The Hardtech Podcast

• From Formula 1 to Medtech: Geoff Hutchins from IntuiTap Medical

  In one of the most actionable medtech episodes we’ve ever recorded, The Hardtech Podcast welcomes Geoff Hutchins, VP of Operations at IntuiTap Medical. IntuiTap has created a first-of-its-kind device that uses a force-sensing array to image spinal anatomy and guide lumbar punctures a breakthrough for epidurals, diagnostic LPs, and emergency medicine. Geoff walks through: How IntuiTap navigated the De Novo FDA pathway for a completely novel device Why lumbar punctures have such high failure rates and how their technology solves it The engineering behind building a force-based imaging system (not ultrasound!) How startups should approach concept development vs. formal design Why risk, requirements, and clinical understanding must start early The pitfalls he sees most often among early-stage medtech founders The realities of value-based care, reimbursement, and hospital adoption How to raise capital and structure milestones without over-promising Geoff blends deep technical knowledge with decades of operational experience, giving founders and engineers a rare inside look at what it really takes to build, fund, validate, and commercialize regulated medical hardware. Special Guest: Geoff Hutchins.

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• Reinventing Concussion Diagnosis with Oculogica

  Oculogica is reshaping concussion assessment with EyeBOX, the first and only FDA-cleared, baseline-free eye-tracking device for detecting concussion. In this conversation, CTO Joel Sanderson joins DeAndre and Grant to unpack the full journey from the neurosurgical insight that sparked the technology to the engineering breakthroughs required to commercialize it. Joel shares how EyeBOX uses 500-fps infrared eye tracking, specialized optics, and advanced algorithms to detect subtle neurological deficits that clinicians can’t see with the naked eye. He explains the complexities of obtaining a De Novo FDA clearance, the iterative hardware process (from early tinker-toy rigs to a 12-pound clinical unit), and the company’s push toward even smaller, field-ready devices. If you're interested in hard tech, medical devices, optical systems, machine-learning-driven diagnostics, or startup execution within regulated markets, this episode is packed with insights. Special Guest: Joel Sanderson.

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• The Hinckley Medical Story with Founder/CEO Tristian Hazlett

  When paramedics guess patient weight in the field, lives are at risk. What began as a college project for Tristan Hazlett turned into Hinckley Medical a hard-tech, FDA-regulated medical device company bringing real-time patient-weight measurement to ambulances across the U.S. In this episode, DeAndre and Grant sit down with Tristan to unpack one of the most fascinating hard-tech origin stories we’ve ever featured. From early prototypes that smoked on power-up to solving complex statics equations, waterproofing nightmares, FDA requirements, and real-world field testing, Tristan shares the full journey of building hardware for one of the harshest environments on earth: the back of an ambulance. We dive into: Why weight estimation errors can mean life or death in EMS How Hinckley built an 18-sensor load-cell platform that works at any gurney angle The engineering breakthroughs (and failures) that shaped the product What it takes to build FDA-compliant hardware as a first-time founder Lessons from scaling manufacturing, fundraising, and growing a 10-person hard-tech team The emotional rollercoaster of building regulated medical hardware from scratch Why embracing the suck is the only path in real hard tech If you love stories about real engineering, high-stakes environments, founder grit, and hardware that actually saves lives this is one you won’t forget. Special Guest: Tristen Hazlett.

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• Designing Joy Through Hardware: Ashley from Aura Frames

  In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman are joined by Ashley Phillips, Head of Product at Aura Frames, to discuss how technology and design can foster genuine human connection. Ashley shares her journey from the world of software to leading product at a company that blends elegant hardware and powerful software to help families stay close without turning users into products. She reveals how Aura’s in-house hardware, firmware, and design teams enable rapid development, agility, and unmatched quality in consumer electronics. The discussion explores: How Aura’s product philosophy centers on joy and connection rather than data monetization. Why Aura rejected subscription models in favor of delivering long-term product value. The power of vertically integrated design for speed, quality, and resilience. Lessons from navigating OTA firmware updates and maintaining millions of devices in the field. How small UX improvements like captions and touch interactions create massive engagement. The importance of customer feedback loops and product-market fit in hardtech. This episode offers an inside look at how Aura Frames became the category leader by building hardware that doesn’t just display memories it strengthens relationships. Special Guest: Ashley Phillips.

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• From Apple to AI Soccer Cameras: Alex Krause from Trace

  How do you take an idea built for elite athletes and turn it into a scalable sports tech platform? In this episode, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman talk with Alex Krause, Director of Hardware at Trace, about the art and complexity of building hardware that learns, adapts, and performs in real-world conditions. Alex walks through his transition from Apple and The Boring Company to leading a small, scrappy team at Trace where he’s helping reinvent how soccer is filmed and analyzed using AI and computer vision. Together, they unpack the company’s hardware-as-a-service model, the choice between edge and cloud computing, and how user experience guides every design decision. They also discuss the ripple effect of sports technology, from AI-powered analytics to applications in retail and beyond and the very real operational hurdles hardware founders face, from tariffs to supply chain chaos. Whether you’re an engineer, a founder, or just someone fascinated by how technology meets sport, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build hardware that scales. Special Guest: Alex Krause.

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