The Power of Plasma with Dr. Vikas Soni, Founder & CSO of JivaJet

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Vikas Soni, a scientist and entrepreneur working at the intersection of plasma medicine, cancer biology, and space technology. Dr. Soni shares his journey from growing up in one of India's most competitive scientific environments to co-founding JivaJet alongside Dr. Anmol Taploo, who I interviewed earlier this season.What stands out about Dr. Soni's story is how he balanced his artistic passions with his love for science. Growing up surrounded by some of the best scientists and facing intense academic pressure, he initially considered careers in acting and art before his grandfather's cancer diagnosis shifted his focus toward biomedical research. His experience shows that you don't always have to choose between creativity and science, but instead can find a way to combine both passions. Dr. Soni offers honest insight into the challenges of being an international entrepreneur in the US, including having to step down as CEO of his own company due to regulatory restrictions. Despite these obstacles, the work he's doing at JivaJet is genuinely amazing. He describes how his team is using plasma technology to treat aggressive brain tumors and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, while also developing applications for space exploration like wound healing in microgravity and enhancing plant growth for future Mars missions.Episode Outline (00:44) Dr. Soni's background and journey from India to Washington, D.C. (04:04) Growing up in a competitive scientific research township in Mumbai(10:05) The differences between college applications in India vs. the US(12:14) Key mentors and influences throughout his academic journey(19:17) The science behind plasma's effects on plant growth and seed germination(21:51) How plasma technology could revolutionize wound healing in space(23:53) How entrepreneurship has transformed his approach to space medicine(28:42) Advice for international entrepreneurs facing regulatory obstacles(30:38) Advice for the next generation who want to pursue STEM entrepreneurshipConnect with Dr. Vikas Connect with Dr. Soni on LinkedIn Learn more about JivaJetConnect with AndrewSubscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts