nLite 360® - Robotic Arm Phototherapy

In many indigenous communities worldwide, limited access to quality healthcare and affordable medical devices poses a significant challenge, exacerbating the impact of illnesses and perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Factors such as geographical isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities amplify this issue.

One pressing concern is newborn jaundice, which affects millions of babies globally, with indigenous communities bearing a disproportionate burden due to limited healthcare access. Timely and effective treatment, primarily through phototherapy, is crucial in managing jaundice and preventing severe complications like brain damage and death. However, the high cost and limited availability of phototherapy devices mean that many newborns in indigenous communities do not receive prompt treatment, leading to adverse outcomes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 45% of severe neonatal jaundice cases in developing countries result in mortality or lifetime disabilities. The scale of the problem is staggering, with an estimated 42 million babies worldwide suffering from severe jaundice. Indigenous communities are particularly affected, lacking access to hospitals or clinics equipped with the necessary medical devices and expertise to treat jaundice effectively.

The lack of access to quality healthcare and medical devices is a multifaceted issue rooted in systemic challenges. Addressing this problem requires innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of indigenous communities. Heamac Healthcare is committed to developing affordable and accessible medical devices, including phototherapy equipment, suitable for deployment in various healthcare settings, including remote and underserved areas.

By bridging the gap in access to medical devices, Heamac Healthcare aims to reduce mortality rates and improve the quality of life for individuals in indigenous communities and beyond. Their commitment extends beyond providing devices; they strive to work collaboratively with local healthcare providers and community leaders to ensure sustainable solutions that address the root causes of healthcare disparities.

In essence, Heamac Healthcare's mission is to empower indigenous communities with the tools and resources they need to overcome barriers to healthcare access and achieve better health outcomes. Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to equity, they are working towards a future where high-quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location.

nLite360® - An Intelligent Phototherapy System is a groundbreaking solution designed specifically for treating newborn jaundice in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) sector. It serves as a standalone device, offering tailored phototherapy for neonatal jaundice across all severity levels, from mild to severe cases.

This innovative system utilizes cutting-edge algorithms to swiftly assess the newborn's condition based on key parameters, enabling it to determine the most suitable treatment mode instantly. Unlike traditional methods that often require hours for assessment, our device adapts within minutes to deliver optimal therapy.

What sets nLite360® apart is its dynamic design and multiplanar projection capabilities, which allow for precise adjustments based on the baby's risk level, ensuring effective treatment. Positioned conveniently at the mother's side, it facilitates uninterrupted therapy during breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care.

Moreover, its portability and battery-powered operation make it versatile for use in various settings, including rural healthcare facilities and home environments. Regardless of whether it is powered by regular electricity or solar energy, the device remains fully functional even in areas with limited access to power.

One of the most significant features of the nLite360® is its intelligent feedback system, which enables continuous monitoring by healthcare professionals, even in home care settings. This feature empowers the possibility of administering treatment at home under the supervision of both caregivers and medical experts.

In essence, nLite360® - An Intelligent Phototherapy System offers a comprehensive solution for addressing newborn jaundice. By seamlessly integrating advanced technology with user-friendly design, it aims to enhance outcomes for infants in any resource-constrained setting, revolutionizing neonatal care worldwide.

Our focus is on addressing the needs of newborns in rural areas, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous communities in Canada and the United States, who are disproportionately affected by severe jaundice. These communities often experience significant healthcare disparities and struggle to access proper medical care, leaving them underserved and vulnerable. Currently, families in these regions must navigate long distances to reach district or town hospitals for treatment, a costly and impractical endeavour hindered by transportation barriers.

To directly tackle these challenges, our solution introduces a portable, solar-powered neonatal phototherapy device tailored to the unique needs of rural areas. This device can be readily deployed by trained local clinical workers, bypassing the necessity for families to embark on arduous journeys for medical assistance. By facilitating effective treatment of moderate-risk newborns at home, our solution empowers mothers to provide essential care for their infants while ensuring they receive timely medical attention.

Furthermore, our approach generates employment opportunities for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers within rural areas, thereby stimulating local economies and fostering a culture of proper treatment and care for newborns. This holistic strategy is instrumental in achieving improved health outcomes and reducing rates of neonatal mortality.

In terms of impact, our solution has far-reaching potential, with the capacity to save millions of newborns globally, including an estimated 60 million babies in India alone. By enabling earlier discharge from healthcare facilities and minimizing the necessity for blood transfusions, we not only prevent neonatal deaths but also alleviate strain on healthcare systems burdened by the prevalence of severe jaundice cases.

To summarise, our solution is dedicated to serving the target population of newborns in rural areas, with a specific focus on Indigenous communities in Canada and the United States. Through the provision of portable and effective treatment for severe jaundice, we aspire to enhance health outcomes, foster economic opportunities, and ultimately reduce neonatal mortality rates.

Heamac Healthcare, born out of a year-long Biodesign Fellowship at the Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship of IIT Hyderabad, is driven by a passion for innovative solutions. Co-founders Prasad Muddam and Akitha Kolloju embarked on a journey to address critical unmet needs in the medical industry. Through extensive immersion in hospitals and consultations with diverse medical professionals, they identified a longstanding challenge: neonatal jaundice. This condition, pervasive in both developing and developed countries, contributes significantly to readmissions, particularly in the US.

The ethos of Heamac Healthcare revolves around user-centric design and empathy. Recognizing the importance of understanding user needs, the team prioritises continuous engagement and feedback throughout the product development lifecycle. From proof of concept to prototyping and minimal viable product stages, they iterate based on user insights, ensuring the feasibility and effectiveness of their solutions.

Central to their expertise is Prasad Muddam, a seasoned product designer with over a decade of experience, including a decade focused on medical device design for neonates. With a track record of successful leadership in startups and a deep understanding of the intricacies of medical device development, Prasad brings invaluable expertise to Heamac Healthcare's mission.

Backed by a dedicated team and experienced advisors, Heamac Healthcare is committed to enhancing the lives of neonates. Their passion and expertise make them well-positioned to tackle the challenge of neonatal jaundice and deliver impactful solutions to the medical community.

At this pivotal pre-revenue stage of our product journey, we've reached remarkable milestones that speak volumes about our dedication and progress. Our minimum viable product stands completed, marking the beginning of sales in India, with a primary focus on serving communities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Upholding the highest standards of quality and safety, we've meticulously ensured compliance with regulatory standards through rigorous testing, adhering to the stringent requirements outlined in IEC 60601-1 and 60601-2.

To authenticate the effectiveness of our solution, we've undertaken randomized minimal clinical studies, conducting comparisons with existing devices in esteemed hospitals such as Fernandez and Nilofer. These hospitals, renowned in both the public and private healthcare sectors, provided invaluable environments for comprehensive testing, affirming the robustness of our innovation.

Since our debut in January 2024, our efforts have borne fruit in a deeply human way. We've had the privilege of saving over 1,000 precious infants, each one a testament to the transformative impact of our nLite360 device. Many of these newborns faced perilously high bilirubin levels exceeding 26 mg/dL, placing them on the brink of severe jaundice complications. Without the intervention of our pioneering technology, the majority of these infants would have faced the daunting prospect of blood transfusions.

Our commitment to serving vulnerable communities has been realized through our initial deployment strategy in rural healthcare centers across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India. By harnessing the power of our advanced risk assessment and treatment planning technology, we've empowered even minimally trained staff in these areas to provide life-saving jaundice treatment with confidence and competence. This pivotal shift means that newborns no longer endure the arduous journey to distant higher-level healthcare facilities, sparing them and their families from the overwhelming burden of accessing secondary and tertiary care centers. In doing so, we've not only enhanced their chances of survival but also alleviated the strain on the healthcare system, embodying our unwavering commitment to compassionate innovation and equitable healthcare access.

We believe that MIT Solve can serve as a valuable platform for us to overcome various barriers and accelerate the growth of our solution. One of the key benefits we foresee is the opportunity to connect with diverse stakeholders and expand our strategic networking. In the healthcare sector, personal connections and word-of-mouth play a crucial role, and Solve can facilitate these interactions, helping us to reach relevant organisations and stakeholders. This networking support can enhance our visibility, attract potential partners, and enable us to access new markets.

In India, where we have already established connections with national educational and medical organisations, Solve can further bolster our presence and assist us in navigating complex regulatory and market landscapes. As we aim to scale globally, particularly in regions like the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the USA, Solve can provide us with access to valuable partnerships and collaborations. These partnerships will be instrumental in establishing our presence in new markets, accessing expertise from leading healthcare institutions, and leveraging insights from local experts.

Furthermore, participating in Solve's nine-month program will offer us the opportunity to engage with mentors, fellow startups, and experts from various disciplines. This interdisciplinary interaction will broaden our understanding of existing markets, help us identify potential challenges, and provide us with insights on how to overcome them. Additionally, the leadership coaching and strategic advice provided by Solve will be invaluable in guiding our growth trajectory and navigating the complexities of scaling our solution globally.

Overall, we are excited about the prospect of being part of the Solve community and leveraging its resources, networks, and expertise to accelerate the impact of our solution on addressing newborn jaundice and improving maternal and child health outcomes globally.

Our solution, "nLite 360," embodies compassion and innovation in treating neonatal jaundice. Unlike conventional phototherapy devices, nLite 360 stands as a beacon of hope, catering to all levels of jaundice, even the most severe cases. Its intuitive design empowers nurses with ease of use, ensuring swift and efficient treatment delivery in hospitals.

Yet, what truly distinguishes nLite 360 is its integration of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. By harnessing these advancements, nLite 360 transforms the landscape of neonatal jaundice treatment. With just a few inputs, the device's intelligent algorithm assesses the neonate's risk level, swiftly guiding caregivers towards the most suitable treatment mode, ensuring timely and personalized therapy.

Moreover, our solution features a feedback system enabling real-time monitoring of the neonate's condition. This not only equips physicians with vital insights but also instills confidence in caregivers, whether they are in rural settings or private care facilities. Our ultimate goal is clear: to ensure every newborn receives the care they rightfully deserve, regardless of their circumstances.

The groundbreaking features of nLite 360 hold the promise of catalyzing profound positive changes within the healthcare realm. By offering a comprehensive solution for neonatal jaundice treatment, our device has the potential to significantly enhance health outcomes for newborns worldwide. Furthermore, its user-friendly design and incorporation of cutting-edge technologies may set a new standard in phototherapy devices, heralding advancements in neonatal care and potentially reshaping the market landscape.

In summary, nLite 360 represents more than just a technological innovation; it signifies a profound step forward in addressing neonatal jaundice and advancing maternal and child health outcomes on a global scale.

As an empathy-driven startup, we've dedicated ourselves to designing and developing medical devices that foster positive societal change, particularly impacting the lives of neonates in underserved communities. Even before initiating the design process, we prioritized gathering user feedback from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a thorough understanding of their needs and challenges. This approach guided us in crafting a product that caters to the varied requirements of users from different backgrounds, filling a gap overlooked by existing devices in the market.

Our device stands out in several ways, offering features tailored to address critical issues in neonatal care. Its compact size allows it to fit seamlessly into incubators, while its user-friendliness enables even minimally trained individuals to operate it effectively. The device's portability facilitates uninterrupted therapy, including during breastfeeding and kangaroo mother care, promoting continuous treatment and bonding between mother and child. Additionally, its modular phototherapy design with multiplanar projection coverage significantly reduces treatment time by one-third compared to existing devices, thereby minimizing hospital stays.

One of the key differentiators of our device is its innovative AI algorithm, which provides customized phototherapy to each neonate placed in the device. This capability makes our device the only standalone option capable of addressing severe jaundice cases, while also offering a feasible option for home care therapy.

The introduction of our device into the market is poised to revolutionize neonatal care by replacing at least three current devices used to treat severe jaundice cases. Moreover, our device is offered at only one-third the price of existing options, ensuring affordability for users. This combination of innovative features and cost-effectiveness positions us as the ideal solution for creating a substantial impact on neonatal health outcomes.

In summary, our theory of change revolves around the belief that by providing a technologically advanced yet affordable solution that addresses the specific needs of neonates from diverse backgrounds, we can significantly improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to empathy-driven design, we aim to pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for neonates worldwide.

At Heamac Healthcare, our mission revolves around enhancing the lives of the world's Below Poverty Line Population through the development and dissemination of radically affordable medical products. Our immediate focus lies in addressing grassroots medical needs, particularly in maternal and child health, including the often-neglected issue of newborn jaundice.

Over the next year, our primary goal is to commence large-scale manufacturing of our portable phototherapy units and initiate pre orders. We aim to distribute at least 50 units of the portable version and 100 units of the nLite360 full unit within the coming year. Additionally, we will offer customization options to meet specific needs and requirements. To further our mission, we are actively seeking funding for clinical trials for the nLite360 full-mode version and will be seeking support from our investors to achieve this milestone.

Looking ahead to the next five years, we envision expanding our product line to encompass a broader range of medical devices and solutions that address critical healthcare needs among the Below Poverty Line Population. Our steadfast commitment remains in developing user-centric solutions that are both affordable and accessible to the most vulnerable communities. Collaborating closely with doctors, patients, and other stakeholders, we aim to identify pressing needs and deliver effective solutions.

Newborn jaundice poses a global challenge, affecting approximately 70 million babies worldwide. The problem is particularly acute in indigenous communities due to limited access to healthcare and medical resources. With two-thirds of newborns affected by jaundice, the stakes are high, as critical cases can result in death or permanent disability without prompt and effective treatment. Our portable phototherapy units offer a cost-effective and efficient solution to address this pressing issue.

Backed by successful clinical trials and substantial interest from hospitals, we have garnered preorders and inquiries from over 25 hospitals for at least 30 units. Each unit has the capacity to treat at least 3000 babies over a six-year lifespan, making it a highly economical solution. By tackling the challenge of newborn jaundice, we aspire to contribute significantly to improving maternal and child health outcomes in indigenous communities and other vulnerable populations globally.

In summary, Heamac Healthcare is steadfast in its commitment to developing and disseminating affordable and accessible medical solutions for the world's most vulnerable populations. Our unwavering dedication to achieving impact goals over the next year and the next five years underscores our commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

nLite360® stands at the forefront of neonatal care innovation, redefining the treatment landscape for newborn jaundice. Powered by a sophisticated blend of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics, our solution offers personalised phototherapy tailored to each neonate's unique parameters.

The hallmark features of nLite360® encompass its portability, standalone functionality, and automatic identification of the optimal treatment mode. These attributes render it exceptionally versatile, enabling its deployment across diverse healthcare settings, including home care environments under medical supervision.

In comparison to conventional devices, nLite360® boasts remarkable advantages. It delivers therapy that is three times more effective, slashing treatment durations by up to 35%. Moreover, it excels in power efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, presenting a compelling proposition with lower costs than existing market alternatives.

A pivotal aspect of nLite360® 's innovation lies in its user-centric design, facilitating operation by individuals with basic English language proficiency. This inclusivity ensures accessibility across a spectrum of healthcare contexts, catering to settings with limited resources or infrastructure.

In essence, nLite360® epitomises a groundbreaking application of cutting-edge technologies to optimise neonatal care. By harnessing the potential of AI, Data Analytics, and user-driven design principles, our solution aims to tackle the pressing challenge of newborn jaundice, ultimately driving improvements in maternal and child health outcomes on a global scale.

10 full time

We founded our Telangana-based company in 2018, after graduating from CHFE IIT Hyderabad in 2019. With dedicated work over 5 years, we've recently launched our product tailored for the Indian market and begun initial sales.

At Heamac Health Care, diversity is more than just a principle; it's the cornerstone of our strength. Our founders, Prasad Mudhham and Akita Kolloju, epitomize this diversity, both in gender and race, as well as in their educational backgrounds and life experiences.

Prasad, a father of two, has personally faced the challenges of critical jaundice in his children. Meanwhile, Akita's upbringing in a traditional family was marked by her determination to break barriers and pursue higher education, eventually leading to the establishment of our company.

We extend this commitment to diversity to our entire team, where 60% are female and 40% are male, hailing from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Our workforce represents a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and income levels, enriching our collective perspectives.

In our inclusive culture, every team member is valued and involved in shaping our products, understanding our vision, and empathizing with our customers. We actively seek diverse perspectives and opinions during decision-making processes, eschewing predefined selection criteria in favor of matching skill sets to requirements.

Recognizing the societal barriers faced by some, especially women, in certain regions, we go the extra mile to support our team members' aspirations. We prioritize their passions and provide core roles, while also addressing parental concerns and ensuring safety and security.

Our efforts in promoting diversity have been recognized with a diversity award, underscoring our commitment to maintaining an inclusive and empowering environment at Heamac Health Care.

Our business model revolves around providing a groundbreaking intelligent phototherapy device designed to offer premium features, such as tailored therapy and the prevention of complications like kernicterus and lifelong disabilities. Here's how we provide value and generate revenue:

Revenue Plan:

1. Direct Sales:

• Targeting private players like maternal and child care hospitals and government healthcare facilities through platforms such as the GEM portal and tenders, as well as through CSR-based donations (e.g., UNICEF).

• Acquiring necessary licences, including a manufacturing licence from CDSCO and certifications like ISO 13485 for global standards, CE marking for European markets, FDA approval for the USA, and Health Canada approval for Canadian markets.

Subscription Model:

• Offering safe home phototherapy for mild cases through a subscription-based model.

• Implementing a rental-based model where parents pay per day for therapy, reducing NICU costs and increasing doctor referrals.

• Partnering with private neonatologists and paediatricians, leveraging platforms like Practo to provide home phototherapy on prescription.

Consumables:

• Providing essential consumables like eye blanks, gel mats, and disposable pouches for each baby.

• Offering reusable eye blanks and gel mats, while disposable pouches ensure comfort and facilitate breastfeeding, reducing the risk of infections.

Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy:

• Initially targeting the Indian market, especially the southern region, by focusing on maternal homes, paediatricians, and primary healthcare facilities.

• Expanding into Asian countries with high neonatal jaundice mortality rates, followed by African and Middle Eastern markets.

• Leveraging an international growth strategy supported by applications for PCT and patents.

Product Plan and Phasing:

• Developing and manufacturing the intelligent phototherapy device in India, adhering to global standards and certifications.

• Phasing the product launch by initially targeting key regions in India, followed by expansion into other Asian markets, and gradually moving into African and Middle Eastern markets.

• Continuously improving the product based on customer feedback and technological advancements.

Key Resources:

• Operating Resources: Manufacturing facilities, distribution networks, licensing and certification processes, sales, and marketing teams.

• Technology Resources: Research and development team for product innovation, software development for intelligent features, and partnerships for technological advancements.

In summary, our business model is structured to address the urgent need for effective neonatal jaundice treatment worldwide, ensuring sustainable revenue growth and impactful market penetration.

To date, we've secured grants from esteemed government organizations and institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Management, Visakhapatnam, and Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. Support from organizations like BIRAC has been instrumental in our journey. Our product holds the distinction of being the sole listing in the CDSCO's roster of medical devices and enjoys backing from AIMS and ICMR.

Pilot clinical trials, conducted in collaboration with eminent hospitals like Fernandez Hospital and Niloufer Hospital, have yielded highly positive results. These hospitals, representing both the private and public sectors, have validated the effectiveness of our solution.

Since the commencement of sales in January 2024, we've witnessed an overwhelming response from customers who have experienced remarkable outcomes and enthusiastically recommend our device to others. With over 20 orders per month, our devices are now installed in prestigious hospitals across Telangana, further solidifying our presence in the healthcare sector.