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Intern Insider with Panakeia Technologies

Lagsika Kugathas

Biomedical Engineering MEng student (Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine)

08 August 2024

Hi there! I’m Lagsika Kugathas, currently in my fourth year of Biomedical Engineering MEng at King’s College London. This summer I joined Panakeia as a Histopathological Image Annotation Specialist, exploring the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and cancer diagnostics. Panakeia has significantly cut down the time it takes to analyse patient samples—from days or weeks to just minutes.

Why did you apply for an internship with Panakeia?

I was drawn to this opportunity because it directly ties into my Biomedical Engineering degree, particularly my interest in applying engineering principles like machine learning to healthcare challenges. My research project, which focused on using AI for cardiac motion analysis, really sparked my curiosity about the potential of machine learning in medicine. Having the chance to complete my research over the summer and then apply those skills at Panakeia, where they’re tackling similar challenges, has been invaluable. It’s given me the opportunity to take what I learned academically and see it come to life in a real-world setting.

I was also drawn to Panakeia's start-up environment, where I could see how a visionary idea is brought to life. Working with Dr. Pandya and the team has been inspiring, offering insights into the growth of a company that has the potential to revolutionise cancer diagnostics. This experience is not just advancing my academic knowledge but is also helping shape my future career in healthcare technology.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

It usually begins with remote work, which is incredibly efficient for our small, focused team. Working from home allows us to jump straight into our tasks, maximising productivity and maintaining a strong work ethic. My day often involves annotating histopathological images, collaborating with the team via virtual meetings with the research team.

In addition to our remote set-up, we also have co-working days where we come together in-person. These days are crucial not only for team collaboration and brainstorming but also for meeting with investors and board members. These sessions are invaluable for brainstorming, problem-solving, and fostering a sense of camaraderie. The blend of remote work and in-person collaboration helps us stay flexible while ensuring we’re aligned and working effectively towards our goals.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learnt so far?

The importance of patience, persistence, and teamwork. In a dynamic environment like Panakeia, challenges are inevitable, and meeting deadlines requires more than just individual effort. I've realised that having the patience to work through obstacles and the persistence to keep moving forward are essential, but it’s teamwork that truly makes the difference. Collaborating effectively with my colleagues has shown me how crucial it is to rely on each other’s strengths to meet deadlines and achieve our shared goals. This experience has reinforced that success isn’t just about individual determination; it’s also about coming together as a team to overcome challenges and deliver results.

Which of the Seven Skills of an Entrepreneurial Mindset have you utilised most during your journey?

During my internship, I have utilised several skills from the Entrepreneurial Mindset framework, particularly:

Get it Done has pushed me to focus on impactful tasks and take action, even when it’s intimidating. I’ve learned that progress comes from moving forward, even if it’s imperfect.

Commit to Growth has taught me to embrace continuous learning and get comfortable with discomfort. This mindset has driven me to push beyond my comfort zone and adapt, with the support of a strong network of mentors and peers.

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Panakeia is a pioneering biotech company transforming molecular analysis. By using AI to extract biomarker information from Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)-stained tissue images, they’ve significantly cut down the time it takes to analyse patient samples—from days or weeks to just minutes. This approach is not only faster and more cost-effective but also maintains the accuracy and reliability of traditional methods.

Panakeia are a previous participant on the King's Start-up Accelerator. Find out more about them on their website

The Entrepreneurship Institute offers lots of opportunities for students at King's to grow their entrepreneurial skills and experience. If you're a current King's student and interested to find out more visit our website, or sign-up to our monthly newsletter to find out about similar opportunities.

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