A Q&A with FedTech alum John Sanwo, CEO and Founder of WearableDose, Inc.

Since their graduation from the DOE Emerging Tech Studio (DETS) program in 2023, WearableDose has been pioneering new breakthroughs in radiotherapy with their precision radiation detection technology. By using an innovative electronic polymer detector that accurately detects, directs, and measures radiation to tumors, WearableDose reduces costs and significantly enhances treatment safety and efficacy. 

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We sat down with the company’s CEO and Founder, John Sanwo, to discuss his experience in the DETS program, the company’s partnership with NNSA, and what’s next for WearableDose. 

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FedTech: Tell us about WearableDose. 

John Sanwo: WearableDose is revolutionizing precision radiation therapy with a next-generation dosimetry solution. Our flagship product, a wearable patch, is integrated into uniforms or directly used for active radiation detection and real-time monitoring. This technology caters to medical professionals, patients undergoing radiation therapy, first responders, and military personnel exposed to radiation in hazardous environments. Our value proposition lies in offering real-time, patient-specific radiation monitoring, optimizing treatment delivery, and reducing side effects through AI-driven dose planning.

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F: What inspired you to join the DETS program? How did it help you launch your business?

JS: I wanted to make a meaningful impact on the world by addressing critical gaps in healthcare. FedTech provided the perfect ecosystem to explore groundbreaking technology and collaborate with innovators who share a vision of driving global change. The program exposed us to new technologies and opportunities, enabling us to accelerate our mission of improving patient outcomes.

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F: What experiences in DETS had a particular impact on your business formation?

JS: The structured support ecosystem was transformative. Key experiences included introductions to commercialization processes, customer discovery, licensing, and regulatory pathways. Additionally, the network of mentors and industry experts helped us refine our technology and set a clear roadmap for growth.

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F: How has your team evolved throughout your entrepreneurial journey? 

JS: We started with a team of four, but three members left early in the journey. Today, we’ve grown into a team of nearly ten, including advisors and a robust support network spanning multiple sectors. Our rapid expansion underscores the value of collaboration and external partnerships.

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F: After the studio, what was your first step towards launching and scaling your business? How did FedTech alumni services help?

JS: Our first steps included licensing the technology, pitching in competitions, and networking to build awareness about WearableDose. Joining additional accelerators and state programs also played a significant role in our growth. Alumni services have been invaluable, offering critical introductions, strategic guidance, and ongoing support that continues to fuel our progress.

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F: Any particular experiences with FedTech alumni services that helped you?

JS: The FedTech alumni network provided key connections to potential partners and advisors. Their ongoing support has been pivotal in overcoming challenges, especially in regulatory and commercialization efforts.

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F: We understand that NNSA has provided you additional support/funding. Tell us more about that.

JS: NNSA funding has been a game-changer, enabling us to advance our regulatory and product development processes, refine our licensing strategies, establish a solid legal framework, and execute our go-to-market plans. Their support underscores the importance of aligning with government agencies for strategic growth.

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F: How will NNSA continue to support you? What do you hope to gain from this partnership?

JS: We look forward to leveraging NNSA’s continued support for scaling our operations, enhancing our R&D efforts, and accelerating market entry. This partnership will also help us strengthen our compliance frameworks and expand into broader use cases.

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F: You have been accepted to various programs (AWS startups, accelerator programs, etc). How have those impacted your business? What programs would you like to join next?

JS: Participation in programs like AWS Activate and state accelerators has provided funding, technical resources, and market insights crucial for scaling WearableDose. These programs have helped us build a market-ready prototype, refine our business model, and expand our network. In the future, we aim to join international programs such as NHS Innovation Accelerator to further globalize our impact.

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F: Have you had any pilot programs, customers, etc., since the end of the studio? Tell us about them and their impact.

JS: We’ve developed a growing list of partnerships with healthcare providers, research institutions, and military organizations. These collaborations have validated our technology, informed product enhancements, and provided real-world data to refine our solutions.

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F: What goals do you have for 2025? The next five years?

JS: Our 2025 goals include completing regulatory milestones, launching a market-ready product, and expanding into adjacent markets like industrial radiation safety. Over the next five years, we aim to revolutionize radiation therapy globally and explore applications in other industries.

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F: How has this journey impacted you personally and professionally?

JS: This journey has been transformative. It has honed my strategic thinking, time management, and networking skills while deepening my resilience and vision as a leader. The personal growth has been as profound as the professional development.

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F: Anything else you’d like to share?

JS: If you’re considering applying to FedTech and have an entrepreneurial spirit, my advice is to take the leap. It’s not an easy road, but the learning opportunities are unmatched. FedTech provides a platform to turn your vision into reality and create lasting change.

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To learn more about WearableDose, visit their website here and product demo here.

Interested in getting involved in a FedTech Startup Studio program? View our current programs here.