Professional Overview
Nicholas Watts is Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Cryos, where he oversees company operations, innovation, and strategic growth. He has more than 15 years of experience spanning medical technologies, advanced manufacturing, and regulated product development. Nicholas is known for bridging clinical biomechanics with scalable production systems, combining engineering rigor with a deep understanding of podiatric practice. His work has focused on improving orthotic outcomes, increasing manufacturing efficiency, and supporting clinics through reliable, technology-driven solutions.
Education & Professional Background
Academic Background
Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical), First Class Honours, from the University of Sydney in Australia. His academic training focused on biomechanics, materials science, and applied engineering in medical contexts.
Professional Experience
Nicholas has built his career across medical device manufacturing, applied research, and innovation-driven operations. He joined Cryos in 2014 as an R&D Engineer and has since held progressively senior leadership roles, including Director of Innovation, Director of Operations and Innovation, General Manager, and ultimately Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a Research and Development Engineer at Air-Ins, where he led the design and automation of testing equipment and contributed to North American industry standards through ASTM, AAMA, and ABAA committees. He also gained experience in aerospace tooling at Pratt & Whitney Canada and conducted materials research at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), working on ultra-high-temperature ceramics. This multidisciplinary background informs his systems-level approach to medical manufacturing and product development.
Expertise in Foot Biomechanics & Medical Technology
Nicholas specializes in the intersection of foot biomechanics, orthotic design, and advanced manufacturing technologies. His technical expertise includes 3D foot scanning systems, custom orthotic design methodologies, additive manufacturing, and material selection for biomechanical performance. He has worked closely with podiatrists to identify the clinical parameters that most directly influence patient outcomes and translate them into repeatable, high-quality orthotic solutions.
At Cryos, he played a central role in the development and deployment of proprietary foot imaging and orthotic design technologies. His work has contributed to multiple patented innovations, including a membrane-based foot imaging system and methods for designing customized foot orthoses. He has also led the integration of AI-driven tools to improve production accuracy and reduce turnaround times for clinics.
Role at Cryos
As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas is responsible for Cryos’ day-to-day operations, long-term strategic planning, and operational scalability. His responsibilities include budgeting, regulatory compliance, production planning, IT and data security oversight, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
He has overseen Cryos’ compliance with ISO 13485 and MDSAP requirements, ensuring that products meet stringent regulatory and quality standards. Nicholas also leads innovation strategy, intellectual property development, and the implementation of new manufacturing technologies. His work directly supports podiatrists by ensuring consistent product quality, reliable delivery timelines, and clinically relevant technological solutions that integrate seamlessly into clinic workflows.
Thought Leadership & Industry Contribution
Nicholas has contributed to industry advancement through technical leadership and standards development. He has participated in ASTM, AAMA, and ABAA standards committees and was involved in rewriting the AAMA 1506 test method for laboratory heat build-up effects on fenestration products. Within the medical sector, his contributions include patent authorship, research and development leadership, and mentoring engineering and technical teams.
At Cryos, he has been involved in professional training initiatives, trade show participation, and direct engagement with podiatrists and clinic operators to support education around biomechanics, scanning technologies, and orthotic manufacturing processes.
Athletic Background
From 2004 to 2010, Nicholas was a member of the Australian Paralympic Alpine Ski Team and competed in the 2006 Torino and 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games. This experience provided him with a firsthand understanding of human movement, adaptive biomechanics, and the impact of equipment design on performance and injury prevention. His athletic background continues to inform his professional perspective, particularly in areas related to mobility, load distribution, and functional optimization. It has reinforced a practical, outcome-focused approach to engineering solutions that support both performance and long-term musculoskeletal health.
Approach & Professional Philosophy
Nicholas is driven by the practical application of engineering to improve patient outcomes and clinical efficiency. His approach emphasizes evidence-based design, close collaboration with clinicians, and the disciplined scaling of innovation within regulated environments. He believes the future of podiatry lies in the intelligent integration of biomechanics, digital technologies, and manufacturing automation to deliver more precise, consistent, and accessible patient care.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Foot biomechanics
- 3D foot scanning technology
- Custom orthotic design and manufacturing
- Medical device innovation
- AI-assisted production systems
- Post-surgical and corrective orthotic solutions
- Clinical workflow optimization
- ISO 13485 and MDSAP compliance