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Nan-Wei Gong
Founder CEO at FIGUR8
Dr. Nan-Wei Gong is a distinguished leader in the fields of technology and digital health. As a serial entrepreneur, she has demonstrated her incredible expertise through various innovative ventures, most notably as the founder and CEO of FIGUR8, a revolutionary enterprise that is changing the landscape of musculoskeletal (MSK) care through data-driven insights and artificial intelligence (AI) biomarkers. Her pioneering work through FIGUR8 represents a significant advance in the management of musculoskeletal issues, supporting medical professionals with tools that enhance diagnosis and treatment effectiveness.
With a robust educational background, Dr. Gong earned her PhD from the renowned MIT Media Lab, where she honed her skills in research, technology development, and innovation. Her academic accomplishments have led her to publish over 30 peer-reviewed papers and earn prestigious recognition, including two best paper awards at ACM CHI. In addition, she has been granted more than ten patents in her field, showcasing her commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and improving healthcare solutions.
Dr. Gong's career trajectory is a testament to her proactive approach to research and entrepreneurship. Before founding FIGUR8, she co-founded 3dim Tech, a 3D gesture sensing company that was acquired by Google, propelling her to a pivotal role as an R&D lead at Google ATAP. Here, she was instrumental in the early development of Project ARA, an ambitious initiative aimed at modular smartphones. Furthermore, her leadership extended to Google’s digital textile initiative, Project Jacquard, where she oversaw the project’s evolution from conceptual stages to the successful launch of Levi’s Trucker Jacket featuring Jacquard technology.
In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts, Dr. Gong actively participates in the broader medical technology community. She has served on the board and advisory boards of influential organizations, such as MassMedic—the largest MedTech association in the U.S.—as well as BioPro Scientific and Myolex. Through these avenues, she continues to advocate for innovation and collaboration in the medical technology sector. Her experience as a Research Affiliate at MIT Media Lab and a visiting researcher at MIT’s Research Laboratory of Electronics has cemented her position as a leading figure in health tech research and application.
