Tech Firms Team Up with Ethiopian Government to Manufacture Medical Device Designed for Off-Grid Communities

A multilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed among three Ethiopian ministries, Vecna Technologies, and Orbit Health, envisioning a project with an initial estimated investment of $2.5 million. 

This partnership aims to produce 10,000 digital medical devices called BrightBox for local and export markets, potentially contributing $7 to $8 million to the economy, according to projections obtained from Orbit Health. The initial investment includes a direct labor cost of $500,000. 

Bright Box represents the latest evolution of Vecna Cares' CliniPAK—a streamlined electronic medical record, data capture, and reporting system. It enables users to register patients, capture key clinical and demographic data at the point of care, and manage patient flow. The mHealth reporting system encompasses both hardware and software components, facilitating centralized offline data collection.

Officially sealed on Monday, October 14, 2024, the signatory ministries include the Ministry of Labor & Skills, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Innovation & Technology. The MOU outlines a collaborative framework for developing and deploying the hardware specifically designed for a market like Ethiopia, with a focus on digitizing rural healthcare services.

“The partnership reflects our dedication to advancing health innovation and improving access and affordability in digital healthcare,” said Mekdes Daba (MD), Minister of Health, at the signing event.

Vecna Technologies, a Massachusetts-based healthcare company, is expected to bring its expertise in robotics and healthcare technology to the partnership and replicate it in East Africa. Vecna will provide technical expertise for the manufacturing of the BrightBox mini server. While Orbit Health, the in-country operations lead, oversees day-to-day operations, including manufacturing and software development.

ICT Park is also hovering to play a crucial role in the partnership by providing a hub for local manufacturing and assembly of BrightBox devices.

The earlier version of BrightBox, CliniPAK, is a rugged touchscreen laptop that creates its own Wi-Fi network, enabling connected mobile devices to collect data securely and in real time. Designed for low-resource settings, the device can operate on solar power, car batteries, or AC power.

"This partnership is a significant step towards improving healthcare access and creating a more sustainable digital health ecosystem in Ethiopia," said Pazion Chernet, founder and CEO of Orbit Health.

The signatories are hoping that this agreement will catalyze a shift by fostering employment opportunities, promoting onshore manufacturing, and generating exports.