It was our pleasure to welcome Ioannis Chainis to the Occuity team as our Design & Development Engineering Intern. As the second ESPA/IAESTE intern who has joined us this year, Ioannis will be working closely with Matt and the team to navigate a variety of engineering challenges. Armed with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Nicosia, Ioannis will bring his fresh ideas and skills to the table over the next 12 months. His role will involve developing hypotheses and solutions, prototyping new product designs, and performing rigorous risk analyses to ensure safety and innovation in our projects. Ioannis will also contribute to the creation of essential design documents, helping shape the future of Occuity’s groundbreaking products.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to choose Occuity for your internship?
My journey toward mechanical engineering began with a passion for innovation and teamwork. As a team leader and design and development engineer in the F1 in Schools competition, both regionally and on the world stage, I discovered the thrill of turning ambitious ideas into reality and solving engineering challenges in limited space. I also won the Unilever Wiliams F1 Engineering Academy award at the world finals. That experience solidified my desire to become a mechanical engineer. I pursued this dream at the University of Nicosia, where I graduated as a mechanical engineer with first-class
honors. My thesis was a project I’m incredibly proud of—an automated lunar factory designed to produce Lunar bricks using lunar regolith and ISRU techniques, a concept aimed at supporting the first astronaut bases in collaboration with ESA. This experience instilled in me a love for challenging the impossible, pushing boundaries, and continuously innovating.
When I learned about Occuity, I was immediately captivated. While it may be a startup, the company’s engineering team stands out as a powerhouse of talent and creativity. I saw an incredible opportunity to learn from such skilled minds and immerse myself in a culture of innovation. Occuity’s products are not just redefining the market for disease monitoring—they are reshaping the way we think about early diagnosis and care. From the moment I encountered the company’s mission, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of.
This internship offers more than professional growth—it’s a chance to contribute to technologies that make the world safer and healthier. There’s an immense sense of pride in helping create devices that provide early diagnoses, offering hope and support to individuals and their families. Joining Occuity meant becoming part of a vision I deeply believe in, and was eager to bring my passion and drive for innovation to the team.
During my interview with a group of scientists at Occuity, I was inspired by their ambition to push the boundaries of science. The alignment between Occuity’s vision and my own career goals, along with the chance to work on cutting-edge technology, made it clear that this was the right move for me.
How did you find out about this Occuity internship opportunity, and what made you
decide to apply?
In my pursuit of an innovative workspace where I could truly unleash my creativity, I discovered Occuity’s website and was immediately captivated by its groundbreaking products and mission. Having worked on engineering projects in constrained environments before, I’ve learned how limited space can foster a unique mindset for problem-solving and innovation. It challenges you to think differently, and I wanted to
take that approach to a larger, more impactful scale.
What truly drew me to Occuity was the potential to make a meaningful difference. The idea that our work could directly improve lives—offering earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for individuals and their families—was incredibly inspiring. It’s a rare opportunity to contribute to something that not only advances technology but also serves a greater purpose.
I saw this internship as the perfect space to apply my creativity, enhance my problem-solving abilities, and grow into a more skilled and versatile engineer. So, I applied, and here we are today.
Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time here so far?
One of the most memorable experiences from my time here was overcoming a critical challenge with driving the motor at its optimal efficiency point—a key factor for ensuring our scanning system could produce reliable results. To address this, I conducted in-depth research into both the mechanical and optical aspects of the problem, focusing on whether the mechanical component limits were correctly designed and their optical performance met expectations.
Through numerous CAD iterations and hands-on experimentation with in-house manufacturing methods, we achieved the perfect combination. This breakthrough not only resolved the motor efficiency issue but also unlocked progress across other departments, driving significant advancements in one of our flagship products.
What skills have you developed during your Occuity internship?
During my internship, I’ve developed a diverse skill set that has significantly enhanced my capabilities as an engineer. Conducting R&D required not only strong design skills but also hands-on manufacturing expertise. I gained valuable experience with SLA and FDM 3D printing, learning about the nuances of materials and techniques to produce precise and functional components. Additionally, I honed my skills in using the Pocket NC, mastering various tools for shaping critical parts and generating efficient CAM
profiles.
Working with OnShape, an innovative CAD system, I sharpened my design-to-manufacture abilities, ensuring seamless transitions from concept to physical production. Beyond technical skills, I had the opportunity to communicate effectively with suppliers, participate in audits, and ensure quality standards were upheld.
This experience also strengthened my problem-solving abilities and taught me the importance of forming and testing hypotheses systematically. I worked on Calibration and Verification, rig design modeling, and other intricate aspects of engineering, which deepened my understanding of product development workflows.
Overall, this internship has been an incredible platform for growth, allowing me to merge creativity, technical expertise, and practical problem-solving in a dynamic environment.
Can you describe a project you've worked on and your role in it?
I began my journey at Occuity working on the PM1 project and have since transitioned to contributing to the AX1 Axiometer, a pioneering device that provides direct axial length measurements. As a Design and Development Engineer within the Research and Development (R&D) team, my role centers on shaping the mechanical platform of our innovative products.
My work involves prototyping and developing solutions that form the backbone of our devices. This includes designing and refining the mechanical architecture, as well as creating jigs and fixtures to enhance assembly efficiency. I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, integrating feedback and contributing to critical tasks like calibration and verification or fiber testing, to ensure the highest performance and reliability standards for our cutting-edge medical devices.
Additionally, I play a key role in transitioning devices from R&D prototypes to production-ready models. This requires balancing innovative design with manufacturability, ensuring that our products are not only groundbreaking but also practical and efficient to produce. Beyond design and prototyping, I’m deeply involved in testing and iterating prototypes to validate their performance and optimize integration with other components. By taking a comprehensive approach, I
ensure that every aspect of our products aligns seamlessly with the overarching vision.
Working on the AX1 Axiometer has been particularly fulfilling. It exemplifies the fusion of precision engineering and innovative technology, with the potential to make a meaningful impact on healthcare. This project has challenged me to think critically, solve complex problems, and contribute to the development of transformative solutions that redefine what’s possible in the field.
What are some lessons you've learned during your Occuity internship that you think will
be valuable in your future career?
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. From prototyping to transitioning devices from R&D to production, I’ve gained insight into balancing innovation with manufacturability.
I’ve deepened my understanding of the engineering process, enhancing my problem-solving abilities and learning to work efficiently within constraints. My ability to create functional, production-optimized designs has also grown. Collaboration and effective communication have proven crucial in achieving success. Most importantly, this internship tested my resilience and adaptability, taking skills I had developed in previous projects and applying them on a larger scale.
What advice would you give to future interns joining Occuity?
My advice to future interns would be to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance—everyone here is eager to help and share their knowledge. Be proactive in taking on tasks, but also be patient and adaptable, as things can evolve quickly in an innovative environment like this. Lastly, always maintain a mindset of continuous improvement.
Do you want to work within an extremely high calibre team, who are all working together on cutting-edge technology to deliver world-leading products? If the answer is 'yes', then we want to hear from you. Keep an eye out on our careers site for open vacancies.
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