These startups have come up with innovative deep tech solutions that address critical problems beyond the metros, like maternal mortality, deaths due to manual scavenging, and many more.
Problems of the real world are being solved by the tech of today as a life of people has become easier through the new innovations. There are multiple technologies which are upcoming to cater to new generation people, as per the report of the KPMG. Trends reveal India is the place to go for deep tech. And with a slew of deep tech startups solving for regions outside metro cities, deep tech is penetrating deep into the country, across small towns in India. Let us have a look at some of the deep tech startups creating impact outside TierI India.
Genrobotics was launched in 2015 by engineers Vimal Govind MK, Arun George, Nikhil NP, and Rashid Bin Abdulla Khan.
Genrobotics works with the goal of sewer deaths due to manual scavenging. It cleans up manholes with Bandicoot, a spider-shaped robot.
The 50kg, pneumatic-powered, remote-controlled robot can be sent down a manhole where it spreads its limbs and removes sewage. The robotic arm uses 360degree motion to sweep the manhole floor and collect the filth.
Working like a bot, the Bandicoot uses machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the amount of unclogging needed. Bandicoot can complete in 45 minutes work that would typically take three to four hours manually.
Phototherapy is a treatment for jaundice that is found in newborns and preterm babies. Its visible light combats the toxic effects of bilirubin levels.
While this is easily available in most large hospitals, newborns in rural areas often don't have access to this treatment, which can easily prevent unnecessary deaths.
Lifetrons patent-pending phototherapy unit costs Rs 30,000, which is half the cost of the existing ones. The product has full battery backup and can easily be used in primary health care centers.
Audiologist couple T Uday Raga Kiran and Remya founded Nautilus Hearing to make hearing healthcare affordable and accessible to all.
The Hubli-based startup, incubated by Sandbox Hubli, has designed a device that can be used to conduct ear tests with ease.
According to the founders, people often use their hearing aids for short durations, but stop using them as soon as they find it unsatisfying.
The couple has developed a boothless, portable audiometer that helps doctors conduct ear tests with ease.
The device tests hearing in 10 minutes and create a digital diagnostic report, based on which different solutions and treatments can be given. It is available in two variations a diagnostic product for certified healthcare practitioners and a screening device that can be used at schools, colleges, NGOs, and industries with loud machinery and devices.
Vadodara-based UNesar was founded by Dhaval Thakkar in 2016 to provide clean energy solutions. The company develops solar stoves, providing a portable cooking solution that captures solar energy in a high-density thermal storage system, and becomes a hotplate for cooking. This solar technology can be suitable for remote and rural areas facing energy supply challenges.
Dhaval says his solar stove design was acknowledged by the Gujarat government, which gave him a grant of a few lakh rupees. UNesar also obtained an undisclosed amount of seed funding from HPCL.
The startup is yet to commercialize the solar stove
The stove needs to be kept under the sun for three to four hours for charging, after which it can be used to cook for two hours.
This Thrissur-based startup makes wheelchairs and other devices for paraplegic patients.
Founded by engineers Don Paul and Sooraj Chandran, the startup currently provides three products. â??Hoist is a patient transfer device that can help transfer patients from bed, chairs, and toilets. It has a leg spreader facility with high-quality imported motors controlled with display and safety switch.
Desintox Technologies also provides an electric wheelchair wherein it helps the paraplegic to travel by themselves. The wheelchair can be adjustable with joystick switch with variable speed options.
Don says that the team has sold around 50 units so far. Started in 2017, the startup is being funded by the Kerala Startup Mission.
Photom was started by Himmat Singh in 2017 in his village Mandla in Pali district of Rajasthan. The startup builds a robotic cleaning system for solar power plants.
The founders claim that dust deposit on solar panels reduces their efficiency, and people mostly need to clean it manually by using water
Photom robots clean the panels without using any chemicals or water. Its a fully dry system and thus can save more energy.
Photom has already received equity seed funding from iCreate and has eight employees. Himmat was among the 15 entrepreneurs from India to be invited by the UK governments Royal Academy of Engineer for Leaders in Innovation Fellowship.
Founded by Ashfaq Ashraf, Arshad KA, and Anas Dalintakam this Kochi-based startup aims to solve the lack of blood availability in rural areas.
Bagmo has a complete blood bag monitoring device that will help health facilities to keep an adequate amount of blood at an optimum level in a resource-poor city.
The device can tell the temperature of each blood bag while it is transported and stored and thus will be able to reduce wastage at blood storage centers. The device will also reduce the effort in logistics and communication issues.
Started in 2017, Bagmo is in the pilot stage at present. The device has been installed in Christian Medical College, Vellore, and the team plans to install in more hospitals.