Future Optimist Ross Palmer

John Hacker is a biomedical engineer and the CEO of NeurGear. His latest innovation is the ZenBud, the market's first ultrasonic vagus nerve stimulator, designed to promote relaxation and combat stress.
In this episode, Jon Hacker discusses the underlying technology, its decades of research, and its implications for future wellness applications. He sheds light on the challenges and excitement surrounding new tech developments, emphasizing the blend of existing scientific knowledge with innovative application methods to enhance user experience. Our conversation dips into the broader topic of technological advancements in the medical field, touching upon ethical considerations, potential impacts on pharmaceutical dependencies, and the importance of scientific rigor and regulatory compliance in bringing devices like the ZenBud to market.
➡️ https://zenbud.health
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Joining us today is Alan Liu, the co-founder of Persperion Diagnostics, an innovative startup based in San Diego that aims to revolutionize diabetes management with its non-invasive glucose monitoring technology.
Founded in 2022 by Alan Liu and Lu Yin, the company leverages cutting-edge touch-based sweat-sensing technology to detect a wide range of biomarkers from a simple fingertip touch. This technology was developed in the nanoengineering lab of UCSD Professor Dr. Joseph Wang, with whom Liu previously worked as a research assistant.
After securing a substantial $4 million in venture capital seed funding in June, Persperion is now gearing up for a series of funding rounds to scale up manufacturing and prepare for clinical trials. The company, which has recently expanded to a hybrid lab and office space in Kearny Mesa, aims to start its pilot trial in Q1 of this year and seeks FDA approval later.
Liu and Yin, who also co-founded the flexible battery startup Ocella, have been recognized for their pioneering work, making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Science category in 2024. As they continue to develop their diagnostic platform, Persperion Diagnostics remains focused on making health monitoring more accessible, affordable, and accurate for millions of people worldwide.
➡️ https://persperiontech.com
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Brooke Harris, founder/CEO of Goodmylk Co., embarked on a transformative journey from a childhood on a dairy farm to spearheading the creation of one of the world's leading alternative dairy companies. 
Her awakening to the benefits of a plant-based diet—driven by personal health challenges—unveiled the stark reality of conventional "nutritious" alternatives marred by unhealthy additives. Determined to offer a genuine, healthful option, Brooke's venture into crafting plant-based milks without compromises led to the inception of Goodmylk.
We talk about the challenges of building and running an ethical business, making this episode deeply personal and real.
➡️ https://goodmylk.co/
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Massimo Portincaso is the Founder and CEO of Arsenale BioYards. Formerly, he was a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.
As the creator of this groundbreaking bio-manufacturing platform (what does that even mean!?!), he’s using crazy tools like yeast to build… Anything! No this isn’t Star Trek… but this is undeniably the kind of future tech that humans have only dreamed about for generations.
Beyond Arsenale, Massimo leads Deepwave Ventures, offers his expertise on several advisory boards, and champions the deep tech mission through his work with Hello Tomorrow. His journey from a senior role at BCG to a key player in the bio-economy illustrates a commitment to practical innovation. Arsenale BioYards, recognized for its pioneering approach and backed by its first round of funding, stands as a testament to Massimo's vision of a more efficient and economically viable bio-economy. In short? This man is building the future!
➡️ https://www.arsenale.bio/
➡️ https://rosspalmer.com/massimo-portincaso
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Greg Johnson is the Co-Founder and CEO of AquiPor Technologies. His company offers groundbreaking tech for porous concrete, meaning the sidewalk can collect and capture rain water! AquiPor promotes a new type of material technology intended for urban stormwater management. We will investigate the effectiveness and environmental impact of their products, including their permeable concrete and low-carbon technology claims. The discussion will also cover AquiPor's approach to infrastructure solutions and their real-world applications. Join us as we look beyond the marketing to understand the actual contributions of AquiPor Technologies to urban water systems, and why this crazy tech is so important right now.
➡️ https://aquipor.com/
➡️ https://rosspalmer.com/greg-johnson
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Welcome to Future Optimist! I'm Ross Palmer and together we're going to explore the world of the future in all its good and bad glory with the entrepreneurs and visionaries who are building the world of tomorrow. I hope you’ll join me in becoming a Future Optimist!
➡️ Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer
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