In this episode of INNOV-8 Presents: Entrepreneurs in Tech, host Bob Shami sits down with inventor and entrepreneur Tareq Risheq, founder of Biovera, for an in-depth conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the future of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Tareq shares his extraordinary journey—from building a globally successful vacuum cleaner business in the Middle East to pivoting into health technology and AI-driven innovation. He opens up about the failures that shaped him, the lessons learned from early ventures, and how personal health challenges inspired the creation of Biovera’s sleep apnea technology.

The conversation explores how Biovera is developing cutting-edge solutions using AI and micro-vibration systems to address sleep disorders, alongside the challenges of funding, FDA trials, and market adoption in a highly competitive health tech space.

This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to build, fail, and rebuild in the world of high-impact innovation—offering practical wisdom for founders, engineers, and anyone interested in the future of health and AI.

Tareq Risheq: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tareq-risheq-111a352/ | [email protected] | https://www.instagram.com/trisheq | https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTk9ygbgy/ | https://www.tiktok.com/@trisheq 

In this episode, Bob Shami sits down with Minas Kyriakou, CEO of Ascanio, to explore a powerful story of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From his early curiosity and background in health and safety to leading a cutting-edge mixed reality technology company, Minas shares how problem-solving shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.

The conversation dives into Ascanio’s transformation from near bankruptcy into a promising tech startup, leveraging mixed reality to revolutionize training in maritime and military industries. Minas also discusses the evolving startup ecosystem in Cyprus, the opportunities created by government funding, and the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining top tech talent.

This episode is a must-listen for founders, technologists, and anyone curious about how passion, resilience, and emerging technologies can drive meaningful change across industries.

Minas Kyriakou: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minaskyriakou-7/ | [email protected] 

Ascanio: https://ascanio.io/ 

In this episode, Mălina Turcuț, CEO of PrimeDash and co-founder of MLA MedTech, shares her inspiring journey from the oil and gas industry to becoming a leader in FinTech and medical technology.

Mălina opens up about her unexpected transition into FinTech and how that experience shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. She explains how PrimeDash is transforming financial services for small and medium enterprises by focusing on real SME behavior and delivering innovative, embedded finance solutions through PrimePay.

The conversation also explores her work with MLA MedTech, a platform designed to connect startups with the medical ecosystem, driving innovation in healthcare. Beyond technology, Mălina is a strong advocate for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, emphasizing that success comes from hard work, focus, and the courage to seize opportunities.

Recognized as a speaker at international events, including Forbes, Mălina also shares her vision for expanding PrimePay into new markets in 2026 and how innovation will continue to shape finance and healthcare.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, FinTech professionals, and anyone passionate about innovation and leadership.

Mălina Turcuț : https://www.linkedin.com/in/malina-lucia-turcut-pd/ 

MLA Medtech: https://mlamedtech.com/ 

Prime Dash: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prime-dash/ 

In this episode, we sit down with Deepika Chopra, AI transformation leader, founder of AlphaU AI, and author of Move First, Align Fast, to explore what it really takes to lead in the age of artificial intelligence.

Drawing from her experience driving large-scale AI and digital transformations across Fortune 100 companies, Deepika shares why curiosity is the catalyst for innovation, and why understanding people is just as critical as understanding technology. We unpack the biggest challenges leaders face when scaling AI—from organizational readiness to trust, alignment, and belief in technology as a performance driver.

Deepika also dives into the investment landscape, explaining where AI capital is flowing, what separates hype from real ROI, and how human–AI collaboration will define the future of decision-making. From leadership frameworks to sustainability and climate-focused AI solutions, this conversation offers a practical and deeply human perspective on the future of technology.

If you’re a founder, executive, investor, or technologist navigating AI transformation, this episode will reshape how you think about leadership, alignment, and impact.

Deepika Chopra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chopradeepika/ 

AlphaU AI: https://www.alphau.ai/ 

Move First, Align Fast (Amazon link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394392532?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_VGTRHKTXKTVE1QWQ6ND7&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_VGTRHKTXKTVE1QWQ6ND7&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_VGTRHKTXKTVE1QWQ6ND7&bestFormat=true 

In this episode of INNOV-8 Presents: Entrepreneurs in Tech, host Bob Shami sits down with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys, the visionary Founder & CEO of Ekai.io and Strategic Advisor to FinalSpark. With a PhD in Neuroscience, Dr. Kurtys is at the forefront of the next great leap in technology: Biocomputing.

As AI models like ChatGPT demand unprecedented levels of electricity and water for cooling, the tech world is facing a sustainability crisis. Dr. Kurtys discusses how FinalSpark is building "living computers" using biological neurons that are one million times more energy-efficient than traditional silicon chips. We dive into the "language of spikes," the transition from academia to tech entrepreneurship, and the philosophical questions surrounding machines built from living cells. Whether you're interested in the future of AGI or the mechanics of hybrid computing, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the biological future of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Ewelina Kurtys: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelinakurtys/

FinalSpark : https://finalspark.com/ 

Ekai.io : https://www.ewelinakurtys.com/ 

In this episode, Dr. E.K. Mallela, founder of Transcend Mind, dives deep into the principles of personal and professional growth. He challenges the traditional notion of work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of building leverage and mastering one’s mindset. Dr. Mallela shares practical strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs, navigating career transitions, and achieving self-actualization. Listeners will gain valuable insights on leadership, wellness, and time management, and discover how to unlock their full potential, both personally and professionally. His personal journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of mindset and intentional growth.

Dr. E.K. Mallela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elitesuccesswithek/ | [email protected] | https://www.ekmallela.com/

Transcend Mind: https://thetranscendmind.com/betteryou-homepage 

In this enlightening episode, Elpidoforos Anastasiou shares his remarkable journey from traditional teaching to pioneering a global network of space and innovation centers—starting from Cyprus. The conversation dives deep into how STEAM education, AI, and robotics are reshaping the way students learn, emphasizing the power of experiential and collaborative education.

Elpidoforos discusses how Cyprus is rapidly evolving into a hub for innovation, data centers, blockchain, and AI, accelerated by a resourceful mindset and lessons learned during COVID-19. The episode also explores the future of quantum computing, its implications for data security, and the growing role of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—including why it must be managed responsibly.

From longevity and health innovation to using AI as a tool for global peace and conflict resolution, this conversation offers a forward-looking perspective on technology’s role in society. Elpidoforos concludes with powerful advice for young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to stay curious, build with purpose, and embrace innovation beyond borders.

Elpidoforos Anastasiou : https://www.linkedin.com/in/elpidoforos-anastasiou-5777593a/ | [email protected] 

In this episode, Chris Daigle—founder and CEO of ChiefAIOfficer.com—shares his entrepreneurial journey and deep insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping business, leadership, and the workforce. From his belief that entrepreneurship is both innate and learned, to his hands-on experience helping organizations adopt AI responsibly, Chris breaks down what leaders need to know right now.

The conversation explores the explosive demand for AI tools, the rise of the Chief AI Officer role, and why safe AI training is critical for modern organizations. Chris explains how AI can dramatically improve productivity without reducing headcount, and why integrating AI into everyday workflows is key to staying competitive.

We also dive into AI’s impact on healthcare, education, and workforce dynamics—highlighting how generative AI is changing job expectations and why future employees must understand AI fundamentals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical guidance on leveraging AI to solve real business pain points and drive transformation.

Chris Daigle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctordaigle/ | [email protected] 

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, World Peace Ambassador Maria Dolores explores the deep connection between human rights, personal responsibility, and global peace. Drawing from her international work and lifelong mission, Maria discusses how technology and AI can elevate humanity—but only when guided by mindful intention and ethical responsibility.

From the power of grassroots movements to the emotional challenge of releasing negativity, Maria shares practical wisdom for anyone seeking a more peaceful and meaningful life. She reflects on Sweden’s unique culture of peace and what other societies can learn from its values of neutrality, empathy, and social cohesion.

Maria also speaks directly to the younger generation, encouraging them to embrace their ability to create positive change and reminding them that behavior itself is a language capable of transforming the world.

Whether you're passionate about human rights, interested in the future of technology, or searching for ways to cultivate positivity and peace, this episode offers empowering insights you won’t want to miss.

Contact Maria Dolores: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-dolores/ | [email protected] | https://thehumancontract.com/ 

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YBgP4QByaSU

In this episode of Entrepreneurs in Tech, host Bob Shami sits down with Constantinos Loizou, founder and CEO of Embio Diagnostics Ltd, one of Cyprus’ most promising health-technology startups.

Constantinos shares the journey behind building Embio and dives into why air quality is one of the most overlooked factors in human health, productivity, and longevity. From Cyprus’ transformation into a growing technology hub to the challenges of hardware innovation, he highlights what it takes to scale a health-focused tech company in a rapidly evolving global market.

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, health technology, or the future of preventative care, this episode offers a deep look into how smart hardware can lead to smarter living.

Contact Constantinos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constantinos-loizou-bb158a59/ | [email protected] 

Embio Diagnostics Ltd: https://embiodiagnostics.eu/