In this episode, Peter and I sit down with Jan Kavalírek, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and Government Envoy for AI in the Czech Republic. He gives us an exclusive look into the Czech Republic's efforts to simplify the bureaucracy surrounding AI legislation in the European Union.Jan explains the core mission behind the slogan "Czech AI to top 10 and EU AI to lead," and how this ambition is driving their push to reduce the burden on AI providers, researchers, and startups. We dive into the specifics of the new "simplification omnibus" and how it aims to create a more competitive environment for European businesses without compromising safety.What you'll learn:The Problem: Why the Czech Republic believes current EU AI regulations are too burdensome and could hinder innovation.The Solution: The two main proposals the Czech government is fighting for: simplifying bureaucratic rules and postponing non-essential parts of the AI Act.The Impact: How these changes would affect AI providers, researchers, and even consumers across Europe.The Goal: The ambition to make the EU a global leader in AI, competing with the US and China.Jan also shares insights from his background in MedTech and how his experience running a business informs his work in government.
In this episode of The Bridge with Pavlina Walter, I share my personal journey and the mission driving my work in healthcare. From Silicon Valley boardrooms to rebuilding schools in Indonesia, I explore how technology, clinical research, and philanthropy come together to make prevention the new standard of care.
Key themes:
• Why prevention must be the foundation of modern healthcare.
• The lessons I brought from Silicon Valley into global health innovation.
• How AI can be a trusted partner in diagnostics, drug development, and early detection.
• The importance of building bridges between investors, innovators, and underserved communities.
This episode is an invitation to collaborate on a future where healthcare is accessible, humane, and prevention-first.
Subscribe to The Bridge for conversations that connect science, technology, and humanity.
Timecode:
00:00 Introduction: My Journey and Mission
00:29 Professional Roles and Responsibilities
01:15 Personal Motivation and Vision
01:44 Key Learnings from Silicon Valley
02:14 The Importance of Real-World Impact
02:50 Bridging High-Tech and Remote Communities
03:11 AI in Healthcare: Partner, Not Master
04:08 Future of Healthcare: 2030 Vision
04:42 Conclusion: Building a Better Future Together
Links:
Pavlina Walter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlinawalter/
Website: PavlinaWalter.com
Healthcare innovation must serve people first.
In this episode of THE BRIDGE, we go beyond the hype and focus on adoption, prevention, and ROI. Lukas Benzel shares how the Czech AI ecosystem connects 300-plus members across startups, big tech, and hospitals. We talk hospital operations, clinical trials, the shift from sick care to true healthcare, and what Europe can lead in right now.
What you will learn
• How more than 60 percent of Czech hospitals already use AI, often in the back office
• Why prevention and continuous self monitoring are the next growth curve
• Practical steps for clinical validation and regulatory pathways
• What Singapore’s AI hubs can teach European health systems
• How to upskill teams and earn patient trust • Why security and ethics belong in the product roadmap
Who should listen:
Investors, health system leaders, founders, regulators, and anyone building AI that must work in the real world.
Call to action Subscribe to THE BRIDGE for weekly conversations that connect science, clinical research, and AI-driven innovation.
Comment with your most urgent healthcare challenge.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or via my website to explore partnerships and co-investments.
