Unexpected Pathways and the Next Wave featuring Debbie Chen

We all know how important pulse and oxygen levels are, but there's a new vital sign in town, and this episode is telling you what it is. Welcome to The Connect Current, the flow of innovation in San Diego. We bring you the founders, investors, and leaders building the future across life science, tech, climate, defense, AI, and more. This is where San Diego's next chapter takes shape. Welcome to The Connect Current, the flow of innovation in San Diego. I'm your host, James Zanewicz, and this episode is being recorded at the UC San Diego Park and Market building, and we want to thank them for their support. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Debbie Chen, founder and CEO of Hydrostasis. Debbie is building a company focused on advancing hydration science through wearable technology, developing new ways to measure and monitor hydration in real time. Her work is tackling a long-overlooked challenge in health and performance by helping to better understand hydration as a critical vital sign. But Debbie's journey into entrepreneurship also reflects something bigger happening across the innovation economy. Increasingly, people are entering company building from different industries, disciplines, and life experiences. And this matters because the future of innovation is not just about science and technology. It's about who gets the opportunity to build, experiment, and bring new ideas into the world. Welcome, Debbie.

Hi, thanks for having me.

So excited to have you here. And as it's our inaugural recording for the Connect Current, you're on day 1. So we're working out all the fun, all the kinks. And I'm excited because I've not gotten to hear about your company a whole lot before. So I get to learn along with our listeners. And so if someone hasn't heard about Hydrostasis for the first time, what are you building? What problem are you solving, and why does that matter right now?

Yeah, thank you. Hydrostasis, we are building a hydration monitoring technology through wearables. And the problem that we're trying to solve is that you generally understand, most people understand that hydration is important. It's actually more important than food, but we actually don't have any idea how much to drink to be optimally hydrated. And this is actually a large problem in the US. 75% of adults are chronically dehydrated, which leads to chronic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, and things like that. And so we're really trying to close that loop of, we have readily available water generally in the US. There's other problems in other parts where there is no access to water, which we're also partnering with folks to work on those problems. But really, it's the knowledge of when should we drink, how much should we drink. And historically, we've been given this 8 glasses a day thing, right? Which is pretty not helpful, right? If you are tackling a health problem, or if you're an elite athlete, for example, or if you're generally inactive, potentially you need less water or more water. So we are building technology to be able to give you personalized and real-time information, no matter what situation you're in.

I'm sure there's a story behind why you got into that. Why this area?

Well, I think as all good products or founding companies happen, it started with a joke.

Seriously?

Yeah.

All right, what was the joke?

So the joke came from when I was doing my PhD. We were actually using a similar technology, but in a different biological application. I was looking at the hydration signals as sort of a confound. And because my thesis was so hard, we were looking at signals that was on the order of 0.1% or 0.01 sometimes. And we are always looking at, is this real? Is it, you know, noise? Is it signal? And I was looking over there at the hydration peaks of the water absorption peaks. And I said, yeah, wouldn't it be great if we just looked at hydration? And of course, that wasn't the interest of our research at the time. But I always remembered that. That was about—

Oh, wow. 2007-ish.

And it wasn't until about 10 years later that I decided to think more and start tinkering on my weekends.

Digging out the old lab notebooks.

Yeah, yeah, exactly. And just thinking through, like, hey, maybe this could be a thing. And of course, I had my own personal experiences in athletics. I was an amateur Muay Thai fighter, Thai-style kickboxing. And then I realized a lot of these combat sports, you have to be in a certain weight class. And the way that you get in the certain weight class is to dehydrate yourself. So I myself, along with all of my training partners and a lot of folks that I've been watching on TV, a lot of times struggle with that. And it's very dangerous. You are more susceptible to concussions and just overall some people die in this dehydration process. So it's just extremely dangerous. And again, it's the lack of knowledge of how well hydrated you are.

Well, that I think logically leads to our next question because it's interesting that sports kind of helped you find your way into this. innovation, we're always interested in how people find their way into innovation in general, because the path is rarely linear. So what did that journey look like for you, and how did you ultimately arrive at building your current company?

It's always that thing where, in hindsight, like, the dots start connecting, right? But if you look at my resume, it really doesn't have a clear direction.

Yeah.

So yeah, I did my PhD, and I was like, okay, this is great. And then I graduated in 2010 and couldn't find a job. So then I said, okay, well, let's find the projects that are interesting. So I did my PhD at Tufts University, and I decided Boston is too cold.

Yeah.

And so I came back to UCSD where I did my undergrad and did a postdoc in the UCSD Medical School Pathology Department. And then after that, I did another postdoc, which I look back on and said, wow, what a poor career decision, because 2 postdocs does not pay the bills. But I was following my passions. I was following my interests in projects. And eventually, sort of with every project, I picked up very unique skill sets to be able to do what I do now. And before the whole AI data focus, I was starting to build those skill sets and sort of get me to the point where, hey, I actually know a lot about many different pieces of the puzzle. The one thing I did not know is how to build a business. So I, I had the technology background, engineering background, the data background. And so I sort of convinced my boss at the time, I was working at Sanford Burnham, actually convinced my boss at the time to let me take a part-time accelerator program from the Stella Foundation. And that's really how I got started. I knew I had an idea, I knew the technology was interesting, but I didn't know it was a business. And so after I did that, I realized, hey, there could be a business. I just need to learn that part as well. So lifelong learner, I'm here to learn. And so that's kind of how we started.

And I think it's a perfect example of what I want to talk with you about next, because across innovation verticals, whether it be life science, tech, defense, AI, health, whatever it is, we're seeing more people arrive from what often, you know, I think we're starting to understand are the right pathways, but they're unexpected directions where you have academic scientists, engineers, others becoming entrepreneurs. You have people who are more traditional operators becoming founders and CEOs and leading as opposed to just kind of, kind of driving from the background, and students and researchers building companies. What do you think is driving that shift in our current environment in San Diego?

I think the best explanation of innovation and creativity is taking 2 completely different ideas and combining them together.

Mm-hmm.

Like, that's the definition of innovation, right? You don't— it's very, very unlikely that you come up with an idea, like, all on its own. It's usually the combination of 2 ideas. And in order to do that, you kind of have to have different experiences, right? Like, if you stay in that same lane for 30 years, you don't have other experiences to draw from to be creative. And I think that's the reason why there's all kinds of different people with different experiences. And the best founders are like, hey, I went through this life-altering experience either with myself or my family member, and I wanna like solve that because that was so painful.

Mm-hmm.

And so that's usually the founder journey is that, hey, we came upon this problem and there was no product for us to solve. So similar for me, I said, why do I keep cramping at the gym? My coach is like, drink more water.

Like, how much more? How much is more? Right?

That's not helpful. Right? That's not helpful. And because I would cramp, and then once you start cramping, like, it's done. You gotta get off the gym mats, get off the field or whatever sports you're in. So, yeah. So I think it's all about experiencing those things and then being curious enough, and then simultaneously having those skill sets to do something about it.

Well, and you've lived around the country because you lived back East for your PhD. You've been in San Diego, the best innovation ecosystem there is. Not that we're biased, but, you know, all around the innovation economy, innovation ecosystems draw from a spectrum of different industries. And San Diego, I think, is blessed to have a multitude in ways that other areas don't, where they might have one or two. We have 5 or 6 different verticals. What are some of the unique experiences you've had as part of the San Diego ecosystem? And what has brought you the most value from being here?

Yeah. And also, I was actually born in Taiwan. Oh, wow.

Yeah.

Yeah. So I have the sort of Asian culture of respect and relationship built in. And then in San Diego and in Boston. So one quick story. When I first arrived in Boston, I didn't have any friends or family or any knowledge of Boston. I came to Boston with one luggage.

Did you at least know it was cold and you had a coat?

I knew it was cold, but I have California jackets.

Oh, no.

California—

So you did not know it was cold.

weather jackets, right? And so they're like fake cold weather jackets.

They're for show.

They're just big and heavy and puffy, and they don't keep you warm. And I didn't know that. Anyway, so when I— that first weekend and it got cold because it was fall, I walked into a store and this Bostonian lady was like, what do you want? And I was like, I'm sorry, maybe I'm in the wrong place. And I turned around trying to leave. And then she said, oh, I'm sorry, how can I help you is what I mean, right? And so these Bostonian folks that really do want to help you, but they have a different way.

It's a different way of speaking. Yeah.

Approach a customer. But see, this is the difference because I think in San Diego it is collaborative and so nice. Not to say I'm— I love Boston.

Love it. No, it's collaborative in a different way, right? Yeah.

It is like sunshine.

They will throw down and have your back.

Yes.

Once you're in.

Sunshine.

It just takes a minute to break in.

I think generally people are happier. We don't have as much seasonal depression.

A lot more work-life balance here is what I've noticed too.

Yeah. And, and we work in the sense that we hustle, but we also take time to go to the beach and relax and get some sunshine and go for a hike and things like that. And I think that makes people generally friendlier. And it's also small enough where you kind of know everybody, even if you don't, you kind of know them through another person in your network. So yeah, it's been really, really great. And building this company in San Diego, we always hear about the drawbacks of like, oh, people move to San Francisco so they can fundraise and things like that, which is partially true. There are more funds and more startups in, in the Bay Area. But I love it in San Diego. I think honestly, if I did it anywhere else, it may have not happened or would've not continued on in the way that we have because of the folks that are here and the networks that we have. And I'm even outside of the life science. And so I think San Diego is so strong, whatever you're trying to build, that there are people that are willing to help.

Absolutely. And so you, you did this not knowing what you were getting into. We talked about that earlier. So if there's someone out there listening to this and they, they want to be an entrepreneur, they want to start their own thing, but maybe they're the first person doing that. in their circle and they don't know somebody, what advice would you give them? How do they take that first step?

I would say don't be afraid of talking about your ideas. I think a lot of people are like, oh, someone's gonna steal my idea. No one's gonna steal your idea. And if they really like your idea, they have 10,000 other ideas. Everybody has their own thing that they're working on and they're not gonna steal your idea. But the thing is about talking to people is you're gonna get your idea more, with more clarity. People are gonna ask you more questions. You're gonna be able to practice your pitch. And then at the end, they're gonna be like, oh, you know what? There's somebody that I think you should really talk to, right? Within their network. And so, for the folks that, you know, now I've gotten, I've been around for so long that now people are asking me for advice and I'm doing a little bit of mentoring here and there. I always tell them, when you do informational interviews at the end, you always ask them for 2 people to talk to in their network, right?

Mm-hmm.

And then those 2 people become 4 people, and then it's exponential after that. And so, that's how you build a network. I'm an introvert, so I don't do well with large groups. I do well one-on-one and with small groups. And so that's how I build my network is one-on-one, but exponentially, right? And so you don't have to be an extrovert, you don't have to be out there all the time, but you do have to start talking to people and sharing your ideas and building that support network and then also updating people. So one of the things that I do really well is that since the beginning of the company, we incorporated in 2018, I've been sending monthly updates and it's not just to my investors, I call it the investor update, but it's not just to my investors. A lot of my supporters, longtime people that have been supporting me, mentors, et cetera, get these updates monthly, very on time. And so now people understand the journey and the highs and the lows, and there's a bit of trust there, right? Mm-hmm. And so throughout the years, people have not responded for many years. I don't even know if they're reading them. And then all of a sudden they're like, hey, great job on this, you know? Or if I see them randomly in person, they're like, oh, I've been following your journey. Mm-hmm. And so I realized like, oh, okay, people are reading this thing, but it's something that you have to build trust in, especially if you don't have any network to start off with.

It's the power of communication. And this may be a reference that is lost, and Trey will probably look at me with blank eyes like they do with many of my references. But Debbie, I don't know if you remember the old Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific commercial where it's like, and they told 2 friends and they told 2 friends and so on and so on. But that's like what you're saying. Like even as an introvert, you can build with that. Everyone out there should go to YouTube, look up Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific and watch the commercial. And that's how you network. It's 2 2 friends, 2 friends, 2 friends, and it starts to be a multitude.

Right.

That's totally irrelevant, but welcome to me. Speaking of irrelevant, one thing we were talking about right before this, but it is relevant because I'm curious and you said I could bring it up, is it's Hydrostasis, not Hydrostasis or Status. So tell us about that name and why that came around.

Yeah, I mean, it was, you know, early founder stuff, right? How do you name a company, right? And so the easiest thing that you won't step on other people's toes or trademarks is to make it up, right? And so I was like, oh, water, water. And the whole idea is a balance of the water in your body. And the balance of anything in your body is called homeostasis. It's your body's ability to react to external circumstances. And so that's kind of how it became hydrostasis, which is the balance of the water in your body.

I love that. I always love good stories about names that are fun like that.

It's great.

It's much better than ChatGPT told me, which sometimes happens too.

It's also good, right? Because then you can ask ChatGPT if there's been trademarks and infringement.

And hope it doesn't lie.

Yeah. Yeah. Gotta be wary of those. What is it called? The hallucinations.

Hallucinations.

Hallucinations. Yeah.

It's like that thing. Yeah. And correct me if I'm wrong, you've been a cool company with Connect, right?

Before? That's right.

How has Connect helped you guys?

Yeah, it's the same thing. Networking, talking to folks, being with The founders, honestly, and being able to follow up with our founder networks. Even to this day, when I see people in my cohort, I'll say hi. And it's especially strong with the female founders because there's less of us, but we all are just cheering for each other. And yeah, I have to shout out to Christy and Trey for making it happen. And yeah, just met a lot of good people through Connect.

Fantastic. Thanks so much. And always, we want to support our companies if they're in a raise. And so are you currently in a raise, or do you have one coming soon, or are you looking collaborations, what's going on right now, and is there anything people should know about that?

Well, I mean, always raising, right?

Always hustling, always raising.

Always raising.

So what kind of raise do you have going on? What kind of people do you want in?

We're looking for strategic partners. So we actually just announced that we sold out of our second-gen product, the GeckoWatch 2.0. So we've validated the product. Now we're trying to scale. And so in order to get to that volume numbers to lower our COGS, We need some capital to get there, and we want strategic partners because that brings in more network, more knowledge, people in the water field, performance water and things like that. And then of course, folks that really understand hydration, folks in the athletic world, folks in the aging and longevity world. So we're speaking with a lot of funds in those fields.

So you said you sold outta your second-gen product. How do we get it on the shortlist for the third-gen?

You can go on our website. There's a contact form there for the waitlist. And so we'll just keep everybody updated as to when our next batch is coming out. And so we're trying to expedite that as, as soon as all of the funding comes in.

You'll see me signing up. I'm excited for this now. This is great because I always know I don't drink enough water and I need to get better at it. We always like to close on a very Connect Current note, which is asking our founders or guests or ecosystem partners to come on. What drives your innovative flow in San Diego? What stirs your juices? Hmm.

That's a good question. I think the people.

Nice.

I think it always comes back to the people because you talk to the people that are so passionate about whatever it is that they're doing. And then also just like the layering of other hobbies. Like for example, I still train with pro fighters.

That's amazing.

Right? And I'm never gonna be professional, but I, oh, never say never. My coach used to say, you might.

Yeah.

Actually, there's this incredible woman. Her name is Susan Wallace. She turned pro at 50, and just last week she fought at Madison Square Garden. Like, she's so incredible. So I have no excuses.

So goals.

I have no excuses. Thank you, Susan. She's one of my inspirations. But aside from that, because I'm not busy enough, But yeah, I think it's just people are more whole, I believe, in San Diego. There's more time to grab coffee. There's more time to speak deeply about the things that you care about, about your family, which, by the way, is one of the main reasons I started this company. I know it doesn't make sense. You're more busy, but you're more flexible.

Mm-hmm.

And so I realized that, and when I did start the company, I had 2 small children. One of the reasons why is because I remember I had this really important phone call. I don't remember who I was talking to now. It was a really important phone call. And it was one of those preschool presentations for the parents' nights. And I was like, this is not important. I'm gonna have, like, 17,000 other parent nights. So I didn't go because of this very important phone call. And I remember getting back to the car and the preschool teacher sent me a video and she said, I know you couldn't make it, but here's a video I got for you. And I'm like, oh, that's so nice. I watched the video and I just burst out crying because these 2 little eyes were searching for me the entire time. All of the other kids were waving to their parents because you— it's very obvious they were smiling and waving. And my daughter's eyes were just searching. And I just cried and cried and cried. I'm like, never again.

I will— Important switch, right?

Yeah. Never again. Because I don't even remember who I was talking to, right?

But this is with you forever, that moment.

Yes. And so I try to make all of my— I still don't make everything, obviously, but I try to make a lot of my kids' events because it's important to me and because I'm lucky enough to have this job that I can be flexible with my schedule. Not to say I work—

That's the thing about San Diego.

Yeah. Not to say I work any less.

No, no, people work and sometimes they work more. They just don't, you know, it may be at 2 in the morning.

Yeah.

'Cause that's what's flexible in their family. Yeah.

And it's on the weekends and it's in the evenings, but I get to pick up my children from school, and I get to do the afternoon activities with them, which is—

So work-life balance. I love that. Oh my gosh. Well, anything else you feel like we should talk about with the company?

Hydrostasis believes that hydration is a vital sign. And this is our mission, is that we believe hydration monitoring should be everywhere where heart rate and pulse oximetry is. So that means in the clinic, in hospitals, In the ER, in outpatient, at CVS, in your smartwatch, anywhere where you would be getting biometrics that's important to you, because it is important for people that are clinically unwell. It's also important for people that are well and healthy, right? This whole preventive health is happening very slowly, but it's happening. And a lot of devices and services are now going to the home. And a lot of people are aging at home. And this is gonna be so important to be able to tell if you're well hydrated, whether you are well, or if you have cardiac problems, or if you have kidney problems, or in general, you're just aging. And by the way, your thirst mechanism degrades as you age, so you're just generally less thirsty. Doesn't mean your body doesn't need it.

It's just not telling you.

Yeah. It's just not telling you as well, just like any other system in the body, right? And also, there's a lot of interest in diabetes and CGMs, and, well, did you know that one of the easiest and fastest ways to lower blood glucose is to drink water?

I did not know that.

Right.

Wow, because it just— I guess dilution, duh.

Exactly, right.

And so, it's so important. I'm a chemist, you would think I would know these things, but—

Yeah, it's so important. And then, for all the pre-diabetic folks, right, by healthier habits, including hydration, you could completely reverse your diagnosis. So, we have a blessing and a curse here because we have so many markets. It's the largest market I can think of because hydration is for every single living thing on the planet. Hydration is important. And so, we have to be very careful about focusing our efforts and then eventually getting to the masses. And so, that's the hope and the mission.

Tabby, I want to thank you so much. This has been— I've learned things, incredibly insightful, which is one of the reasons I love doing this, because every time I get to talk to a company, I learn something I didn't know about them before. It was a thoughtful conversation about community, about San Diego, about innovation, about pathways, about work-life balance, and how we don't all come from one direction, but we can all support each other in getting to a similar destination. And I think just being willing to see problems differently and step back. and work forward as a community to solve them changes things. And really appreciate you coming on and giving people some insight into that.

Thanks for this chat and spreading the good word and getting people to be hydrated.

Thanks for listening to The Connect Current. As always, we'll have more information on Debbie, hydrostasis, Susan Wallace and Muay Thai, and the UC San Diego Park and Market building in our show notes. If you want to learn more about Connect and explore resources across San Diego's innovation ecosystem, visit connect.org. We'll see you next time on The CONNECT Current, where San Diego's innovation story keeps moving forward. Thanks for listening to The CONNECT Current. If you want to learn more about CONNECT and explore resources across San Diego's innovation ecosystem, follow us on LinkedIn or visit connect.org. We'll see you next time on The CONNECT Current, where San Diego's innovation story keeps moving forward.

This podcast was edited and produced by Resonate Recordings.