Notes from the seam between AI models and the workflows they get bolted onto. Mostly manufacturing and healthcare. Mostly what breaks in the second month, after the demo is over.
In my last post, I explored the critical role of context management in getting the best results from AI. Today, I want to share two real-world examples that highlight a simple but powerful technique you can start using immediately.
Context Engineering: The $100K Skill You
In my last article, “What if GenAI could give MedTech professionals back tens of thousands of hours a year?”, I shared how my experience programming with coding agents. In this follow up, I wanted to share how I approached writing an advanced RAG solution to help MedTech professionals to efficiently
That’s not a hypothetical—it’s a real possibility I’ve been exploring as I build GenAI-powered solutions for regulatory documentation in MedTech and BioTech. MedTech and BioTech are governed by regulators like the FDA, EMA, PMDA, ANVISA, and IMDRF.
I’ve taken up coding as a hobby recently. The last time I wrote code was before C#, GitHub, containers and development pipelines.
Guardant has received FDA approval for its updated liquid biopsy test, which is expected to command a higher price than its previous version. This advancement in MedTech highlights the growing importance of innovative diagnostic tools in healthcare technology.
The Advanced Manufacturing Company of America has raised $300 million to expand its factory footprint and enhance its AI-powered product development platform. This initiative aims to integrate AI across its operations network, aligning with Industry 4.0 practices in manufacturing automation.
Stryker has acquired Amplitude Vascular's intravascular lithotripsy platform in a deal valued at up to $835 million, including $435 million upfront and $400 million in potential milestone payments. This acquisition highlights advancements in MedTech and the growing focus on innovative vascular treatment technologies.
Sentante, a Lithuania-based company, has secured Europe's CE mark for its endovascular robotic surgery system designed for remote stroke treatment. The system is also part of the FDA's total product life cycle advisory program, highlighting its potential impact on MedTech innovation and healthcare delivery. This development underscores advancements in robotic surgery and remote healthcare technologies.
Four MedTech manufacturers, including AVID Medical and Medical Action Industries, have issued recalls for convenience kits containing Medline angiographic syringes due to identified issues. The recalls highlight the importance of quality control and supply chain oversight in the MedTech industry. This incident underscores the critical role of reliable manufacturing in healthcare technology.
Labcorp has expanded its partnership with Epic to make its full suite of diagnostic tests available on the Aura platform. This move enhances accessibility for healthcare providers, streamlining the integration of diagnostic services into clinical workflows. The collaboration highlights advancements in healthcare technology and interoperability.
The blog highlights new announcements from SAP Sapphire 2026, focusing on how SAP and Microsoft Azure are collaborating to enhance enterprise AI capabilities. The partnership aims to drive operational transformation, improve decision-making, and foster innovation at scale using Azure's cloud infrastructure.
This article discusses the growing challenge of managing data as manufacturing companies embrace digital transformation and automation. Industry leaders from major firms like Ford, GE Appliances, and Amgen shared insights on leveraging data effectively during a recent MIT event. The focus is on how data impacts decision-making and operational efficiency in modern manufacturing environments.
Medtronic presented long-term data at EuroPCR supporting the efficacy of its Symplicity renal denervation procedure for managing severe hypertension, particularly in patients with prior cardiovascular events. The findings highlight the potential of this MedTech innovation to address critical healthcare challenges in cardiovascular treatment. This aligns with advancements in healthcare technology and patient outcomes.
Boston Scientific has announced positive study results for its intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter, designed to treat patients with severely calcified coronary artery disease. The company plans to submit the device for regulatory approval, highlighting advancements in MedTech for cardiovascular care. This development underscores innovation in healthcare technology aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Intuitive is preparing to release 100 updates for its da Vinci 5 surgical robot, focusing on enhancing communication between remote and on-site physicians. These updates aim to improve surgical training and expand educational opportunities in the MedTech field. The advancements highlight the growing role of robotics in healthcare innovation.
Medtronic is establishing a European software hub in Ireland, focusing on cardiac digital health solutions. The initiative will create 85 jobs initially, with plans for further expansion over the next three years, highlighting the company's commitment to advancing MedTech innovation in Europe.
Endologix has acquired a clot removal system from Surmodics to expand its offerings for vascular interventionists. The system complements Endologix's existing devices for treating peripheral artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms, enhancing its portfolio in the MedTech space. This acquisition highlights the growing focus on advanced medical technologies for vascular care.
Carl Zeiss, a German company known for its MedTech innovations, announced that restructuring efforts could impact up to 1,000 jobs. The decision comes amid a weak investment climate in the Americas, which has affected its intraocular lens business. This highlights challenges in the MedTech sector tied to global economic conditions.
Medtronic is acquiring SPR Therapeutics for $650M, expanding its portfolio in chronic pain management solutions. This marks the company's third major acquisition this year, reinforcing its position in the MedTech sector. The deal highlights Medtronic's focus on innovative healthcare technologies.
This article explores the growing adoption of additive manufacturing across industries such as aerospace, defense, and healthcare, highlighting its role in scaling production and creating customized solutions like dental aligners. Brett Conner of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers discusses the transformative impact of 3D printing technologies. The piece emphasizes the importance of additive manufacturing in Industry 4.0 advancements.
Dexcom, a leader in continuous glucose monitoring technology, is adding two board directors following discussions with activist investor Elliott. The company also shared updates on its G8 glucose sensor, dual-analyte sensing technology, and Medicare coverage plans during an investor day. These developments highlight advancements in MedTech and strategic corporate governance changes.
Johnson & Johnson has introduced an upgraded version of its Shockwave catheter, a coronary intravascular lithotripsy device. The new design enhances flexibility, aiding physicians in navigating tight arteries to treat calcified deposits and improve blood flow. This development highlights advancements in MedTech aimed at improving cardiovascular care.
Bayesian Health has received FDA approval for its AI-powered sepsis detection tool, developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. The system is designed to assist physicians in identifying sepsis at an earlier stage, potentially improving patient outcomes in critical care settings.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has called for enhancements to the USMCA trade agreement during its six-year review to better support U.S. manufacturing. The report highlights opportunities for process improvements to further bolster the agreement's pro-manufacturing stance. This aligns with broader efforts to optimize trade frameworks for manufacturing growth.
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MedTech advisor in Chicago. Most of my work sits at the seam between AI models and the workflows they were bolted onto — manufacturing operations, regulatory and compliance, supply chain, and the long tail of things that quietly break in the second month after a pilot ships.
The coding here is so I understand the boring half of generative AI well enough to advise on it. I work on agentic systems, eval harnesses, and the integration plumbing that decides whether a pilot survives past the demo. When the model is the easy part, I'm interested in the rest.
When I'm not coding or advising, I'm in the kitchen, in the workshop, or behind a camera lens.