On this episode of My Tech Story Africa, Alice Kanjejo sits down with Hannes Bend, founder of Breathing AI and Vital Sign AI.Hannes shares his remarkable journey from artist to AI entrepreneur, highlighting how personal struggles shaped his vision for more human-centered technology.Born with mild cerebral palsy and having nearly died at birth, Hannes experienced intense physical pain in his early years, which later led to depression. This disconnection from his body eventually guided him toward mindfulness practices that transformed his life.His deep appreciation for breathwork became so profound that he claims he wouldn't trade this awareness "for a trillion dollars" because of the joy, health benefits, and stress management it provides.Hannes' path to technology wasn't direct.He first gained recognition as an artist featured in Vogue and New York exhibitions, but internally felt unfulfilled. His curiosity led him to research how the brain responds to visual stimuli and meditation, eventually incorporating these insights into technology through VR, AR, and ultimately AI.His companies now focus on creating "bio-adaptive interfaces" - technology that personalizes user experiences based on vital signs, emotions, and posture. Breathing AI offers browser extensions with features like color filters to reduce eye strain and reminders to drink water or take deep breaths. Vital Sign AI detects emotions and physical metrics using just a webcam and machine learning algorithms.What makes Hannes's approach unique is his emphasis on individual differences. He explains how the same colors or fonts can trigger completely different physiological responses in different people, demonstrating why AI-powered personalization matters.Throughout the conversation, Hannes emphasizes two values he considers invaluable: curiosity and care. He believes these qualities can open doors in any field, encouraging listeners from all backgrounds to explore AI without hesitation, as everyone brings unique insights.To keep up with Hannes's journey, check out his linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannesbend/Check out his start-ups at:https://breathing.ai/https://www.vitalsign.ai/__________________________________________________________________Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on My Tech Story Africa!Subscribe to our podcast, drop a like, comment, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content.Don't forget to spread the word! Sharing is caring! 🌟Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa♪ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mytechstoryafricaJoin our community: [https://www.mtsafrica.co/join]Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Apply here: https://forms.gle/ffAniezzFHoEvhPY7Interested in partnering with us? Drop us an email: mytechstory.ea@gmail.com 📧