In March 2020, MIF, ATE Chandra Foundation, and Harsh Mariwala, in his personal capacity, joined forces to launch #Innovate2BeatCovid, a first-of-its-kind nationwide hunt for cost-effective and ready-to-deploy innovations that could aid India’s Covid-19 response. In particular, this challenge targeted the critical shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), ventilators, and respiratory solutions, placing immense strain on the country’s healthcare system amidst the pandemic.
#Innovate2BeatCovid received over 1,500 applications, out of which four stood out as leaders with their pioneering innovations:
- Shreeyash Electro Medicals developed high-quality ventilators offered to hospitals at approximately 80% lower cost than prevailing prices.
- Saral Design Solutions adapted their patented machine for sanitary pads to produce 3-ply surgical masks. CREA Worldwide provided specialised and comprehensive PPE kits to bolster the protection of frontline healthcare workers.
- Noccarc Robotics introduced turbine-based ICU ventilators with built-in batteries and advanced features.
With grants totalling INR 2.15 crore, the #Innovate2BeatCovid challenge facilitated the distribution of 14.3 lakh masks, 6.7 lakh PPE kits, and 633 ventilators.
