An average person breathes about 2,000 gallons of air daily, equivalent to the volume of a small swimming pool. Breathing usually goes unnoticed when one is in good health. However, maintaining healthy lungs is paramount. Monitoring lung function aids in identifying issues before they escalate. Chronic respiratory ailments like chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma impact millions worldwide. Asthma, in particular, afflicts over half a billion individuals globally, predominantly children and young adults.
The global healthcare landscape bears the weight of this enormous burden. Nevertheless, one company stands ready to provide relief for those grappling with respiratory health conditions. California-based startup Clearblow has harnessed smart-AI spirometry to enable individuals to accurately assess their lung health from any location. The recent announcement of their plans to intensify their focus on telehealth has elicited keen interest from investors.
In a recent interview with the company’s 17-year-old founder and CEO, Lach Black, insights emerged regarding what sets Clearblow apart in the realm of respiratory health and their ambitious plans for the future.
Founded in 2021, Clearblow aimed to simplify and enhance lung function testing through the application of artificial intelligence through smart spirometry. Spirometry has long been the gold standard for assessing pulmonary function. Regular spirometry usage substantially aids in the early identification of deteriorating lung health, furnishing healthcare providers with crucial data to enhance patient care.
Black, touching on the importance of spirometry: “The patient rapidly exhales into a monitoring device that measures the flow and volume of exhaled air. Traditionally, this has been a very basic device. By infusing that simple device with artificial intelligence and machine learning, we’ve made it a much smarter tool.” While a valuable diagnostic tool, spirometry is susceptible to errors, particularly when administered by non-professionals. Many individuals employ affordable portable spirometers at home, often resulting in inconclusive or inaccurate outcomes.
Clearblow’s innovation comes in the form of a smart pocket spirometer. It marries style with function, boasting Bluetooth connectivity and providing real-time feedback via an intuitive LED display and haptic feedback, ensuring test accuracy. Furthermore, the results can be conveniently shared with healthcare providers through Clearblow’s mobile app. The overarching objective is to reduce reliance on healthcare professionals, elevate testing precision, and augment patient outcomes.
Black underscores the prominent role of artificial intelligence (AI) in telehealth. The notion of patients consulting with physicians without the need for in-person visits also has gained traction. Telehealth witnessed a substantial surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. While not all medical consultations are suitable for remote delivery, patients have embraced the convenience it offers. Clearblow is currently exploring venture capital financing to capitalize on the growing AI-driven telehealth trend.
Touching on the unique challenges and advantages of being a young CEO, Black acknowledges the dual-edged nature of youth. While it attracts attention and press coverage due to the novelty of a teen leading a company, youth also prompts investors to question age-related matters. Prominent investors often emphasize the individual behind the company, believing that extraordinary talents are likely to embark on new entrepreneurial journeys even if the present venture encounters difficulties. Consequently, Black finds himself not only promoting Clearblow but also positioning himself as a viable investment proposition.
As for Black’s future beyond high school, he expressed a commitment to learning and growth. He distinguishes between academic and experiential learning, emphasizing the value of both. For him, education encompasses not only what textbooks offer but also the knowledge gained by venturing into the real world, taking risks, and acting on opportunities. Despite his deep engagement with business, he underscores the role of formal education, acknowledging it as the foundation for his current endeavors. While college may be on the horizon, he remains open to seizing opportunities that align with his aspirations.
Black says his primary motivation is to create a lasting, meaningful impact in people’s lives. He aspires to be an entrepreneur who identifies opportunities in challenges, crafting innovative solutions for age-old problems. For Black, success is not measured solely in financial success but in the personal happiness derived from pursuing his passion. This intrinsic drive propels him forward and will continue to guide Clearblow’s future endeavors.
