In this episode of Inside MedTech Innovation, I sit down with Howard Look, CEO of Tidepool, to explore how open-source software, patient-led innovation, and regulatory transformation are reshaping diabetes care.
Howard shares his unexpected journey from Silicon Valley to MedTech, discussing how his background at Pixar, TiVo, and Amazon led him to found a nonprofit that revolutionized diabetes technology. Tidepool became the first-ever open-source, FDA-cleared diabetes management system—a groundbreaking achievement in the digital health space.
00:00 Introduction
02:37 Howard Look's High School Days
06:15 Howard’s College Life and Early Career
10:32 Joining Silicon Graphics
15:48 The TiVo Revolution
23:49 Transition to Med Tech
39:20 FDA Collaboration and Regulatory Decisions
40:15 Innovative Approaches to Software Development
42:17 The Pre-Cert Program and Digital Health
46:44 The Rise of OpenAPS and DIY Diabetes Solutions
57:34 Tidepool's Evolution and Impact
01:08:23 Future Directions and Personal Insights
Follow Shannon and Howard:
Connect with Shannon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonlantzy
Website: https://www.shannonlantzy.com/
Connect with Howard:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardlook
Website: https://www.tidepool.org/
