform sensor technology to meet the needs of hydrocephalus patients and clinicians. She also addresses the benefits of family involvement in clinical trials, opportunities for non-dilutive funding, and resources outside of Silicon Valley.