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In a bold move to elevate health innovation in Tanzania, Ifakara Innovation Hub (IIH) has taken a significant step by facilitating a six-week internship program in Switzerland for its in-house startup, Lab X Technologies. This initiative reflects IIH’s unwavering dedication to driving innovation and enhancing skill development within the health technology sector. With the generous support of our funders, Fondation Botnar and the Embassy of Switzerland, this program is set to leave a lasting impact on the future of healthcare in Tanzania.
In June2024, Lab X Technologies, led by its visionary founder Abbas Mshinda, embarked on an intensive training journey in Switzerland. This program, co-financed by the R. Geigy Foundation and Ifakara Innovation Hub, was meticulously designed to provide Lab X with specialised knowledge and hands-on experience in the digital workflow of patient-specific implants and 3D printing technology.
The program was divided into two phases, each offering unique learning opportunities. The first phase was hosted at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). Lab X delved into the intricacies of digital workflows and cutting-edge 3D printing techniques, focusing on materials such as titanium and high-performance polymers like PEEK. Over the course of two weeks, the team at Lab X made remarkable strides, leveraging existing technologies to design precise facial implants. This experience expanded their technical capabilities and sparked new ideas, pushing Lab X to consider broadening their company’s scope beyond dental implants to include facial implants.
Abbas Mshinda, the founder of Lab X, reflected on this transformative experience, stating, “Our time at FHNW opened up new avenues for us, particularly in exploring more accessible and sustainable solutions in the field of medical implants. The knowledge we’ve gained here will be pivotal in shaping the future direction of our company.”
The second phase of the program took Lab X to the University Hospital of Basel, where their training took on a practical dimension. Here, the team was fully immersed in the complete process of 3D implant installation. From analysing patient CT scans to the precise implantation of patient-specific implants, Lab X gained invaluable hands-on experience that solidified their technical skills and deepened their understanding of the entire patient care cycle.
This phase of the training was particularly significant as it allowed Lab X to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. The experience at the University Hospital of Basel provided the team with a holistic understanding of the workflow involved in creating and implementing patient-specific implants, a crucial step towards revolutionising medical solutions in Tanzania.
The achievements of Lab X during this training not only reflect the success of this program but also set the stage for future innovations. As IIH continues to build on these international partnerships, the possibilities for Tanzanian startups are expanding exponentially. This collaboration highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in facilitating knowledge transfer and advancing technological innovation in the health sector.
Looking forward, we are excited to see how Lab X and other startups will leverage the skills and insights gained from such programs to drive forward Tanzania’s healthcare innovation landscape. The impact of this internship goes beyond immediate learning; it is about laying the groundwork for sustainable innovation that will benefit the broader Tanzanian community.
We extend our deepest appreciation to FHNW and the University Hospital of Basel for their invaluable support in helping Lab X broaden its horizons. Their commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise has been instrumental in the success of this program. Additionally, we are grateful to the R. Geigy Foundation for co-financing this initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups in their quest for groundbreaking solutions.
Through this internship program, Ifakara Innovation Hub is not only equipping its startups with the tools and knowledge they need to excel but also reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation in Tanzania’s healthcare landscape. As initiatives like these continue to empower startups, the future of healthcare innovation in Tanzania looks increasingly promising. We are confident that the knowledge and skills acquired through this program will enable startups like Lab X to create impactful and sustainable solutions for a better tomorrow.
The journey of Lab X Technologies is just one example of how IIH’s strategic efforts are driving the future of health innovation in Tanzania. We look forward to continuing this journey and supporting more startups in their pursuit of excellence.
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