Christopher Behnert-Smirnov

Imperial College Medical Robotics Engineer | Founder, CEO & CTO of CareRobotics

London, England, United Kingdom

About

I’m a Master’s student in Human & Biological Robotics at Imperial College London, driven by how bio-inspired engineering can enhance human capability and transform clinical care. My technical foundation was built during a BSc in Medical Sciences & Engineering at UCL, where projects ranged from developing high-precision medical robotics - such as MRI-guided neurosurgical systems - to foundational research in biomechanics and human-machine interfaces. These experiences honed my skills in CAD, mechatronics and robotic control, always grounded firmly in real patient needs through my medical sciences background. Beyond academia, I apply this engineering mindset to entrepreneurship. As founder of CareRobotics, a hospital robotics start-up, I blend technical rigour with commercial pragmatism: validating clinical pain points, iterating hardware prototypes, navigating NHS procurement, and pitching for competitions and grants. Whether optimising torque curves or refining business models, my goal remains the same: to deliver scalable technology solutions that make healthcare smarter, safer and more efficient.

Experience

  • Founder & CEO at CareRobotics
    Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Leading prototype development for a first-in-class healthcare-robotics solution. • 20+ Imperial College Engineers • Advisors span funding, commercial, clinical and tech. • Validated market need through 50+ clinician & procurement interviews; insights feed directly into the requirements backlog. • Supported by Imperial Enterprise Lab (VCC 2025 alumnus) and UCL Innovation & Enterprise (Explore alumnus & Venture Builder Competition Winner (from 140+ companies)).

  • UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Society ()
    • President
      Jun 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      • Leadership – Led UCL’s 3rd largest departmental society (14th overall of 437), growing membership by 427% to 500+ and managing £35K+ cash flow (from £8K initial budget). • Event Management – Launched new flagship events with 250+ attendees, including a Biotech Symposium, industry facility vists, networking events, social events and a trip to Sweden. • Industry Engagement – Cultivated relationships with societies, stakeholders, and corporate partners to establish new sponsorships, events and opportunities—including with Siemens Healthineers, Cochlear, Medtronic and others. • Awards - Honorary Lifetime Membership (highest individual award), Society Colour (individual award) and Silver Development Level Award (society award)

    • Head of Social Media
      Oct 2023 - Jun 2024 · 9 mos

      - Led a Social Media Team to optimise societal event awareness and communication

  • GCSE Tutor at Self-employed
    Sep 2021 - Jun 2025 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    - Taught Biology, Chemistry and Maths to GCSE students

  • Research Assistant at UCL
    Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 · 4 mos

    Responsible for designing liver lobule models using SolidWorks, printing with specialised bioinks, and evaluating structures with the Olympus DSX1000 imaging system. Duties include detailed analysis of liver microstructures and ensuring print accuracy, to optimise model design and functionality.

  • Static Apnea & Freediving Instructor at UCL Scuba Club
    Jan 2024 - Jun 2024 · 6 mos

    Taught breath hold theory and practice, helping them remain calm in high pressure / stressful situations.