Maria Artunduaga (Samay)

Overview

Maria Artunduaga is a Colombian-born physician-scientist and entrepreneur best known as the founder and CEO of Samay, a company specializing in respiratory health technology. Samay, which means "to breathe deeply" in Quechua, focuses on using AI and acoustic resonance to manage diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Dr. Artunduaga’s journey from the medical field into entrepreneurship was fueled by personal tragedy when she lost her grandmother to COPD, prompting her to address the gaps in early detection of lung deterioration. Her work has garnered significant attention in the medtech field, earning accolades such as the Global Winner MedTech Innovator in 2024.

Recent Developments

In 2024, Maria Artunduaga's company, Samay, achieved recognition as the Global Winner at the MedTech Innovator competition, showcasing its innovative solutions in respiratory health technologies.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Samay expanded its testing for a new AI-powered chest patch designed to predict and manage COPD exacerbations at home. The device, named Sylvee after Maria's grandmother, underwent feasibility trials, with further testing ongoing in California and Florida.
By mid-2024, Samay secured its seventh patent, reinforcing its technological edge and opening pathways for strategic partnerships focused on respiratory health innovations.
In 2023, Samay received support from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's SBIR Program, which enabled further development and testing of its respiratory management solutions.
Maria Artunduaga continuously emphasized societal impact and diversity in her company, assembling a team comprising over 70% Latin American professionals and committing to reducing poverty through job creation and innovation.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Maria Artunduaga
Born	Colombia
Nationality	Colombian
Occupation	Physician-Scientist, Entrepreneur
Known For	Founder & CEO of Samay
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Education	MD, MPH, MTM

Early Life and Education

Maria Artunduaga was born into a family of medical professionals in Colombia, fostering an early interest in healthcare and science. As a top medical student, she initially focused on plastic surgery, securing a residency at the University of Chicago after completing a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard in genetics. Despite her promising career in surgery, the loss of her grandmother to COPD was a pivotal moment, redirecting her passion towards the early detection and management of respiratory diseases. This led her to further her education in public health and translational medicine, earning degrees from the University of Washington and UC Berkeley/UCSF to better equip herself for the challenges of healthcare innovation.

Career and Notable Achievements

Maria Artunduaga's career began in medicine, where she excelled as a top student and pursued advanced training in genetics and surgery.
Her transition into entrepreneurship was marked by the founding of Samay, driven by a personal mission to improve COPD management.
Under her leadership, Samay developed a unique AI-enabled platform and a wearable device for continuous respiratory monitoring, addressing a significant gap in chronic disease management.
Maria's work has received significant recognition, including features in Forbes, TechCrunch, and Bloomberg.
In 2024, Maria was acknowledged as a Global Winner MedTech Innovator, affirming her work's impact and innovation in the medtech industry.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Dr. Maria Artunduaga continues to lead Samay, focusing on advancing technology to prevent and manage respiratory diseases. Her work is particularly impactful in regions with limited access to pulmonary care, offering solutions that enable remote patient monitoring and intervention, thus reducing hospitalizations and healthcare costs associated with COPD. Beyond her contributions to health tech innovation, Dr. Artunduaga is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, fostering a multicultural team that reflects her commitment to societal improvement.

Conclusion

Maria Artunduaga stands out in the landscape of medtech innovation as a visionary who seamlessly blends personal experience with professional expertise to address significant healthcare challenges. Her contribution to advancing respiratory health technology, especially in managing COPD, not only highlights her dedication to patient care but also underscores her role as a change-maker aiming to reduce healthcare disparities. As she continues to drive Samay forward, her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in transforming personal tragedies into public solutions, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and progress in medical technology.