About the Guest

Dr. Ravi Nayar is a distinguished Head and Neck Surgeon with deep roots in academic medicine and clinical innovation. Trained at premier institutions like AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh, he transitioned from ENT to surgical oncology with significant contributions at Tata Memorial Hospital and St. John’s Medical College. Known for merging clinical insight with research, his journey spans bullet injuries during Operation Bluestar to advanced surgical strategies in France. A life-changing cardiac event refocused his path toward mentorship and biomedical innovation, now leading initiatives at C-CAMP. As an educator, he transformed UG/PG training at St. John’s and pioneered cross-disciplinary labs and academic culture.

Dr. Ravi Nayar

neurologist

HOD and consultant neurologist, from Sparsh Hospital

Episodes Transcript

Welcome to the Episod - 1 of the podcast

In this inspiring episode of Rebooting the Brain, Dr. Sharan Srinivasan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ravi Nayar, an ENT surgeon whose journey is rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a deep respect for innovation. Dr. Ravi Nayar reflects on his unconventional path into medicine, the pressures of the examination system, and the critical need for thoughtful career choices. Drawing from his experiences in France, he underscores the value of meticulous data management and standardized medical practices. The discussion unfolds into the challenges of integrating cutting-edge technology and collaborating across disciplines in the Indian medical landscape. From early forays into stem cell research to navigating systemic roadblocks in innovation, Dr. Ravi Nayar offers candid insights into the uphill journey of reforming healthcare. Anchored in themes of courage and conviction, this episode sheds light on the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the urgent need for systemic change to truly reboot the future of medicine.

Scripted narratives episode highlights

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Stafford Michahial, the visionary CTO of Newro Kaaya, to explore how technology is transforming neurorehabilitation, healthcare, and defense innovation in India. From his early engineering roots to leading breakthrough projects with ISRO and the Indian Army, Stafford has built a career that spans across robotics, digital twin systems, AI-driven stroke recovery, cognitive enhancement, and cancer diagnostics. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from developing robotic exoskeletons for soldier rehabilitation and contributing to VIRTAC, a virtual tactical training platform used by the Indian Army. Stafford’s journey is one of merging science with empathy—designing cutting-edge tools that not only solve complex technical problems but also improve lives. His motto, “You name it, we can build it,” reflects a relentless drive to apply innovation where it matters most—from the battlefield to the hospital ward. In this episode, we dive deep into: His work with ISRO’s digital twin and robotic systems The challenges and triumphs of developing patented medical technologies The future of responsible AI in healthcare His mission to mentor young technologists and lead India’s innovation ecosystem Whether you’re passionate about medtech, defense tech, or AI for social impact, this conversation will leave you inspired by what happens when engineering meets purpose.

Capturing dialogue

In this episode, we sit down with Stafford Michahial, CTO of Newro Kaaya, to explore a powerful journey of innovation that spans neurorehabilitation, AI, robotics, and national service. Stafford walks us through his early engineering days, contributing to digital twin systems and robotics for ISRO, where precision engineering was key to simulating space systems. He then shares his work with the Indian Army, where he helped develop the VIRTAC virtual tactical simulator and robotic exoskeletons to aid soldier rehabilitation — cutting-edge technology with real-world impact. Now, as a leader in medtech, Stafford channels his expertise into building AI-driven tools for stroke recovery, cognitive enhancement, and cancer diagnostics at Newro Kaaya. He reflects on the balance between technical innovation and human care, advocating for responsible AI, patient-centered design, and mentoring young engineers across India. This episode offers a rare look at how one engineer's vision is reshaping the future of healthcare, defense, and digital transformation — not just in labs, but in the lives of people who need it most.

Episode transcript highlights

Stafford Michahial shares his journey from engineering to becoming the CTO of Newro Kaaya, where he leads groundbreaking innovations in neurorehabilitation, stroke recovery, and AI-based cognitive care. He reflects on his earlier work with ISRO, developing digital twin and robotic systems, and with the Indian Army, contributing to cutting-edge defense tech like the VIRTAC virtual training system and robotic exoskeletons for injured soldiers. Stafford speaks passionately about building patented medtech solutions, promoting responsible AI, and mentoring young engineers in India. His motto, “You name it, we can build it,” captures his commitment to creating real-world technologies that bridge healthcare and engineering for maximum impact.

REBOOTING THE BRAIN

Rewiring the Brain. Restoring Function. Rekindling Life.

Contact Info

8884022088

info@rebootingthebrain.com

6 BCIE, 5TH Main, Okalipuram, Kranthikavi,Sarvanga Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560021

© 2025 Rebooting The Brian.

REBOOTING THE BRAIN

Rewiring the Brain. Restoring Function. Rekindling Life.

Contact Info

8884022088

info@rebootingthebrain.com

6 BCIE, 5TH Main, Okalipuram, Kranthikavi,Sarvanga Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560021

© 2025 Rebooting The Brian.

REBOOTING THE BRAIN

Rewiring the Brain. Restoring Function. Rekindling Life.

Contact Info

8884022088

info@rebootingthebrain.com

6 BCIE, 5TH Main, Okalipuram, Kranthikavi,Sarvanga Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560021

© 2025 Rebooting The Brian.

About the Guest

Dr. Ravi Nayar is a distinguished Head and Neck Surgeon with deep roots in academic medicine and clinical innovation. Trained at premier institutions like AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh, he transitioned from ENT to surgical oncology with significant contributions at Tata Memorial Hospital and St. John’s Medical College. Known for merging clinical insight with research, his journey spans bullet injuries during Operation Bluestar to advanced surgical strategies in France. A life-changing cardiac event refocused his path toward mentorship and biomedical innovation, now leading initiatives at C-CAMP. As an educator, he transformed UG/PG training at St. John’s and pioneered cross-disciplinary labs and academic culture.

Dr. Ravi Nayar

neurologist

HOD and consultant neurologist, from Sparsh Hospital

Episodes Transcript

Welcome to the Episod - 1 of the podcast

In this inspiring episode of Rebooting the Brain, Dr. Sharan Srinivasan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ravi Nayar, an ENT surgeon whose journey is rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a deep respect for innovation. Dr. Ravi Nayar reflects on his unconventional path into medicine, the pressures of the examination system, and the critical need for thoughtful career choices. Drawing from his experiences in France, he underscores the value of meticulous data management and standardized medical practices. The discussion unfolds into the challenges of integrating cutting-edge technology and collaborating across disciplines in the Indian medical landscape. From early forays into stem cell research to navigating systemic roadblocks in innovation, Dr. Ravi Nayar offers candid insights into the uphill journey of reforming healthcare. Anchored in themes of courage and conviction, this episode sheds light on the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the urgent need for systemic change to truly reboot the future of medicine.

Scripted narratives episode highlights

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Stafford Michahial, the visionary CTO of Newro Kaaya, to explore how technology is transforming neurorehabilitation, healthcare, and defense innovation in India. From his early engineering roots to leading breakthrough projects with ISRO and the Indian Army, Stafford has built a career that spans across robotics, digital twin systems, AI-driven stroke recovery, cognitive enhancement, and cancer diagnostics. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from developing robotic exoskeletons for soldier rehabilitation and contributing to VIRTAC, a virtual tactical training platform used by the Indian Army. Stafford’s journey is one of merging science with empathy—designing cutting-edge tools that not only solve complex technical problems but also improve lives. His motto, “You name it, we can build it,” reflects a relentless drive to apply innovation where it matters most—from the battlefield to the hospital ward. In this episode, we dive deep into: His work with ISRO’s digital twin and robotic systems The challenges and triumphs of developing patented medical technologies The future of responsible AI in healthcare His mission to mentor young technologists and lead India’s innovation ecosystem Whether you’re passionate about medtech, defense tech, or AI for social impact, this conversation will leave you inspired by what happens when engineering meets purpose.

Capturing dialogue

In this episode, we sit down with Stafford Michahial, CTO of Newro Kaaya, to explore a powerful journey of innovation that spans neurorehabilitation, AI, robotics, and national service. Stafford walks us through his early engineering days, contributing to digital twin systems and robotics for ISRO, where precision engineering was key to simulating space systems. He then shares his work with the Indian Army, where he helped develop the VIRTAC virtual tactical simulator and robotic exoskeletons to aid soldier rehabilitation — cutting-edge technology with real-world impact. Now, as a leader in medtech, Stafford channels his expertise into building AI-driven tools for stroke recovery, cognitive enhancement, and cancer diagnostics at Newro Kaaya. He reflects on the balance between technical innovation and human care, advocating for responsible AI, patient-centered design, and mentoring young engineers across India. This episode offers a rare look at how one engineer's vision is reshaping the future of healthcare, defense, and digital transformation — not just in labs, but in the lives of people who need it most.

Episode transcript highlights

Stafford Michahial shares his journey from engineering to becoming the CTO of Newro Kaaya, where he leads groundbreaking innovations in neurorehabilitation, stroke recovery, and AI-based cognitive care. He reflects on his earlier work with ISRO, developing digital twin and robotic systems, and with the Indian Army, contributing to cutting-edge defense tech like the VIRTAC virtual training system and robotic exoskeletons for injured soldiers. Stafford speaks passionately about building patented medtech solutions, promoting responsible AI, and mentoring young engineers in India. His motto, “You name it, we can build it,” captures his commitment to creating real-world technologies that bridge healthcare and engineering for maximum impact.

About the Guest

Dr. Ravi Nayar is a distinguished Head and Neck Surgeon with deep roots in academic medicine and clinical innovation. Trained at premier institutions like AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh, he transitioned from ENT to surgical oncology with significant contributions at Tata Memorial Hospital and St. John’s Medical College. Known for merging clinical insight with research, his journey spans bullet injuries during Operation Bluestar to advanced surgical strategies in France. A life-changing cardiac event refocused his path toward mentorship and biomedical innovation, now leading initiatives at C-CAMP. As an educator, he transformed UG/PG training at St. John’s and pioneered cross-disciplinary labs and academic culture.

Episodes Transcript

Welcome to the Episod - 1 of the podcast

In this inspiring episode of Rebooting the Brain, Dr. Sharan Srinivasan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ravi Nayar, an ENT surgeon whose journey is rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a deep respect for innovation. Dr. Ravi Nayar reflects on his unconventional path into medicine, the pressures of the examination system, and the critical need for thoughtful career choices. Drawing from his experiences in France, he underscores the value of meticulous data management and standardized medical practices. The discussion unfolds into the challenges of integrating cutting-edge technology and collaborating across disciplines in the Indian medical landscape. From early forays into stem cell research to navigating systemic roadblocks in innovation, Dr. Ravi Nayar offers candid insights into the uphill journey of reforming healthcare. Anchored in themes of courage and conviction, this episode sheds light on the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the urgent need for systemic change to truly reboot the future of medicine.

Scripted narratives episode highlights

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Stafford Michahial, the visionary CTO of Newro Kaaya, to explore how technology is transforming neurorehabilitation, healthcare, and defense innovation in India. From his early engineering roots to leading breakthrough projects with ISRO and the Indian Army, Stafford has built a career that spans across robotics, digital twin systems, AI-driven stroke recovery, cognitive enhancement, and cancer diagnostics. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from developing robotic exoskeletons for soldier rehabilitation and contributing to VIRTAC, a virtual tactical training platform used by the Indian Army. Stafford’s journey is one of merging science with empathy—designing cutting-edge tools that not only solve complex technical problems but also improve lives. His motto, “You name it, we can build it,” reflects a relentless drive to apply innovation where it matters most—from the battlefield to the hospital ward. In this episode, we dive deep into: His work with ISRO’s digital twin and robotic systems The challenges and triumphs of developing patented medical technologies The future of responsible AI in healthcare His mission to mentor young technologists and lead India’s innovation ecosystem Whether you’re passionate about medtech, defense tech, or AI for social impact, this conversation will leave you inspired by what happens when engineering meets purpose.

Capturing dialogue

In this episode, we sit down with Stafford Michahial, CTO of Newro Kaaya, to explore a powerful journey of innovation that spans neurorehabilitation, AI, robotics, and national service. Stafford walks us through his early engineering days, contributing to digital twin systems and robotics for ISRO, where precision engineering was key to simulating space systems. He then shares his work with the Indian Army, where he helped develop the VIRTAC virtual tactical simulator and robotic exoskeletons to aid soldier rehabilitation — cutting-edge technology with real-world impact. Now, as a leader in medtech, Stafford channels his expertise into building AI-driven tools for stroke recovery, cognitive enhancement, and cancer diagnostics at Newro Kaaya. He reflects on the balance between technical innovation and human care, advocating for responsible AI, patient-centered design, and mentoring young engineers across India. This episode offers a rare look at how one engineer's vision is reshaping the future of healthcare, defense, and digital transformation — not just in labs, but in the lives of people who need it most.

Episode transcript highlights

Stafford Michahial shares his journey from engineering to becoming the CTO of Newro Kaaya, where he leads groundbreaking innovations in neurorehabilitation, stroke recovery, and AI-based cognitive care. He reflects on his earlier work with ISRO, developing digital twin and robotic systems, and with the Indian Army, contributing to cutting-edge defense tech like the VIRTAC virtual training system and robotic exoskeletons for injured soldiers. Stafford speaks passionately about building patented medtech solutions, promoting responsible AI, and mentoring young engineers in India. His motto, “You name it, we can build it,” captures his commitment to creating real-world technologies that bridge healthcare and engineering for maximum impact.

Dr. Sharan Srinivasan

neurologist

HOD and consultant neurologist, from Sparsh Hospital