Forrest Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Kineon, joins the show to discuss how he transformed bulky clinical machines into convenient, wearable devices for red-light therapy. With a background in Chinese language and 18 years of startup experience in China, Forrest recognized a market opportunity for portable, FDA Registered near-infrared therapy devices after witnessing the therapeutic benefits firsthand during his sports career. Kineon’s MOVE+ Pro device is making clinical-grade treatment accessible for home use and recently raised $1.5 million through crowdfunding.

In this episode, Forrest shares how his early immersion in Chinese culture and manufacturing practices shaped his innovative approach to medical technology. He discusses the importance of starting a company with a clear mission—improving quality of life for as many people as possible—and how identifying market gaps led to the creation of a more affordable alternative to traditional light therapy devices. Forrest also emphasizes the value of building a diverse team, prioritizing work-life balance, and engaging directly with customers to refine Kineon’s offerings. His journey illustrates how passion and practicality can come together to revolutionize healthcare accessibility.