From a lymphoma diagnosis to becoming one of the first Kiwis to receive life-saving CAR T cell therapy, David Downs’ story is one of grit, hope, and purpose. In this episode, David opens up about his journey through failed chemotherapy to the pioneering CAR T treatment in Boston that gave him a second chance at life.Now an ambassador and trustee for the Malaghan Institute, David shares insights into their Phase 2 CAR T clinical trials set to transform cancer treatment in Aotearoa by next year – and reflects on what it takes to fund and scale world-class medical innovation in New Zealand’s tight philanthropic landscape.We also dive into the maturing NZ tech ecosystem, from Rocket Lab to Xero, and the power of a ‘pay it forward’ culture to drive future growth. David unpacks how national branding efforts like New Zealand Story are balancing humility with bold ambition on the world stage, and what’s next for regional innovation, including Technology Queenstown’s vision for a University of Otago campus to unlock talent pipelines and world-class research opportunities.Want more from David Downs and the Malaghan Institute? Join us at Mountain Club on Thursday 31 July, 12:30–14:30, for an unmissable panel with David, Dr Kylie Price, and Dr Lisa Connor.

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