Susan Kelly

With a rich background in academia, research, and the corporate world, Susan Kelly has always been interested in problem-solving and learning new things. Her passion for finding solutions to big challenges led her to start her own business, aflo™, which uses AI, sensors and hyper-personalised data to automate the correct inhaler technique for individuals with respiratory conditions.

With a partner and two children who have been hospitalised with asthma in the past, Susan knows how terrifying the condition can be.

“Inhaled medications are the cornerstone of asthma management,” she explains. “I’ve seen how difficult it is to get inhaler technique right to optimise these drugs. In fact, almost 90% of people make at least one inhaler error, reducing the efficacy of their medicines and potentially putting their life at risk. I wanted to help solve that problem.”

It’s been a challenging process and, as a woman founder, Susan has faced difficulties raising private funds for the expensive R&D work. But with collaboration and determination she has built authority in the MedTech world through various speaking and networking events.

The Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award will allow her to grow her impressive body of clinical and cost effectiveness data. But it’s about more than that – Susan’s most looking forward to the mentoring and networking opportunities, getting to know and learn from the other women in the group.