Show Notes 154: Transforming Surgery: Insights from CMR Journey with Mark Slack

In this week’s episode of the Cambridge Tech Podcast, hosts Faye Holland and James Parton delve into the latest local tech news and feature an inspiring interview with Mark Slack, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of CMR Surgical. The conversation highlights the intersection of technology and healthcare, particularly in the realm of surgical robotics.

Weekly Tech News Highlights

Before diving into the interview, James shares some exciting news from the Cambridge tech scene:

• AI Startups Opportunity: As part of Cambridge Tech Week on 15th September, there’s a demo area in The Bradfield Centre for AI-centric companies to showcase their innovations. Interested startups should act quickly to secure a spot.

• Spark Incubator Launch: The University of Cambridge has unveiled its first Spark incubator cohort, featuring 24 innovative companies tackling diverse challenges from AI psychosis detection to carbon-negative jet fuel.

• Tech for Good Event: Cambridge Forum's 2025 Tech for Good event will gather global leaders to discuss technology's role in social impact, taking place on 3rd and 4th September.

• Brain Patch AI Funding Round: A Cambridge startup, Brain Patch AI, has launched a $2 million funding round to accelerate its neurotechnology aimed at stress relief.

Interview with Mark Slack: Revolutionising Surgery

In the second part of the episode, Mark Slack shares his journey from gynecologist to co-founder of CMR Surgical, a company dedicated to making surgery safer and more accessible through robotics. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation:

• The Birth of CMR Surgical: Mark recounts how a chance meeting at an antenatal clinic led to the formation of CMR Surgical. “I had become hassled about the difficulty in teaching people to do keyhole surgery,” he explains, highlighting the need for innovation in surgical training.

• A Vision for Robotics: Mark envisions a future where 80-90% of surgeries are performed using keyhole techniques, significantly reducing complications and recovery times. “Keyhole surgery reduces complications by about 50%,” he notes, underscoring the potential benefits of robotic assistance.

• Challenges in MedTech: The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Mark candidly discusses the complexities of raising funds and navigating the regulatory landscape. “If I knew then what I know now, I probably wouldn’t have started,” he admits, reflecting on the challenges of building a medtech company.

• The Future of Surgical Robotics: Mark believes that the integration of AI into surgical robotics could revolutionise the field. “We might see parts of it become autonomous,” he suggests, indicating a future where robots assist surgeons in real-time, enhancing patient outcomes.

• Commitment to Ethical Practices: Mark emphasises the importance of building a sustainable and ethical business. “We want to build something that’s going to enhance health affordably,” he states, reflecting CMR Surgical’s mission to create a positive impact on society.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of healthcare technology, particularly in the realm of surgical innovation. Mark’s insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a medtech company are both inspiring and informative.

Key Quotes to Remember:

“We want to build something that’s going to enhance health affordably.”

“The surgical industry has 100,000 deaths per billion hours of operation. Things need to be improved.”

Join us as we explore the exciting developments in tech and healthcare, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation—subscribe to the Cambridge Tech Podcast today and stay updated on the latest in technology and innovation!

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