COVID-19: IIT incubated startup Hyderabad creates low-cost ventilator
A startup incubated by the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad has developed a low-cost, portable, emergency-use ventilator which claims the device could help meet the COVID-19 pandemic ventilator requirements.
According to, Aerobiosy, Jeevan Lite,’ the device offers protection to healthcare providers; it is enabled by the Internet of Things and can work through a phone app. Designed for battery-operation too, it permits deployment in areas without assured power supply.
Aerobiosys Innovations intends to sell Jeevan Lite at Rs one lakh (USD $1,315), which is substantially cost-effective compared to current items. Senior citizens and elderly patients affected by COVID-19 will require fans to sustain emergency life. Aerobiosys has gone a step forward providing healthcare providers with personal security through IoT-enabled monitoring, According IITH director Prof BS Murty.
Persuant to device certification, Aerobiosys Innovations aims to produce 50 to 70 units daily through collaboration with an industrial partner. Jeevan Lite can perform both the invasive and non-invasive ventilation across a comprehensive set of modes and settings. It can be used for pediatric and geriatric patients and works on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries uninterrupted for five hours.
Prof. Renu John, faculty co-head, Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship (which incubated Aerobiosys), and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, IITH, said, "Jevan Lite provides wireless networking and remote control, unlike other low-cost models. Company are equipped to meet the demands of a pandemic situation such as COVID-19. Company encourages business leaders and government to get the start-up going on a wide scale.”
The mobile app integrates with the unit and monitors the ventilator's functional features seamlessly, thereby providing ample security for the patient and safety for healthcare professionals and family members.
The ventilator can be operated using the app, and shows the waveforms in real time. To allow telemedicine help, every patient's breath is registered and transmitted to the doctors via the app. The system has oxygen cylinder connection provision, and can work in ambient air on its own. Aerobiosys co-founders Rajesh Thangavel and Cyril Antony say the manufacturing design is likely to be delivered in the first week of April, 2020.
Jeevan Lite has all the functionality, according to Antony, for treating COVID-19 patients as pulmonologists advise. "Company partners with Hyderabad-based tertiary care hospitals for clinical validation and product approval. Jeevan Lite meets all criteria of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, DRDO, Indian Medical Research Council, says Thangavel.
