In this compelling episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt welcomes Richard Threlkeld, CEO of Valiant AI, to dive into the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and organ transplantation. Richard, a systems engineering and AI expert with a background spanning the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin, General Electric Research, and Georgia Tech, shares his inspiring journey—from surviving thyroid cancer to founding Valiant AI. His mission? To tackle the inefficiencies in kidney allocation and save lives using AI-driven solutions.

The conversation explores:

• The Complexity of Kidney Allocation: An overview of the U.S. organ transplant system, managed by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), and why 34% of kidneys go unused despite a waiting list of 100,000.
• AI as a Game-Changer: How Valiant AI uses historical data and algorithms to identify at-risk kidneys, match them with suitable recipients, and reduce waste—all while offering the tool for free to save lives.
• Key Inefficiencies: From logistical hurdles (like shipping kidneys on commercial flights) to mismatched incentives between organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and transplant centers, and the lack of real-time data tools.
• Impact So Far: Richard reveals how Valiant AI has saved 40-50 lives in just six months by finding homes for marginal kidneys, with potential to rescue thousands more nationwide.
• Data Challenges: The urgent need for secure, real-time data sharing (think APIs, not Excel) to unlock AI’s full potential in healthcare, despite regulatory hesitations.
• The Human Element: Balancing fairness, medical urgency, and patient choice in allocation, while addressing the staggering reality of 17 deaths daily on the kidney waiting list.
• Future Vision: How the organ transplant space could evolve over the next 5-10 years with better infrastructure, data modernization, and broader AI adoption.

Richard emphasizes that AI is just math—powered by historical data—and not a sci-fi threat, advocating for transparency and education to overcome resistance. Tune in for a powerful discussion on how technology can bridge gaps, reduce waste, and save lives in a system where every second counts.

To learn more, check out Valiant AI: https://valiantai.co

To connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-threlkeld/

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