This article introduces an innovative Biomedical Engineer. Please meet Babak Hassanshahi who has moved from Iran to Canada. Babak is an experienced engineer and is now developing an app, Rumixr, for Biomedical Engineers. Rumixr was born from this simple insight: biomedical and field-service engineers deserve tools as advanced as the devices they maintain. We started by designing a lightweight mobile app that uses AR overlays and AI prompts to guide technicians through every repair step—right on the equipment they’re fixing.

An Innovative Biomedical Engineer – One Man’s Journey

Introduction to becoming an innovative Biomedical Engineer

Could you give a brief description of your background and what led you to study and work in engineering? Were there any childhood interests which were a factor? Were there any family members who encouraged you?

Growing up, my house was this interesting mix of psychology and healthcare conversations. Dad’s a psychologist who’s absolutely fascinated by technology—he’d fill our home workshop with all sorts of gadgets, tools, and electronic parts for me to tinker with. Mum’s a nurse, and she’d come home with these incredible stories about different medical conditions and all the amazing devices they
use in hospitals. Between the two of them, I got this early taste of how technology and human health could come together.

When I was five, everything changed. I was in a terrible car accident that meant months of surgeries and recovery. To help distract me from the pain during those long hospital stays, Dad would walk me through how all the computers and medical equipment around me actually worked. He promised that once I got better, he’d get me my own computer to explore.

That promise kept me going. After I was discharged, I spent nine months at home recovering, and true to his word, Dad brought home a computer. My sisters and I dived into that thing—taking it apart, figuring out every single component, learning how it all fits together. Throughout my childhood, I kept having follow-up hospital visits, and each time, I found myself more and more curious about all the biomedical devices and equipment I’d see.

By the time I was thirteen, I’d participated in different computer competitions in Iran and won some places in various competitions. That was the moment I knew for sure—technology and engineering weren’t just hobbies anymore. They were going to be my life’s work, and I was already dreaming about biomedical engineering.

The Curiosity of an Innovative Biomedical Engineer

Have you always liked knowing how things work?

Oh, absolutely. I’ve been that kid who just has to know what’s happening under the bonnet (hood). I’d take apart radios, remote-controlled cars, basically any gadget I could get my hands on. And honestly? Most of the time, my “repair” attempts ended in complete disaster—lots of frustration and way too many leftover screws that I could never figure out where they belonged!

But Dad could see I wasn’t going to give up on this curiosity, so he started buying me these beginner circuit-board kits. They were perfect because I could explore electronics safely, piece by piece. Those kits taught me the fundamentals—how electricity flows, what each little component actually does, how simple circuits work together. Looking back, those were really the building blocks of everything I do now in engineering.

Have you always liked fixing things?

I’ve always loved the idea of fixing things, even when I was terrible at it! As a kid, I’d tear apart radios and toys with this determination to put them back together perfectly. Instead, I’d usually end up with a pile of extra screws and some very broken parts.

But here’s the thing—those early failures didn’t discourage me at all. If anything, they made me more determined to understand why each piece mattered and how everything fitted together. Dad noticed my persistence and started getting me those age-appropriate circuit-board kits that guided me through safe experiments.

Working with those kits was like going to repair school. I learned how to actually diagnose what was wrong, how to solder connections properly, how to test circuits methodically instead of just hoping for the best. What started as a bunch of clumsy experiments eventually turned into real repair skills—and that’s when I knew for sure that engineering and problem-solving were going to be my passion.

Inspirations for becoming an Innovative Biomedical Engineer

Could you name two great engineers?

Steve Jobs is definitely one of my heroes. I know most people think of him as this brilliant entrepreneur, but he was deeply involved in the engineering and design process. What I admire most about Steve Jobs is his obsession with making things simple and beautiful. He taught me that the best engineering isn’t just about making something work, it’s about making it work elegantly and intuitively.

The second person who has had a huge impact on me is Dr. Alireza Karimi, who was my professor back in Iran. He founded his own electrical engineering firm, and this guy seems to know every circuit board and device inside and out. In class, he’d constantly bring in real-world engineering challenges we were actually facing in the field. Watching him diagnose these incredibly complex faults like it was nothing—that really inspired my own passion for electronics and problem-solving.

Studying Engineering

Why did you decide to study electrical and computer engineering?

Originally, I was dead set on computer engineering. I’ve always been passionate about technology and computers, so that seemed like the obvious path. But Dad had different advice—he encouraged me to start with electrical engineering to build that solid foundation in circuits and hardware first. I trusted his judgement and enrolled in electrical engineering.

Everything changed in my fifth semester when I met Dr. Karimi. His lectures on biomedical devices brought back all these memories of the machines that helped me recover from my accident when I was little. Listening to his stories about medical equipment sparked this new dream—I wanted to work right at that intersection of electronics and healthcare.

I actually convinced my university to let me do a five-month internship with biomedical engineers at a local hospital instead of the typical electrical company placement. That experience was eye-opening, but it also made me realise I needed deeper theoretical knowledge about medical device design. That’s what led me to pursue my master’s in biomedical engineering.

Later, I hit some limitations in Iran and decided to move to Canada to update my skills. I chose electrical and computer engineering at the University of Ottawa because they had this amazing Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) programme plus entrepreneurship courses. That combination has been perfect for both refining my technical skills and learning how to actually build and run a technology company.

Types of engineering

Why did you choose this over other types of engineering?

When I was weighing my options, I really thought about my interests, how I like to solve problems, and what I wanted to do long-term. Electrical and computer engineering just made the most sense for three big reasons as follows.

Hardware meets software integration was huge for me. ECE lets me design and debug electronics while also writing the software that actually brings devices to life. I love that combination.

It’s incredibly relevant to biomedical devices. The field teaches you about sensors, signal processing, embedded systems, control algorithms—all the critical stuff for medical technology. Other engineering disciplines just don’t focus as much on electronics and software.

The entrepreneurial flexibility was the clincher. ECE gives you this broad skill set—everything from PCB design to firmware to networking. That means I can rapidly prototype ideas and innovate in business, which makes it the perfect foundation for my startup ambitions.

Moving countries

You moved to Canada from Iran? What has the adjustment been like in terms of Climate, Culture, Language, and Working Style?

Climate

I’ll be honest, adjusting to Canadian winters has been brutal! Even after four years, I still feel that cold right down to my bones. I’ve learned to embrace the art of layering, invested in a really good parka, and I keep reminding myself that every freezing morning eventually leads to these absolutely gorgeous, lush green summers that make it all worth it.

Culture

Canadians are just exceptionally welcoming people. I got really lucky living with a Canadian/Jamaican family who basically guided me through everything—from understanding local
slang to figuring out grocery shopping. Their kindness smoothed out so many culture shocks and taught me how valuable community really is here.

Language

Like most new immigrants, I definitely faced a language barrier at first. But living with an English-speaking family and spending time with friends forced me to practice daily conversations. Those everyday exchanges built my confidence way more than any classroom ever could have.

Working Style

I’ve really come to appreciate the Canadian approach to work-life balance. My host family showed me how to set clear boundaries—having focused, efficient workdays followed by genuine downtime. Adopting that rhythm has actually boosted my productivity and reminded me that taking care of yourself is just as important as professional success.

Building a social network

How have you built a new social network?

University was my foundation. From day one, my professors emphasised how important networking was. They organised meet-and-greets, panels, alumni mixers—all these events that taught me how to introduce myself properly and spot potential collaborators.

Conferences and meetups became my playground. I started attending engineering conferences and tech meetups to learn how to approach strangers, ask thoughtful questions, and actually follow up afterwards. I’ve built relationships with speakers, sponsors, and attendees that way.

I filled a community gap. I noticed there wasn’t really a dedicated forum for biomedical and field- service engineers, so I sought out niche groups online and locally. That’s how I found The Field Engineer and got introductions to Caroline Gregory and Guy Eid.

I keep it active. I try to keep my network engaged by sharing insights on LinkedIn, volunteering at events, and organising these “repair-athon” workshops. It’s all about cultivating genuine, mutually supportive relationships.

Keeping in touch

How do you keep in touch with friends and family in Iran?

Thanks to today’s technology, I’m literally just a tap away from everyone back home. I use FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Telegram for regular voice and video calls. We share photos, updates, even these “day-in-my-life” clips that help everyone feel connected.

We’ve settled into this weekly video catch-up routine that works around the time zone difference, which really helps maintain that sense of closeness. And whenever I possibly can, I travel back to Iran for in-person visits. Nothing beats a face-to-face hug to bridge any distance.

Advice for other engineers moving countries

What are your tips for other engineers moving countries?

I have two main tips.

Believe in yourself

Moving to a new country can really shake your confidence. Trust the skills and resilience that got you this far and lean on that self-belief whenever you hit rough patches— because you will hit them.

Network proactively

Your new professional and social circles are absolutely invaluable. Introduce yourself at events, in online communities, at meetups. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or offer help in return. Those connections will guide you through cultural nuances, job leads, and all those practical day-to-day tips you never thought you’d need.

Advantages of international experience

What additional skills does an engineer with international experience have?

The additional skills an engineer with international experience has are in three main areas.

Language proficiency and technical fluency

Mastering the local language deepens your grasp of technical terminology and helps you navigate documentation and standards more effectively.

Cross-cultural communication and teamwork

When you’ve collaborated with diverse colleagues from different backgrounds, you learn to adjust your communication style, interpret nonverbal cues, and negotiate more effectively.

Adaptability and resilience

Facing new regulations, tools, and workplace norms really strengthens your capacity to learn quickly, pivot under pressure, and maintain productivity even when everything around you is changing.

Types of Equipment

What are the types of equipment you have worked on during your career?

During my time in hospital environments, I focused on clinical diagnostic and therapeutic equipment—the machines that directly impact patient care. I worked on a wide range of devices: infusion pumps, vital-sign monitoring systems, ventilators, defibrillators, and dialysis machines.

Supporting these tools required really deep understanding of their underlying electronics and software, plus strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. This experience sharpened my technical troubleshooting and preventive maintenance skills, and it really drove home just how critical reliability and precision are for every single piece of medical equipment.

What is the most interesting piece of equipment you have ever worked on?

The most fascinating equipment I’ve ever worked on were definitely MRI and CT scan machines. I spent two months as part of the team diagnosing and resolving their intermittent image artifacts and system faults.

Unlike everyday devices, these machines combine all these incredible technologies: powerful superconducting magnets, high-frequency RF electronics, precision gradient coils, and complex control software—all housed in these massive systems. The learning curve was steep, but every time we brought those scanners back online and produced clear, diagnostic-quality images, it felt like solving high-stakes puzzles. It really deepened my appreciation for how advanced hardware, sophisticated software, and clinical requirements all have to work together perfectly.

Is there a piece of equipment you would like to work on in the future?

I’m most excited about the prospect of working on robotic surgical systems. These platforms combine the precision of advanced mechatronics with real-time imaging and AI-driven decision support—exactly that convergence of hardware, software, and clinical need that fascinates me most.
Contributing to a system that empowers surgeons, shortens patient recovery times, and expands access to expert care would be deeply rewarding and perfectly aligned with my lifelong goal of using technology to improve healthcare.

From Innovative Biomedical Engineer to Establishing a Company

Can you describe your company—how it has grown, and your plans for the future?

Rumixr was born from this simple insight: biomedical and field-service engineers deserve tools as advanced as the devices they maintain. We started by designing a lightweight mobile app that uses AR overlays and AI prompts to guide technicians through every repair step—right on the equipment they’re fixing.

From those initial mock-ups, we built a working prototype and invited a small group of service teams and hospital biomed departments to help us validate our core workflows. Today, we’re deep in the customer discovery phase—talking directly with engineers, managers, and trainers to make sure every feature truly addresses their daily challenges, from tracking down elusive error codes to confirming that a device is safely back online.

Looking forward, our priorities are to scale discovery by engaging larger hospital networks and OEM service divisions across North America. We want to evolve our AR and AI engines toward predictive maintenance—catching failures before they happen. And we’re working on integrating IoT device connectivity so Rumixr can pull live equipment data for real-time diagnostics and alerting.

Our vision is a world where biomedical maintenance is proactive, precise, and data-driven— empowering engineers to keep critical equipment running smoothly and safeguarding patient care everywhere.

Typical Week

What’s your typical week like?
My typical week is this blend of three interconnected pursuits—building our product, engaging with the market, and leveraging our accelerator network—while keeping an eye on all the administrative work that holds everything together.

I stay deeply involved in the technical side of Rumixr. I work closely with our development team to flesh out new AR and AI features, reviewing design proposals, examining prototype feedback, troubleshooting any hiccups that come up. Whether we’re refining how a guided overlay highlights the exact component to replacing or tuning our diagnostic algorithms to recommend the right fix, I’m in the trenches with our engineers, helping translate customer needs into actual code.

At the same time, I spend a significant chunk of my time on customer and business development. I have countless conversations with biomedical and field-service engineers, listening to their challenges in real repair scenarios, asking the right follow-up questions to uncover hidden pain points. Those conversations inform everything we do—they shape our website copy, guide our outreach emails, inspire the stories we tell on LinkedIn and Reddit.

Behind the scenes, I’m cultivating partnerships with pilot customers, nurturing relationships with hospital biomed departments, drafting proposals that outline how Rumixr can deliver measurable value.

I’m also fortunate to be part of the Invest Ottawa accelerator, which shapes much of my week. I tap into their mentor network to refine our go-to-market strategy, participate in peer workshops to share insights with fellow founders, and seize every opportunity to network with industry experts. This ecosystem keeps me focused on milestones, helps me avoid blind spots, and opens doors to potential collaborators and investors.

Underneath all of this is the constant hum of administrative work—scheduling interviews, responding to investor inquiries, updating our roadmap, making sure our internal processes stay lean and transparent. It’s definitely a juggling act, but this dynamic interplay between code, customers, and community is exactly what drives Rumixr forward and keeps me energised about the path ahead.

Customer Discovery as part of your work as an Innovative Biomedical Engineer

Customer discovery is a very key part of your work. What sort of people are you speaking with to gain their input for your App?

We’re casting a wide net for customer discovery, starting with the people who’ll actually use Rumixr day in and day out: field-service engineers and hospital-based biomedical engineers. Their real- world frustrations with diagnosing faults, navigating multi-vendor manuals, and confirming safe repairs are shaping our core workflows.

From there, we reach out to independent service organisations and authorised service providers, talking with their operations leaders, directors, and owners to understand how budget decisions and tool selections get made at the company level. We also engage in-house clinical engineering managers and facilities directors at hospitals and private clinic chains to uncover procurement processes, compliance mandates, and the operational constraints that govern maintenance practices.

We collaborate with training managers and QA leads—the people responsible for certifying new technicians and auditing service records—to ensure our AR guidance and reporting features fully support formal standards and audit trails. We also speak with medical device manufacturers and their field-service executives, exploring how an AI/AR tool could enhance OEM training programmes, improve first-time fix rates, and integrate with existing service contracts.

Finally, we tap into the perspectives of procurement specialists, parts vendors, and industry mentors, mapping out how Rumixr can slot seamlessly into supply chains, partner programmes, and manufacturer training curricula. By gathering input from each of these groups, we’re building a solution that doesn’t just solve immediate repair challenges but aligns with every strategic, technical, and regulatory layer of the biomedical maintenance ecosystem.

Feedback from Engineers

What has surprised you most about the feedback you are getting from engineers?

What surprised me most were two powerful shifts in perspective as follows.

Visual intuition beats text

Even the most seasoned technicians—those who’ve memorised every circuit and component—were absolutely floored by AR overlays that show the exact part to remove and the precise step sequence. Instead of thumbing through pages of a manual, they see the next action right on the machine itself. The excitement in their voices when they realised “this is exactly what I needed” was way stronger than I expected.

Data in context is king

I thought they’d ask for more detailed instructions, but their priority was richer data: live error logs, temperature readings, performance metrics streamed directly into the app. They understand that combining real-time telemetry with step-by-step guidance transforms a static manual into a dynamic troubleshooting dashboard—and they want it now.

These insights have completely reshaped our roadmap. We’re doubling down on intuitive AR visuals and building IoT integrations, so every repair step is backed by live device data. Engineers aren’t just open to new tools—they’re demanding solutions that merge clarity with context.

The Future Innovative Biomedical Engineer and your App

How will your App help engineers in the future?

In the years to come, Rumixr will evolve from a digital repair guide into a comprehensive engineering companion. One that not only shows you how to fix today’s problems but actively helps you avoid tomorrow’s failures.

At its core, Rumixr will combine augmented-reality overlays with AI-driven diagnostics to guide every step of a repair. Instead of paging through a manual, engineers will see animated arrows and callouts directly on the equipment, highlighting exactly which component to remove or which connector to test. Underneath these visuals will be an intelligent engine that ingests live telemetry
—temperatures, pressures, error codes—via IoT connectivity, flagging anomalies in real time and suggesting the most likely root causes.

Over time, the app will learn from each repair interaction, building a growing library of “digital twins” of devices in the field. When a new fault appears, Rumixr’s predictive algorithms will recognise early warning signs—maybe a slightly elevated pressure reading or an error pattern that
usually precedes a valve failure—and prompt preventive maintenance before a breakdown occurs. Engineers will receive proactive alerts on their mobile devices, giving them time to schedule service on their own terms rather than responding to an emergency.

Beyond troubleshooting, Rumixr will serve as a personalised training platform. New technicians will walk through AR-guided tutorials on actual machines, learning not just theory but muscle memory for disassembly, calibration, and reassembly. Senior engineers can record and share custom workflows or tips directly in the app, fostering a peer-to-peer knowledge network that grows richer with every repair.

Finally, when challenges still exceed an engineer’s expertise, Rumixr will enable live remote assistance. An expert—whether a senior colleague or an OEM specialist—can see through the technician’s camera, annotate their view, and guide them step by step from miles away. This will dramatically reduce downtime, travel costs, and the margin for error on complex procedures.

Rumixr will transform biomedical maintenance from a reactive, paper-driven chore into a proactive, data-driven discipline—empowering every engineer to work faster, smarter, and more predictably, both today and in the connected factories and clinics of the future.

Conclusion to – How being curious produced an Innovative Biomedical Engineer

Finally, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in the biomedical and field service engineering communities—especially the organisers and moderators who keep these forums thriving. Your insights and shared experiences are absolutely invaluable to us.

We’re eager to hear your thoughts on Rumixr. Your feedback will directly shape our roadmap and help us build a tool that truly serves your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with suggestions, questions, or stories from the field—we’re listening and ready to learn from you.

Further reading about other Innovative Biomedical Engineers

Life of a Biomedical Engineer in Canada
Spotlight on one biomedical engineer for physiotherapy devices

Other engineers who have moved countries

One Health Tech Service Engineer’s Successful Move To Germany

Relocating, life working offshore, playing football in the snow

Advice if you are considering becoming an Expat

An expat assignment – what do you need to think about?

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