The Hatch Podcast
At the intersection of innovation, creativity, and community — The Hatch Podcast shares stories from founders, scientists, and artists shaping the future of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Produced at Hatch Fairhope, it’s where bold ideas take flight.
The Founders Series dives into the journeys of startup founders building the future of business, technology, and innovation across the Gulf South.
The Music Accelerator combines professional music industry guidance with spiritual mentorship, creating a unique environment where artists can grow both creatively and personally. Hosted by music industry veteran Chris Estes, this series features conversations with artists and insiders who’ve spent years shaping the sounds and stories of modern music.
The Bioscience Innovation Series explores breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science — with founders and researchers driving life-changing discoveries in labs across the region.
Around the Table features conversations with Alabama’s most forward-thinking companies and creators, from startups re-imagining industry to leaders building stronger communities.
And throughout the year, The Hatch Podcast Network introduces new limited series spotlighting the people and ideas transforming the Gulf Coast economy — one story at a time.
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Contact: team@hatchfairhope.com
The Hatch Podcast
From Air Force Research to a Medical Breakthrough | David Nelson of Spectratherm
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What started as research at an Air Force laboratory eventually led David Nelson and his team to develop a new way to measure blood flow without needles, probes, or invasive procedures.
In this episode of our Building Biotech in Lower Alabama series, Stephanie Glines sits down with David Nelson, founder of Spectratherm, to discuss REFLO, a technology designed to measure microcirculation using low-power radio frequency signals and temperature response.
David shares the surprising origin story behind the technology, how it could help vascular surgeons evaluate blood flow during critical procedures, and why one surgeon described the approach as “the holy grail” of vascular surgery. He also talks about the journey from university research to startup founder, lessons learned through the Hatch Biotech Accelerator, and what’s next as Spectratherm moves toward clinical testing and FDA approval.
In This Episode:
- David’s 40-year career in engineering and academia
- The Air Force research project that inspired SpectroTherm
- How REFLO measures blood flow without penetrating the skin
- Potential applications in vascular surgery and patient care
- Moving from research and patents to commercialization
- Lessons from the Hatch Biotech Accelerator
- Advice for first-time founders
Learn More
- David Nelson: LinkedIn Profile
About the Building Biotech Series
Building Biotech in Lower Alabama is a special series from the Hatch Podcast featuring founders, researchers, and innovators developing new technologies and companies across the Gulf Coast region.
About The Hatch Podcast
At the intersection of innovation, creativity, and community — The Hatch Podcast shares stories from founders, scientists, and artists shaping the future of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
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🔗 Learn more: hatchfairhope.com
📩 Contact: team@hatchfairhope.com
Produced by Tim Scott for The Hatch Podcast Network.