MedTech For Beginners

Kate Pym

The many stages of market entry into the health and care industry can feel like a never-ending process. Join Kate Pym, healthcare consultant veteran with decades of experience, as she interviews some of the industry’s key players from product developers to startup managers. Unlock the key to transforming your ideas into impactful realities within the health and care industry with MedTech for Beginners.

Kate Pym runs Pym's Consultancy, a multi-award-winning consultancy offering support and training to commercialise products and services in health and care. Pym’s work with individuals and organisations to improve the health and care provided to patients and service users by supporting them to take their products and services from concept to commercial reality.

Visit https://pymsconsultancy.co.uk to find out more!

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S2 · E5
Tuesday · 49 min
Why MedTech Startups Struggle to Find Customers with Lou Robertson | MedTech for Beginners Ep. 5
How do you turn a healthcare innovation into a product that customers actually want to buy? And how can MedTech startups avoid wasting time and money marketing to the wrong audience? In Episode 5 of MedTech for Beginners, Kate Pym speaks with Lou Robertson, founder of Bright Marketing, about marketing, sales and business growth in healthcare technology. With a background spanning renal dialysis, pharmaceutical sales, medical products and more than 20 years in technology, Lou shares practical lessons from helping businesses find their market, build their strategy and scale. Together, Kate and Lou explore why understanding your customer must come before promoting your product, how to identify the people involved in healthcare purchasing decisions, and why even a promising innovation can struggle without the right product-market fit. They also discuss the value of experienced marketing and financial expertise for early-stage companies, including fractional leadership, and how founders can make better decisions without building an expensive full-time team too soon. The conversation explores the growing role of AI in marketing and business planning, why human judgement and fact-checking still matter, and how healthcare innovators can build trust with customers through genuine evidence, relevant use cases and strong relationships. In this episode, we cover: - How to find product-market fit in MedTech and healthtech - Identifying your ideal customer and healthcare buyer - Understanding NHS procurement and healthcare decision-making - Why customer research can prevent costly product launch mistakes - Building a marketing strategy for an early-stage startup - Fractional CMOs and CFOs: accessing expertise without full-time hires - Using AI in marketing while validating information and decisions - Selling healthcare innovation through listening, trust and evidence - Finding your first customers and building early ambassadors - Why experienced mentors and critical friends matter - Aligning teams around a shared product, customer and business strategy Who should watch? This episode is for MedTech founders, healthtech startups, clinicians developing new products, healthcare entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to bring an innovation into the UK health and care market. If you're building a healthcare product, one of the most important questions isn't simply what your product does. It's who needs it, who will pay for it, and why they would choose it over the alternatives. About MedTech for Beginners MedTech for Beginners, hosted by Kate Pym, explores the practical realities of developing, funding, marketing and introducing innovations into health and care. Through conversations with founders, clinicians, consultants and industry experts, the podcast shares lessons to help healthcare innovators navigate the journey from idea to adoption. Subscribe for more conversations about MedTech, healthtech startups, NHS market access and healthcare innovation. If you found this episode useful, please like the video, leave a comment and subscribe to MedTech for Beginners. #MedTech #HealthTech #HealthcareInnovation
S2 · E4
October 27 · 37 min
From Personal Experience to Healthcare Innovation with Zoe Robson | MedTech For Beginners Ep. 4
In this episode of MedTech for Beginners, Kate Pym speaks with Zoe Robson, founder of Joyvié Health, about the journey of building a healthcare company from the ground up and securing the early funding needed to get it moving. Kate introduces Zoe as a founder whose progress with fundraising and company building will be followed throughout the season, making this episode a particularly valuable insight for people who are at the very beginning of their own health innovation journey. The conversation explores what Joyvié Health is trying to solve, the personal story behind the company, and the difference between creating a product for a real healthcare problem and simply building something that can be sold. Zoe talks openly about the emotional investment involved in developing a health product, the long process of research and development, and the challenge of balancing compassion, ethics, and commercial sustainability. They also discuss the reality that many first-time founders underestimate how much work happens before a product ever reaches the market, from early prototypes and R&D through to funding, testing, and business development. Kate highlights that this is often the stage where aspiring innovators feel isolated and unsure how to take the next step. Topics covered Building Joyvié Health Early-stage fundraising Turning a personal experience into a healthcare product Research and development Prototyping and product development Ethical and commercial tensions in healthcare The realities of startup life Breaking into the UK health innovation ecosystem One of the most interesting parts of the episode is the discussion about the tension between wanting to create meaningful change for patients and the need to build a financially sustainable business. As Kate puts it, healthcare innovation often sits at the intersection of compassion, ethics, and commercial reality. This episode is especially useful for founders, clinicians, researchers, women’s health innovators, and anyone wondering how people actually get started in MedTech. MedTech for Beginners explores the practical realities of developing, funding, regulating, and introducing innovations into health and care through conversations with clinicians, entrepreneurs, consultants, and industry experts. Subscribe for future episodes and follow Joyvié Health’s progress throughout the season.
October 12 · 42 min
The Conversation Every MedTech Founder Needs Early, with Bryan Lister | MedTech For Beginners Ep. 3
In this episode of MedTech for Beginners, Kate Pym is joined by Bryan Lister, regulatory consultant and founder of InViva Healthcare Management, for a practical conversation about medical device regulation and why founders should think about it much earlier than they often do. Bryan works with universities, SMEs, and first-time entrepreneurs to help them navigate the regulatory pathway and bring healthcare products to market. Together, they discuss what happens when regulation is treated as an afterthought, how to decide whether a product is a medical device, and why a clear statement of intended purpose is one of the most important documents in the entire development process. The conversation is designed for people who are new to MedTech and want a realistic understanding of what regulation is actually trying to achieve. Topics covered When to think about regulation Is your product a medical device? The importance of intended purpose Common mistakes made by first-time founders Prototypes and early manufacturing UK and international regulatory considerations Safety, quality, and evidence Working with regulatory consultants Turning an idea into a market-ready product One of the key messages from this episode is that regulators are not there to stop innovation. They are there to ensure that products reaching patients and healthcare professionals are safe, effective, and built to an appropriate level of quality. That perspective can completely change how founders approach product development from day one. This episode is especially useful for healthcare innovators, startup founders, researchers, engineers, and anyone developing a new medical or digital health product. MedTech for Beginners explores the practical realities of developing, testing, regulating, and introducing innovations into health and care through conversations with clinicians, entrepreneurs, consultants, and industry experts. Subscribe for future episodes and insights from people who have already navigated the journey from idea to impact.
S2 · E1
September 28 · 46 min
Why Simplicity Matters in MedTech with Dr. Tom Adler | MedTech For Beginners Ep. 2
In this episode of MedTech for Beginners, Kate Pym speaks with Dr Tom Adler, former GP and co-founder of Bide, about the journey from a clinical problem to a real product used to help reduce the risk of nighttime falls. Tom shares how years of caring for patients in rural general practice, along with his personal experience of seeing his mother live with Alzheimer’s disease and suffer a series of falls, led him to focus on fall prevention rather than fall detection. They discuss the original eureka moment behind Bide, the importance of designing for simplicity, and why technologies that do not require apps, Wi‑Fi, or complicated setup can be more inclusive for many older people and families. The conversation also explores prototyping, grants, regulation, privacy, digital exclusion, and what it really takes to move a healthcare idea from a piece of paper to use in homes and care settings. Topics covered Preventing nighttime falls The story behind Bide Designing for older adults Simplicity in MedTech Digital exclusion and accessibility Privacy and data security in Health Innovation Moving from idea to market Working with NHS organisations This episode is especially useful for clinicians, founders, innovators, carers, and anyone interested in building healthcare products that solve real problems without adding unnecessary complexity. MedTech for Beginners explores the practical realities of developing, testing, and introducing innovations into health and care through conversations with clinicians, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Subscribe for future episodes and insights from people who have successfully navigated the journey from idea to impact.
S2 · E1
September 15 · 27 min
The Future of Patient Education in Healthcare with Dr. Jyoti Baharani | MedTech For Beginners Ep. 1
Welcome to the first episode of MedTech for Beginners. In this episode, Kate Pym is joined by Dr Jyoti Baharani, Consultant Nephrologist at University Hospitals Birmingham, for a thoughtful conversation about patient communication, digital education, leadership, and mentorship in healthcare. They discuss why written information does not work for every patient, how digital and video-based education can make healthcare information more accessible, and the importance of designing resources around real patient needs. Dr Baharani also shares her views on thought leadership, social media, mentoring women in medicine, and the unexpected journey that led her into nephrology. This episode is especially relevant for healthcare innovators, clinicians, startups, patient advocates, and anyone interested in improving communication and engagement within health and care. Topics covered Digital patient education Accessibility and health communication Working with patients to design better resources Thought leadership in healthcare Social media for clinicians Mentorship and women in medicine Career development in nephrology If you’re new to healthcare innovation, this is a great place to start. MedTech for Beginners explores the real-world challenges of bringing ideas, technologies, and improvements into health and care, with practical insights from clinicians, innovators, and industry professionals. Subscribe for future episodes and conversations with experts from across the health and care sector.
S1 · E26
Dec 21, 2023 · 26 min
Final Episode – MedTech in Healthcare
In this episode, Kate wraps up the end of this mini-series with Kerry Lummus. They discuss insights gained from the series so far and leave listeners with key takeaways of what to consider when bringing new products into the healthcare market.
S1 · E25
Dec 14, 2023 · 19 min
Accelerating Progress In Childhood Cancer Care With Gail Jackson
As a change from the norm this episode with Gail Jackson, CEO of Solving Kids’ Cancer, brings a challenge to our listeners. As innovators and fresh thinkers, what ideas do you have to overcome research challenges in childhood cancer treatments? Did you know that in 2022 only £80,000 was paid by the central government for neuroblastoma research? How can we find better, less toxic treatments for children when funding and regulation work against us? Calling all innovators, listen to this podcast and start thinking about how things can be changed. https://www.solvingkidscancer.org.uk
S1 · E24
Dec 7, 2023 · 32 min
Structuring Your Business' Finances With Jill Evenden
Jill is a Chartered Accountant and owner of EBS Chartered Accountants. In this episode, Jill discussed some important steps for a new business, such as when/whether to register as a limited company, the pros and cons of VAT registration, and R&D tax credits. Creating new products in MedTech isn’t just about the technology, you have a business to run too!
S1 · E23
Nov 30, 2023 · 27 min
Building A Sales Team In MedTech With Chris Anderson
Chris is a Recruitment Operations Manager at Evolve and specialises in recruiting sales staff for MedTech and pharmaceutical companies. He has worked with many companies when they first brought their products to market and discusses the pros and cons of distributors, headcount, and outsourced sales teams. Find out when to start thinking and preparing for recruitment to sell your product to a wider audience, how much it will cost, and how long you must be prepared to wait to get results.
S1 · E22
Nov 23, 2023 · 24 min
Funding For Safer Healthcare With Dr Kiran Desai
Dr Desai is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Director of Eureka Inventions Limited. Eureka focuses on patient safety, and their first product has been developed to prevent the retention of swabs during surgery. Dr Desai and his wife, also an NHS Consultant, have successfully navigated the innovation support structure for UK Health Innovation to get the right help, advice, and funding. Hear about their journey and how they balance their business with clinical practice.
S1 · E21
Nov 16, 2023 · 25 min
Health Innovation Network, A Gateway To The NHS With Alex Leach
Alex is the Deputy Director of Health Innovation West of England (previously known as West of England Academic Health Science Network (AHSN)). Alex and I discuss the change from AHSN to Health Innovation Organisation, part of the 15-strong network of Innovation organisations that cover the UK in the Health Innovation Network. The help and support offered to innovators includes networking and introductions, support with implementation and funding. The Innovation Network can be contacted through the NHS Innovation Service portal www.innovation.nhs.uk
S1 · E20
Nov 9, 2023 · 30 min
Financing And Managing Clinical Trials With Nicola Wall & Elizabeth Ralph
Do you need a clinical trial? Nicola and Elizabeth are co-founders and directors of Afortiori Developments, a Contract Research Organisation (CRO), that has worked with companies of all sizes but is particularly familiar with SMEs and new market entrants. We discuss what needs to be considered when planning a clinical trial, which units and clinicians to work with, and the differing levels of evidence that may be required.
S1 · E19
Nov 2, 2023 · 23 min
Mental Health, Neurodiversity, And Technology With Laura Walker & Elias Michael
In a break from the norm, this episode is a discussion between Kate and mother and son, Laura, and Elias. We discuss ADHD, podcasts, dementia, and how to go about creating effective technology. Also, what happens when your great idea doesn’t quite make it? Talking from the perspective of the problem rather than the solution.
S1 · E18
Oct 25, 2023 · 24 min
Health Economics And Market Access in Med Tech With Vicki Munro
Vicki Munro is a very experienced Health Economist and Senior Associate at Pym’s Consultancy. We discuss the role of Health Economics in bringing a new product to market and the vital part Health Economics plays in NICE Approval. Thought passing regulatory hurdles was enough? Think again, what does your Cost Per QALY look like?
S1 · E17
Oct 18, 2023 · 23 min
Innovative Technologies and Rare Illness With Caroline Morrice
The Chief Executive of Gain (Guillan Barré and Associated Neuropathies), a national charity, discusses the reality of being a patient living with a neurological condition, and how the charity works with companies trying to improve patient lives. In previous episodes, we have discussed the importance of patient and public involvement. In this episode, you find out what is involved.
S1 · E16
Oct 12, 2023 · 25 min
Commissioning A Mental Health Service For The NHS With Rachel Raynor
This episode explores commissioning new services from the perspective of those involved in writing the invitation to tender. Rachel was a key member of the team at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which commissioned the Mindler Sandbox to provide a digital mental health and wellbeing service (listen to Tim Hamer’s interview to hear about this being their first NHS contract). How was this invitation to tender written, and how was the final decision made?
S1 · E15
Oct 4, 2023 · 36 min
Navigating Intellectual Property In MedTech With Craig Thomson
Craig is a Partner and IP Attorney at HGF. As our “go-to guy” for Intellectual Property questions and solutions, Craig specialises in creating an IP plan to keep costs within budget whilst making a positive contribution to the company's commercial strategy and long-term planning. What is IP? What value does it represent for the company? When do you need to start planning your approach to IP?
S1 · E14
Sep 28, 2023 · 29 min
Data Security For The NHS With Dr Alex Graham
In this episode, Dr Alex Graham, Co-Founder of Abed Graham Group, talks about compliance. This takes us on a whistle-stop tour of DTAC, DCB0129, DPIAs, GDPR and the NHS Data Security Tool Kit. Does your product pose a threat to NHS data security? What potential risks does it pose to patients, staff or data if used incorrectly, or if it fails to work properly? How and why to comply with these standards – and the competitive edge they could give you.
S1 · E13
Sep 21, 2023 · 25 min
Digital Health Solutions For Better Wound Management With Achala Patel
Achala is the Founder and Managing Director of Entec Health, a MedTech company working in wound care. The company was founded in 2012. This is a success story about creating a sustainable business through building relationships with clinicians, listening to their needs, helping clinicians to help patients understand their treatment, and the value of following advice to improve their outcomes. Join us in this fascinating talk about wound management medtech!
S1 · E12
Sep 14, 2023 · 23 min
Patient And Public Involvement In Med Tech With Jackie Leach Scully
Jackie Leach Scully is a Professor of Bioethics at the University of New South Wales. We discuss PPIE – Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement, a mandatory requirement for any project which receives grant funding. A hurdle to overcome, or a vital element of product development and market entry?

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