IIT Mandi’s innovation SynCubator selected for the prestigious Stanford Biodesign Innovators Garage Program
SynCubator, a neonatal incubator developed by Dr. Gajendra Singh, Assistant Professor, Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, Associate Professor, at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, and Mr. Keshav Verma, BTech 3rd Year, Mechanical Engineering has been selected for the prestigious ‘Stanford Biodesign Innovators Garage’ program.
Designed as a multifunctional neonatal incubator, SynCubator offers a unique solution to the challenges faced in transporting and providing critical care to newborns. Unlike traditional incubators, the developed device doubles as both a standalone warmer and an incubator, adaptable to the specific needs of each infant.
SynCubator’s key features include:
Ø The rugged aluminium frame ensures high portability, allowing transportation using typical 4-wheelers.
Ø Maintains temperature in the range of 35°C to 38°C.
Ø Maintains relative humidity between 50% and 70%.
Ø The Smart Control feature enables parameter adjustments via the Android application, with remote access from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
Ø Grants access to all probes available in an adult ambulance, facilitating the use of any adult ambulance for transporting the baby.
Ø Enables continuous video monitoring of the baby through the Android/iOS app.
Ø Features a wireless vital monitoring system for remote diagnosis.
Ø Includes a plug-and-play phototherapy kit for addressing jaundice.
Ø Integrates weight measurement capabilities for comprehensive monitoring.
Speaking about the significance of SynCubator,
, Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, said, “Our innovation extends beyond convenience; it addresses critical healthcare needs in regions where access to advanced medical facilities is limited. Regions such as Himachal Pradesh, where extreme weather conditions and rugged terrain pose significant challenges to healthcare delivery, our device offers a lifeline for newborns in need of immediate care.”
SynCubator distinguishes itself through its seamless integration with cutting-edge digital health technologies. Utilizing a user-friendly mobile application, healthcare providers gain the ability to remotely monitor and adjust critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration in real-time. Moreover, continuous video monitoring enables both medical professionals and parents to closely observe the newborns’ condition, irrespective of their physical location.
Speaking about SynCubator being selected for the prestigious “Stanford Biodesign Garage,” Dr. Satvasheel Ramesh Powar, Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, said, “So far, we have created and tested a proof of concept. Thanks to this program and the support of IIT Mandi iHUb, IIT Mandi Catalyst, and the Government Institute of Medical Sciences Noida, we are developing a proof of value that will be manufacturable and scalable. We hope to obtain the necessary certifications and launch the product within 1.5 to 2 years.”
During the innovators’ discussions with the Centre of Innovation at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences in Noida regarding the medical dimensions of the SynCubator, an opportunity emerged to participate in a prestigious program. Upon presenting the proposal to the Stanford Biodesign Team, the team’s innovative approach to improving access to healthcare in remote regions resonated with them.
With India grappling with high neonatal mortality rates and a significant number of preterm births, SynCubator will play a pivotal role in improving healthcare outcomes. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies in the future, The core design team aims to further enhance SynCubator’s capabilities, enabling predictive healthcare interventions and timely treatments.
The selection of SynCubator for the Stanford Biodesign Garage underscores its potential to revolutionize neonatal care and contribute to the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat” – a developed India with equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all.
About Stanford Biodesign Garage
The Innovation fellowship provided by the Stanford Biodesign Garage offers a transformative 10-month experience, empowering aspiring innovators with a robust, iterative methodology. Participants delve into identifying critical health-related needs and innovating novel solutions across various domains including medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, drug delivery, and biotechnology solutions. Moreover, the program equips fellows with the skills to seamlessly integrate these innovations into patient care pathways, whether through startup ventures, corporate initiatives, or other channels.
Beyond skill acquisition, Innovation Fellows gain invaluable membership to the esteemed Stanford Biodesign community. This lifelong network spans the globe and unites passionate healthcare innovators, fostering collaboration and continued growth in the pursuit of advancing healthcare worldwide.
###
About IIT Mandi
IIT Mandi has nine Academic Schools and five major Research Centers. The Schools are the School of Biosciences and Bioengineering (SBBE), School of Chemical Sciences (SCS), School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (SMSS), School of Physical Sciences (SPS), School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (SMME), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCENE), School of Computing and Electrical Engineering (SCEE), School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), and School of Management (SOM). The Centers are Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMRC), Centre for Design and Fabrication of Electrical Devices (C4DFED), BioX Centre, Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre (IKSMHA Centre), Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Centre for Quantum Science and Technology (CQST), and Centre for Continuing Education (CCE). IIT Mandi is the only second-generation IIT to be featured at rank 7 in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements of the Innovation Cell, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India.
The Institute offers B.Tech. programs in ten different streams, one M.A. program, ten M.Tech. programs, nine Ph.D. programs, and one iPh.D. program. The unique, project-oriented B.Tech. curriculum is centered around its 4-year long Design and Innovation stream. Since the inception of the Institute, IIT Mandi faculty have been involved in over 275 Research and Development (R&D) projects worth more than Rs. 120 crores.
IIT Mandi established the IIT Mandi iHub and HCI Foundation (iHub; a section-8 company) on its campus at Kamand with significant funding of INR 110 crores from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The iHub is planned to fuel research and technology development, skill development, startup and innovation, and collaborations in the HCI and allied AI/ML areas in India.
IIT Mandi Catalyst is the first tech-incubator in Himachal Pradesh. It offers a low-cost, peaceful and high-tech destination to early-stage startups. At Catalyst, technology-based startups focused on economic and/or social impacts are provided high-touch support essential to bring their ideas to life. The startups supported by Catalyst have won 38 awards and generated employment for over 4000 individuals.
