Trying to operate chopsticks in a matchbox - With Manios Dimitrakakis, CEO of Panda Surgical - With Manios Dimitrakakis

Welcome to the first ever episode of the Crux of MedTech podcast!I’m your host, Henry Norton, and in this series I’ll be introducing you to some of the leading innovators and investors in the surgical robotics space, to share their stories and insights. This week, I’m joined by Manios Dimitrakakis, the CEO of Panda Surgical. He talks about his journey from academia to industry, following his path from post-graduate researcher to his current role as CEO of an exciting young MedTech company. Manios shares his perspectives on why neurosurgery is falling behind surgical fields like laparoscopy when it comes to their surgical robotics and other similar tools, as well as what he, and the rest of the Panda Surgical team, are doing to change that. Key Topics: - The technical and economic barriers that have slowed innovation- How Panda Surgical is improving precision and safety with handheld robotic tools- The challenges of transitioning from academic research to a commercial product- The role of surgeon feedback in refining robotic surgical devicesCompany Insights: - Preparing for their first-in-human trials- Raising Series A funding to accelerate development of their device- Expanding into U.S., European, and APAC marketsCore Challenges:- Despite major advances in robotic surgery, neurosurgeons still rely on outdated instruments that limit precision. - Panda Surgical is addressing this gap with a handheld robotic system designed for minimally invasive brain and spine procedures.Listen in for some fascinating inside information about the creation of Panda Surgical’s robotic device, and where Manios plans to take it, and the company, next. The Crux of MedTech podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment agency. To learn more about Cruxx,⁠ ⁠click here.⁠A big thank you to our sponsors on this season of the podcast; TTP plc⁠⁠ With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, ⁠⁠TTP plc⁠⁠ can accelerate your development with the latest technologies. Learn more at ⁠⁠TTP.com⁠⁠&⁠KUKA⁠⁠ is a global leader in robotics with over 25 years of experience partnering with medtech companies on their journey to market. Their reputation is built on robust technology, reliability and long term collaboration and being more than just a supplier.KUKA provides trusted support throughout the product life cycle, from development to integration and beyond. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kuka.com/healthcare