In this episode of Health in Hyperdrive, host Dominic James is joined by Alex Sheppard to explore how academic research evolves from campus curiosity into commercial impact, ultimately helping us live longer, healthier lives.

Healthcare has always been grounded in science, and its deep ties to academia are more relevant than ever. From the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, accelerated by breakthroughs at MIT and the University of Mainz, to the rise of billion-dollar AI health companies born from university labs, the journey from research to reality is accelerating.

Alex brings a rare insider’s perspective, having led an Oxford University HealthTech spinout and now working across startups, investment, and industry. Together, they unpack the mechanics of academic spinouts, the role of multidisciplinary expertise, and how AI is reshaping empathy, equity, and access in healthcare. From digital scribing to orbital health stations, this episode charts a bold vision for health in 2050 and beyond.