A summer at Mulago. A cold newborn in transit. A design that stuck.
Vivian, Saajan, Joseph and Sophia met during the Duke-Makerere University Biomedical Engineering Fellowship. An eight-week cultural engineering fellowship at Makerere University, where they were tasked with identifying a problem and inventing a solution for Uganda's largest national referral hospital.
Observing local health workers, they quickly realised pre-term hypothermia. Especially during transit. Was one of Uganda's largest health problems. That summer led to the creation of NeoNest, our low-cost transport infant warmer, and the start of Che Innovations.
Throughout our design journey, our team has interviewed and incorporated feedback from Ugandan OBGYNs, ambulance workers, neonatal intensive care unit nurses and local health workers. We are committed to developing local health solutions designed by local health workers for low- and middle-income contexts.
Today, our team has expanded from four founders to more than eight employed Ugandan engineers, regulatory, and finance professionals.
Kamwokya, Kampala.
We recently purchased our first office and manufacturing facility in Kamwokya. The space is equipped with sewing machines and other technology to expand production of the NeoNests and Che Nests. Every unit still passes through the hands of Ugandan makers.
Three first places at global health technology competitions.
Our team has won 1st place at three major global health technology competitions for our design of the NeoNest. We've been recognised internationally by the Rice 360 Global Health Technologies Institute, the Duke Global Health Institute, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Academy of Engineering in London, and the Ugandan Ministry of Health.