Sometimes you meet an entrepreneur whose priorities differ from the norm. This is true in the case of Howard Feng, Co-Founder of Med Frontier. For Howard, he's not chasing big profits or trying to expand a team. He's simply providing an incredible solution for our biggest asset here in the UK – the NHS.
Coming from a pharmaceutical background, Howard wasn't destined to become a doctor. Instead, he understands the need for better solutions to assist those dedicated to saving lives and making people better.
Joining forces
Howard and co-founder Shui Liu make an effective team by playing to their different strengths. Howard comes up with innovative ideas to improve NHS efficiency and services, while Shui Liu handles the technical side with his software and technology expertise. It's a straightforward partnership: Howard identifies promising concepts, and his partner builds the technology to make them work. Together, they turn healthcare ideas into practical solutions.
The pair first crossed paths during the pandemic, bumping into each other at conferences and university events across the UK. Both had healthcare experience, and after collaborating on smaller projects and countless discussions about the future of medical imaging, they realised they were onto something special. Med Frontier was born, with other partners joining through similar organic connections.
This isn't Howard's first business venture, but he's found his true passion here. The mission is simple yet powerful: explore the frontier of medical technology using artificial intelligence for the greater good. With the NHS facing mounting pressure and hospitals across the UK operating with vastly different budgets and resources, Howard sees a huge gap that Med Frontier can fill—turning 'those without' into 'those with'.
When it comes to measuring success, Howard takes an unconventional approach. Sure, sustainable growth and revenue matter, but what really counts is the impact on clinicians and patients. A doctor telling him their platform made work easier, saved time, or helped spot something they might have missed? That's worth more than any quarterly profit. In a country with such a rich history of healthcare innovation, he believes it's their duty to make world-class tools accessible to every hospital, even those with the tightest budgets.
The bigger picture
Knowing their work makes a difference for patients—not just in the UK, but globally—is massively motivating. AI allows them to share knowledge worldwide, so if their technology helps even one patient get an earlier or more accurate diagnosis, that's a win. Building a team and company culture people are proud of, and earning respect from NHS and industry partners, creates the kind of legacy that really counts.
Of course, I had to bring up my favourite topic: Dragon's Den. While Howard isn't a regular watcher, he recognises it as a household name in the business world. Given Med Frontier's specialised technology, they typically seek investors who truly understand medtech and complex healthcare systems—think accelerators and sector-focused funds rather than generalist investors.
That said, Howard genuinely loves sharing their work, especially around healthcare innovation. Any opportunity to present ideas, get real feedback from investors, and test their story is valuable—not just for funding, but for refining their vision and maintaining momentum. Whether on television, at major events, or in rooms full of decision-makers, he's always ready to champion their mission and demonstrate how technology can genuinely make a difference. Honestly, that's his favourite part of the job.
Like any new business, researching the competition is crucial. The AI imaging space has plenty of active players, but Med Frontier's approach stands apart. Radiologix AI isn't just about analysing images—it's a self-learning system that continuously improves as it processes new data and feedback. While many competitors use static models, theirs is built to adapt, giving them a real edge in this fast-moving industry.
The standard nine-to-five doesn't exist for these dedicated founders. Some days stretch well into the night, but Howard makes sure to carve out personal time. Taking proper breaks helps him refocus and stay creative. He still loves a good boxing session with his headphones in, or a long run along the canal to clear his head and recharge.
His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is refreshingly straightforward: don't wait for perfection. Just start, even if you don't feel ready, and accept that you'll adapt along the way. Keep learning, especially in new countries or sectors—the learning curve is steepest right after university, making research, networking, and learning from others essential. With the internet and AI making learning so efficient, there's never been a better time to begin.
And perhaps most importantly? Don't go it alone. Finding a business partner, regardless of their background, means sharing the journey's ups and downs while combining complementary skills to achieve great things together.
Keep pushing yourself—it's incredible what we can achieve when we put our minds to it.
Thank you once again to Howard for taking time to share his story with us. I for one am feeling very inspired and hope that his innovative approaches will ease the burden for our NHS.
Connect with both partners on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-feng/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/shui-liu-medtech/
