Build for the User, Not the Spec Sheet: Interview with Phagenesis CEO Reinhard Krickl

Medsider: Learn from Medtech and Healthtech Founders and CEOs

In this episode of Medsider Radio, we had an engaging chat with Reinhard Krickl, CEO of Phagenesis, a startup commercializing a neurostimulation system designed to treat dysphagia, a condition that impairs a patient's ability to swallow.

An Austrian engineer with over 25 years of experience in medtech, Reinhard specializes in neurology-based medical devices. After beginning his career in academia, he got his industry start with Medtronic in 2000, where he would eventually lead the company’s efforts with deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy across Europe. He is also an INSEAD-certified director and serves on several boards, chairing two of them.

In this interview, Reinhard shares insights on the importance of simplicity in design, what thorough market understanding truly means, and how he engages with stakeholders effectively. He also reveals the “market access checklist” he uses before entering the commercialization stage.
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Lastly, if you'd rather read than listen, here's a link to the full interview with Reinhard Krickl.