One-line solution summary:
TFree is an affordable and smart automated hand sanitizer system designed to tackle the spread of COVID 19.
Pitch your solution.
As global cases of COVID-19 continue to spread, comes the need of sanitizing our hands to minimize it from spreading further. We are proposing Touch Free, (T-Free) TFree is an affordable, innovative, and smart automated hand sanitizer system designed to tackle the spread of COVID 19. TFree was designed to almost perfection of an affordable yet efficient and effective system, which has a storage tank below that can hold more than a liter of hand sanitizer, the device uses heat to identify once someone wants to go through an entrance of any building, then activates timer to execute the sanitization process. Tfree was developed using cutting edge technology and has a deep sense of uniqueness being that its the first hand sanitizer system with a security alarm. It promises a lot of impact which includes flattening the covid-19 curve by preventing further spread.
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
As WHO rightly stated, covid-19 has no legs rather we humans are it's legs, we help the spread. Covid-19 is a new strand of the Coronavirus which spreads mainly through contact with infected surfaces hence the need for people to stay safe by sanitizing all the time. Studies have shown that most people disobey this simple rule of washing their hands to combat this spread thereby infecting commonly touched surfaces which include tables, doorknobs and handrails leading to a spike in the number of confirmed covid-19 cases and deaths in the world. Public places like supermarkets, banks, churches, schools, firms are in the forefront of this spread.
What is your solution?
TFree is an affordable and smart automated hand sanitizer system designed to tackle the spread of COVID 19. It operates based on a mechanism that prevents the entrance of individuals into buildings and public spaces. It also consists of a system that beeps an alarm if anyone passes an entrance without sanitizing thus reducing the spread of the coronavirus.
TFree is of high potential as it is user friendly and affordable to as many people that may require it. TFree is the first of its kind with a security system that ensures you sanitize before entering any building or public space, She operates on a series of simple programs. Once a human comes near the device it beeps to alert the person to sanitize their hand if ignored and the person enters without sanitizing an alarm is triggered and it keeps going till the person sanitizes there hand. Once this is done the system beep then the person is allowed to pass through.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
TFree was invented to help stop the spread of the virus but believe me, it’s going to more than that, we did a test run with a small store we were happy with the reactions we got. The store owner was ready to buy our prototype saying it’s amazing and makes him feel safe. OUR solution will not only reduce the spread of the virus it will help reduce panic and fear because with a device like TFree in front of any building or public space you can enter with a sense of clarity and calm knowing everyone there is also sanitized. TFree can be kept in front of buildings, hospitals, airports, schools, and workplaces, its a device of true need because we now know the importance of keeping our hands clean and will help reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Explain how the problem, your solution, and your solution’s target population relate to the Challenge.
MIT Solve is seeking tech innovations that can slow and track the spread of an emerging outbreak, Our solution is highly linked to this mission, With TFree placed in front of every building, public space, and Transport stations, I strongly believe the Spread of the corona-virus will be slowed down effectively and reduce risk of future outbreaks, TFree won’t only help stop the spread of covid19 but also the spread of other microorganisms that could be transmitted through contact.
What is your solution’s stage of development?
Pilot: An organization deploying a tested product, service, or business model in at least one communityWho is the primary delegate for your solution?
Anigbogu Stanley
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Rabat, MoroccoIf you have additional video content that explains your solution, provide a YouTube or Vimeo link here:
Which of the following categories best describes your solution?
A new application of an existing technologyDescribe what makes your solution innovative.
What makes TFree innovative and unique is the security system that ensures everyone sanitizes.Making the habit of sanitizing mandatory. TFree is the first of its kind with a security system that ensures you sanitize before entering any building or public space, She operates on a series of simple programs. Once a human comes near the device it beeps to alert the person to sanitize their hand if ignored and the person enters without sanitizing an alarm is triggered and it keeps going till the person sanitizes their hand. Once this is done the system beep then the person is allowed to pass through.
Describe the core technology that powers your solution.
Sensors have a very wide range, and there are many types, but fundamentally, sensors are devices that detect the feature quantity of a measurement object and convert this quantity into a readable signal, which is displayed on an instrument. And sensing technology, simply put, is a technology that uses sensors to acquire information by detecting the physical movement. When an individual passes at an entrance , the Pir sensor fitted on TFree is programmed to detect a passer by in its field of view and it instantly beeps an alarm to alert the passerby to sanitize his hands before gaining entry.
TFree also consists of a liquid dispensing system which funnels the alcohol sanitizer.The dispensing system is fully automated and all this is made possible by an ultrasonic sensor which is fitted to detect the proximity of a human hand, thus dispensing the liquid sanitizer
Provide evidence that this technology works.
Typical applications of different types of sensors such as application of Speed sensor for synchronizing the speed of multiple motors, Temperature sensor application for industrial temperature control, application of the PIR sensor for automatic-door-opening system, Ultrasonic sensor application for distance measurement. Sensor technology is one of the fastest growing technologies ,every smartphone has an inbuilt sensor.
Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:
What is your theory of change?
We have designed and evaluated a user oriented model, carefully created scenarios on realistic situations on public spaces ( Interview Included in video submission) . The early results are promising as Tfree is already serving its intended purpose and achieving its desired results. From our interviews and real life testing at shops, 90% of the respondents have agreed that Tfree is useful and it is a product they are interested in buying and using it on a daily basis. Not only did they respond that it will be beneficial for preventing COVID 19, but also assured that it would still be a relevant solution to address the need of eradicating spread of disease causing germs in public places.
“Frankly speaking, it is very interesting to see a device with such ease. and effective concept as this one- especially the lights of what is happening ( COVID 19) , I believe that this device will help many people and make our job easy ” That was a response from a supermarket vendor.
Select the key characteristics of your target population.
Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?
In which countries do you currently operate?
In which countries will you be operating within the next year?
How many people does your solution currently serve? How many will it serve in one year? In five years?
Currently in the third prototyping phase , TFree has been tested creating real life scenarios on three vending shops several times. At the moment, the team is working on producing a more advanced and safer product and further conducting the late stage prototyping phase.
We will be piloting our next model as we already have a number of potential buyers.
The team is also improving the technology from the feedback received from the user testing. Ie powering Tfree units with renewable forms of energy like solar.
Our target market is Morocco and NIgeria which are both open markets and we have the capacity to easily scale in these regions.
What are your goals within the next year and within the next five years?
I dream of a future where in front of any entrance , building, bank,schools and transport station there will be a TFree to improve the health of individuals by preventing the spread of COVID and other microorganisms that can cause diseases and to ensure that this is cost effective.
We are looking forward to registering the product as a medical device so that users can access it freely.
In 5 years we plan to scale and explore other African markets with highly efficient and cost effective tech based solutions to problems of infections due to microorganisms in the health sector.We are passionate about saving lives with new and more innovative solutions.
In addition, among our biggest plans are to partner with The United Nations and have it recognized as a general public necessity.
What barriers currently exist for you to accomplish your goals in the next year and in the next five years?
A major problem that will be a barrier is sourcing adequate resources for mass production. Secondly, TFree is a start up at the beginning of producing the first batch of Tfree units which we have to follow up on their performance. As we continue, we have produced the best quality and we will keep improving our designs for better user satisfaction. We are also uncertain about Tfree’s being adopted by local and international standard and regulations bodies, especially in the health sector. This may result in a delay in time of approval and public mindset about safety measures against disease . We also have not secured any initial seed funding to help mass manufacture Tfree units.We are confident that we will secure funding in the next few months as we are reaching out to potential investors and partner accelerators.
How do you plan to overcome these barriers?
We have a number of strategies set to overcome our expected barriers. In terms of our product design, since the onset with prototyping our solution, we have prioritized the customer and user experience and used it effectively in the development. We have worked and the team is still constantly innovating towards a user oriented model that is relevant for the market and most importantly addressing a pressing need in our community. We found solutions to help us crossover the barriers we might face . We also want to make more use of readily available resources and materials that would be equally strong and durable. The quality of our product matters. Provision of user manuals to aid use. Prior to our project approval time, we plan to partner with already existing and registered NGOs to start sales. In addition, as we impact humanity we are also interacting with the general public and creating awareness on communicable diseases and its prevention. “Prevention is better than cure “
What type of organization is your solution team?
Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofitIf you selected Other, please explain here.
N/A
How many people work on your solution team?
The Team is made up of 4 people and we are all working on the solution full-time.
How many years have you worked on your solution?
3 months
Why are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?
Stanley Anigbogu , Engineering student Morocco, innovator , inventor , storyteller and entrepreneur. CEO and founder of Artechubs and Spark nuit. Google creative campus fellow, edf regional finalist, OJA best innovator 2019 and Award winning storyteller 2020.
Elly Savatia Inventor ,STEM enthusiast, SDGs educator and budding social innovator. Elly founded Innovate 4 SDGs to equip African students with the knowledge and mindset of the SDGs. Innovate 4 SDGs educates, advocates, and offers a platform to mobilize young innovators to solve the world’s most pressing social and economic also a Global teen leader 2020.
Udeolisa Chukwudalu. Routing and switching agent, Huawei Technologies. Embedded systems Engineer. Course Creator at Electronics Enthusiasts. Electrical Engineering Student at Uniport.Winner at Poic innovation challenge 2019.
Chukwuma Blessing -Content creator at Professor Ogundipe Innovative Challenge(POIC) ,-Research assistant at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research(NIMR) -6 months ,BSc(Zoology) ,-Lead student innovator at POIC and -Certificate of Return (President at NAZS Unilag).
What organizations do you currently partner with, if any? How are you working with them?
None
What is your business model?
The problem is the spread of covid 19 in public spaces ,people not sanitizing their hands which increases the spread rate. Our solution is Tfree, a smart automated system for dispensing hand sanitizers. Our value proposition is Ensuring everyone in a public space sanitizes their hands ,reducing the spread of covid 19 and creating clean hands .Our unique advantages are Unique Security Feature ,designed for public use and is user friendly. Key customers include Governments , health agencies , transport companies , supermarkets , schools and in general places with high traffic of people. Channels and key partners Partnering with sanitizer producers, NGOS ,Government and Health sectors and Transport companies.
Do you primarily provide products or services directly to individuals, or to other organizations?
Organizations (B2B)What is your path to financial sustainability?
We plan on applying for grants and competitions in order to gain funds. our cost structure includes Research & Development,Marketing,Transport and production .Revenue stream will be from Renting T-Free units,Payment (installments) from users ,Payment (installments) from users, Installation fees ( small fee) , Repairs and sales of sanitizing liquid.
Why are you applying to Solve?
I always wanted to be part of something bigger than me i believe helping to reduce the spread of covid19 is that mission, TFree was invented to help stop the spread of the virus but believe me, it’s going to more than that, we did a test run with a small store we were happy with the reactions we got. The store owner was ready to buy our prototype saying it’s amazing and makes him feel safe. OUR solution will not only reduce the spread of the virus it will help reduce panic and fear because with a device like TFree in front of any building or public space you can enter with a sense of clarity and calm knowing everyone there is also sanitized. TFree can be kept in front of buildings, hospitals, airports, schools, and workplaces, its a device of true need because we now know the importance of keeping our hands clean and will help reduce the risk of future outbreaks. I know getting selected will help me get access to funds and networks to help me grow and make impact.
In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?
Please explain in more detail here.
We hope to achieve expansion and development of our final product then start distribution , for this to be achieved we need partner with experts in these fields to help us develop our business and prototype.
What organizations would you like to partner with, and how would you like to partner with them?
Partnering with sanitizer producers this will enable have an additional means of revenue stream by refilling the TFree for our customers, NGOS ,Government and Health sectors and Transport companies these organisations will help give us the exposure we need and are also our major customers. partnering with organisations like WHO and UNICEF we will be able to receive funds for production of TFree for people or communities who cant afford them or who has low hygiene .
Solution Team
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Elly Savatia Co Founder & CEO, Veezaviz
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Anigbogu Stanley ARTECHUBS
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Solution Name:
TFree