Innovate Medtech

Written by Dr Michael Challenor

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we develop technology. But in medtech, moving faster cannot come at the expense of patient safety, quality or trust.

In this episode recorded at the 2026 Innovate Medtech Masterclasses, Dr Michael Challenor of Innovate Medtech speaks with Mo Jaimangal, founder of Jupiter AI, about what AI means for medtech founders and healthcare innovators.

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WHY THE GRAVITY OF AI?

Mo chose the name Jupiter AI after the largest planet in our solar system. For him, AI represents a similarly powerful force shaping the future of technology. His perspective comes from an engineering and digital-health background, including building software during the rise of smartphone apps.

But rather than applying AI to everything, Mo advocates a first-principles approach: identify the problem, understand the user, then choose the best solution. Sometimes AI is the answer; sometimes conventional software is better.

USING AI TO BUILD MEDTECH VERSUS BUILDING AI INTO MEDTECH

One of the most important distinctions in the conversation is between using AI as a development tool and embedding AI in a medical product.

AI-assisted coding can help experienced engineers develop software much faster. Mo describes a major improvement in his own programming productivity, but stresses the need to recognise good code, apply robust development practices and maintain documentation and traceability.

When AI becomes part of the product itself, the challenge changes. Probabilistic models may produce different answers to similar questions. That makes repeatable testing, validation and quality assurance more difficult, especially in regulated healthcare.

CAN YOU VIBE CODE A MEDICAL DEVICE?

Mo sees a valuable role for rapid AI-assisted prototyping. Founders can build and test concepts in days or weeks, learning from early pilot users before committing to extensive development.

However, a prototype is not automatically medical-grade software. Patient safety, privacy, risk management, quality systems and traceability still need to be properly addressed. A successful prototype can help validate the idea, but it cannot replace the evidence required for a medical device.

THE REAL ADVANTAGE IN HEALTHCARE AI

As AI tools become widely available, the long-term advantage in healthcare will not necessarily be the model itself. Mo points to high-quality data, systems embedded in actual workflows and close collaboration with clinical specialists and key opinion leaders.

These relationships and capabilities cannot be recreated with a prompt. They reflect the importance of understanding the clinical environment and developing products alongside the people who will use them.

ADVICE FOR MEDTECH FOUNDERS

The conversation also explores the personal experience of founding a company. Mo reflects on the uncertainty, pressure and resilience required to build something new, and the way founders develop greater capacity to navigate difficult decisions over time.

His broader message is to stay curious about AI and use it where it creates real value, without losing sight of the fundamental responsibilities of healthcare innovation.

HEAR THE FULL CONVERSATION

Listen to Michael and Mo discuss the pace of AI innovation, opportunities in medical software development, the risks of mistaking prototypes for validated products, and what founders should focus on now.