Defining the Future

In this episode, Claire Rutherford is joined by Paul Fitzpatrick. Paul is an entrepreneur with a wide range of experience in medical devices, healthcare, consulting, and hospitality. He’s helped start and grow over 10 businesses, taking them from ideas to successful exits, including through mergers, acquisitions, and international expansions. Paul's expertise includes areas like EMS, physical therapy, nurse staffing, breast cancer screening, molecular diagnostics, and drug delivery. He’s raised over

What does it really take to lead a biotech startup? In this episode, Claire Rutherford sits down with Joe Hedley, co-founder and CEO of NunaBio, a company at the forefront of synthetic DNA production for advanced biotech applications. Joe shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey to leadership, offering insights into the dedication and resilience required to build a biotech company from the ground up. From navigating the challenges of fundraising to staying focused through the highs and

How do we reduce water wastage through leaking pipes, without digging the pipe up? To discuss Origin Tech’s revolutionary No Dig technology, Claire Rutherford is joined by John Marsden, the Commercial Director at Origin Integrity Management and Origin Tech Ltd. Founded in 2019, Origin Tech develops cutting-edge technologies to reduce water wastage, lower carbon emissions, and manage water pipeline risks more effectively. John shares the story behind Origin Tech’s creation, how the company has

What does it take to turn groundbreaking science into life-saving treatments? In this episode of Defining the Future, Claire Rutherford is joined by Prof Carrie Ambler. Carrie is a Professor at Durham University and the Chief Scientific Officer at LightOx Ltd, a pioneering company dedicated to developing novel chemicals for targeted phototherapies, particularly for oral cancer and wound care. Since founding LightOx in 2016, Carrie has been instrumental in advancing the company's innovative approach

How can we transform waste CO2 into something valuable? In this episode of Defining the Future, Claire Rutherford is joined by Dr Daniel Stewart, CEO and co-founder of ViridiCO2. ViridiCO2 technology takes carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and turns it into chemicals that can be used in the production of greener and more sustainable products including; consumer personal products, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing. The conversation explores the technology behind

What does it take to create a revolutionary PCR device for diagnostics? In this episode of Defining the Future, Claire Rutherford is joined by Jonathan O'Halloran. Jonathan is the co-founder of QuantuMDx, former Chief Scientific Officer and inventor of many of its proprietary technologies. Jonathan has a specialist interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and was a diagnostics advisor for the O’Neill Review. He was awarded European CTO of the Year in 2015. Together, they discuss the journey of

Welcome to Defining the Future, the podcast that celebrates the ideas, innovations, and people making the world a better place. I’m Claire Rutherford, a patent attorney and founder of Definition IP. In this podcast series, I sit down with visionary entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who are driving real, lasting impact in their communities and beyond. In each episode, we’re unpacking the stories behind the breakthroughs and the passion fueling their work. It’s about the people who are