Innovating MedTech: Larkin Lowrey’s Vision as Orthogonal CTO

Randy Horton

Published on: January 31st, 2025

At Orthogonal, we believe that diverse experiences and innovative thinking are the cornerstones of groundbreaking solutions in MedTech. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Larkin Lowrey, our Chief Technology Officer, whose unconventional journey from cognitive science to software engineering embodies the multidisciplinary approach and “lazy engineer” philosophy that drives our success in the medical device industry.

Professional and Personal Background

Larkin’s path into software engineering took a unique turn early on—after electrical engineering didn’t excite him, he jumped into cognitive science and became fascinated by multidisciplinary problem-solving. Over his career, he specialized in building and rebooting software engineering teams, including a standout success in telematics and fleet management that ultimately became Verizon Connect. A “lazy engineer” at heart, Larkin channels that mindset into embracing automation and ensuring that his teams never waste effort on the same problem twice. His journey into MedTech began at Tandem Diabetes, where partnering with Orthogonal opened his eyes to the medical device world’s rich challenges and meaningful impact.

AI: The Game-Changer in MedTech

Larkin views AI as the most significant industry game-changer—transformative rather than just a trendy buzzword. Rather than passively reading about new tech, he stays sharp by rolling up his sleeves, tinkering with new tools, and learning by doing. He foresees real challenges: AI-driven quality issues and a shortage of skilled talent. To counter these hurdles, he emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and investing in people so their skills remain fresh, relevant, and ready for whatever comes next.

Beyond the Code: Finding Balance in Nature and Art

Larkin trades code for soil outside work, enjoying what he calls “playing in the dirt.” Whether nurturing habanero plants or simply pruning hedges, spending time in nature helps him stay grounded and human-focused in his professional work. Beyond that, he’s a self-proclaimed nerd who loves tech for fun and an avid opera enthusiast—yes, opera! While he’s not deeply involved in personal causes, his love for the outdoors and the performing arts keeps him balanced and well-rounded.

Vision for the Future: Raising the Bar in MedTech

Larkin thrives on challenge, complexity, and work that genuinely improves people’s lives. His “lazy engineering” philosophy aligns with the company’s dedication to quality, reliability, and efficiency—he’s about “moving fast and breaking nothing.” Though he doesn’t map out a five-year plan, he’s excited about unexpected growth and the chance to make a lasting impact. By advocating for better use of data and nurturing Orthogonal’s capabilities, Larkin aims to help the company flourish, deliver ever-improving solutions, and raise the bar for the entire industry.