Our research at Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Uganda revealed that clinicians and ambulance personnel rely on inadequate methods, such as hot water bottles and careful driving, to prevent hypothermia during the over four-hour journey. This highlighted the critical need for effective solutions.
In response, we developed the NeoNest, a low-cost device that maintains the body temperature of neonates during transport. It utilises locally sourced materials, featuring a repurposed Jerrycan—a common container in Ugandan homes—to safely carry and keep the baby warm. Currently powered by the ambulance, we are also working on a rechargeable battery for use with motorcycles, which are a common means of transport in Uganda.
Our primary focus is on premature neonates, who are at the highest risk during their initial hours of life. These low-birth-weight infants lose heat quickly and require additional warmth for survival. The NeoNest is especially valuable in rural health facilities that lack proper infant warmers and incubators.
We aim to target health facilities across Uganda, particularly in resource-limited settings, and plan to expand our reach throughout East Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, providing a solution for facilities that cannot afford advanced transport incubators.
One of our current successes is winning the overall award at the Transforming African MedTech Conference. This achievement marks a significant milestone for us. With this recognition, we are now able to implement initiatives that we previously thought were out of reach. We are making substantial progress by transitioning from a prototype to a minimum viable product, which we plan to take for validation soon.
We are currently facing several primary challenges in our journey. The most significant one is not knowing where to start or who to reach out to when encountering obstacles. Before attending the conference, we were uncertain about our direction and the requirements for establishing a registered company, opening accounts, and other foundational steps. As someone with a background in Biomedical Engineering, these seemed daunting. However, through networking at the conference, we were able to connect with individuals who have provided invaluable support, helping us establish and incorporate our startup.
Another major challenge is navigating the regulatory landscape. There are few startups focused on developing medical technologies, and even fewer are equipped to handle the complexities of regulations, such as those set by the National Drug Authority. For our specific product, NeoNest, this has involved approaching unfamiliar contacts and navigating a complicated process, which has proven to be quite challenging. Thanks to the Makerere Biomedical Engineering Unit, which have projects navigating similar pathways, we have been able to make some progress.
Additionally, funding remains a significant hurdle. We have ambitious financial goals to bring our product to market, but raising the necessary funds has been difficult. We need to apply to multiple funding sources to gather the required capital, which adds to the challenge of launching NeoNest as quickly as possible.
Throughout the development of our NeoNest innovation, I've learned several key lessons that can help other innovators. First, if you're interested in innovating but haven't started yet, it's important to recognise that hesitation may indicate you're not ready. Innovation isn't just about making groundbreaking changes; it's found in the daily tasks and small steps you take.
Additionally, I encourage innovators to remember that someone else has likely tackled a similar challenge. It's essential to reach out and connect with others in your field. Knocking on as many doors as possible can lead to valuable insights and answers.
Lastly, passion is a driving force behind successful innovation. If innovators lack passion for their project or a clear end goal, they risk losing motivation throughout the process. Staying connected to your purpose is crucial for navigating the challenges of innovation.
Villgro Africa has been a cornerstone of NeoNest. Joining the incubation program for medtech startups has been one of the most humbling opportunities we've ever received. Villgro Africa has helped us build a strong foundation that few others could provide. They've guided us in understanding what it takes to be a successful startup—not just in terms of product development but also in developing our company.
The team at Villgro Africa has assisted us in addressing critical questions, such as what resources we need, which regulations to follow, and what is required to bring our device to market. They've also helped us identify what we need to convince investors and funders that our innovation is a viable solution.
Villgro has truly groomed us and established a foundation that allows us to reach beyond our initial expectations. Their support has been invaluable, not only in terms of funding but also in enriching our knowledge as a startup and aiding in product development. Moreover, they have connected us with individuals who have significantly contributed to our current progress.