Respiratory failure poses a grave challenge, accounting for 20 - 38% of infant fatalities in numerous developing countries. The magnitude of this issue underscores the urgent need for innovative interventions. Recognizing this pressing concern, Pluslife Company Limited, a devoted startup committed to enhancing healthcare services in these regions, has set out to make a significant impact. Their groundbreaking solution takes the form of a portable Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. By producing affordable and high-quality biomedical devices, Pluslife aims to revolutionize the landscape of infant care, specifically targeting the critical first 48 hours of life. This innovative CPAP machine holds the potential to mitigate the devastating impact of respiratory failure, saving countless lives and offering hope to communities in need.
Embarking on their journey within the Product Development Partnership (PDP), a health portfolio of the Ifakara Innovation Hub (IIH), Pluslife joined the incubation program in 2022 as part of the first cohort, focusing on prototype development. Since then, the PDP has been providing invaluable support, propelling Pluslife toward successful commercialization. Leveraging the resources within the PDP, such as cutting-edge equipment and machines, makerspaces, and comprehensive training, the startup has flourished.
To kickstart their development of the Bubble CPAP machine, Pluslife participated in a startup and stakeholder engagement event organized by the PDP. This gathering brought together key stakeholders, including the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Tanzania Medical Device Authority (TMDA), the Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH), and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). The committee provided essential guidance, ensuring Pluslife adhered to the necessary requirements for their product development journey.
Moreover, Pluslife was selected as one of the six startups to participate in the EIR residency program in Switzerland, facilitated by the Essential Tech Centre of EPFL. This immersive program equipped Pluslife with vital business development knowledge, strategic positioning skills for investor readiness, and exposure to the Innovation Community in Basel. These experiences have opened doors to potential partnerships with other startups, bolstering their growth trajectory.
Thanks to the unwavering support they have received, Pluslife is now advancing their second prototype. With access to state-of-the-art equipment acquired by the PDP and expert guidance from consortium members namely Essential Tech of EPFL, Villgro Africa, Robotech Labs, and Bongotech Research & Labs, Pluslife is well-positioned for success. The consortium is providing crucial assistance throughout the startup’s product development journey, ensuring they achieve their goals.
In conclusion, with the support of our funders, The Embassy of Switzerland and Fondation Botnar, IIH - PDP remains dedicated to empowering innovators by nurturing homegrown technologies to solve healthcare challenges in the country. We wholeheartedly support Pluslife’s vision of making a positive impact on healthcare in developing countries and we remain committed to supporting other innovators with groundbreaking solutions for healthcare challenges.
