Meet Meghana Thotakuri

Meet our new Technical Advisor Meghana Thotakuri

Experts like Meghana Thotakuri are essential in propelling innovation and advancement in the dynamic field of AI. In this interview, we delve into the insights of Meghana Thotakuri, a distinguished AI engineer, as she shares her contributions to the industry and highlights the significance of her expertise in shaping the future of medical AI technology.

So, let’s start with an introduction—tell us a little about yourself. 

Absolutely! I’m Meghana. I grew up in India and did my bachelor’s in computer science there. I moved to London around 2015 and have worked in tech ever since. About five or six years ago, I started focusing on applied AI, which involves taking ideas that work in an academic setting and translating them into real-world applications to solve practical problems, this is where I worked at DeepMind. I love the tangible impact of this work—you can see the real-world effects of what you do, and I find that incredibly rewarding. 

You mentioned your education briefly. Could you tell us a bit more about it? Where did you study, and what qualifications do you have? 

I studied computer science at the Institute of Technology in India. It was a wonderful experience that provided both a nurturing environment and a significant challenge. The education there emphasized critical thinking and problem-solving, skills that are incredibly useful when dealing with complex, constrained problems. 

Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in this field, or was it something that developed over time? 

It’s a bit of a yes and no. My tech journey wasn’t straightforward—it was more of a pipeline that I had to navigate. I didn’t always know I’d end up here, but once I got into computer science, it felt right. The process was a blend of structured planning and unexpected opportunities. 

On to the Prevayl side of things—what excited you about joining Prevayl when you first heard about it? 

Two aspects excited me. Firstly, the general direction in which healthcare technology is heading is incredibly promising. A lot is happening, from drug discovery to various other applications that have the potential to make a huge impact on people’s lives. I find the potential for large-scale, positive change very compelling. 

On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with Adam and David. They’re grounded and have a realistic vision for what they want to achieve and how to get there. Their pragmatic approach and clear timelines inspired me to join and be part of this journey.

That ties into my next question: What impact do you think Prevayl will have on the healthcare industry? 

I believe Prevayl has the potential to significantly impact the healthcare recipients. Especially in the UK, we’re all aware of the strain on healthcare workers and the system as a whole. I hope Prevayl can help alleviate some of this burden and, at the same time, improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. 

Can you talk to us about your role at Prevayl? What will you be working on, and how do you see yourself contributing? 

I’m taking on the role of a Technical Advisor at Prevayl. My primary responsibility is to ask critical questions and evaluate our technical strategies to ensure we’re on the right path. My job involves setting intermediate milestones, simplifying complex problems, and ensuring that the technical approaches we take make sense both in the short and medium term. Additionally, I’ll be providing guidance on how to build better models and make strategic decisions that benefit our users. 

Finally, Maghana, can you share a fun fact about yourself? 

Sure! I’m absolutely terrified of water. Despite taking swimming lessons every year since I was four, I only recently learned how to float. I used to joke that I must be an alien because I just couldn’t float! It wasn’t until last year that I finally managed it.