“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

– Helen Keller, Author

The world is going through unprecedented times with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic was declared a health emergency in India and a lockdown officially began from the 22nd of March 2020.

SINE-IITB has been working remotely since lockdown was announced, to ensure smooth operations of all SINE startups and other stakeholders and has played a crucial role in facilitating and encouraging innovators and entrepreneurs that are coming up with solutions to support healthcare workers, essential services and emergency services to solve several problems faced by them in the midst of this crisis.

Feature: SINE as CAWACH Centre

Various Government agencies are moving swiftly to combat the situation and aid in flattening the curve as soon as possible so that lives are saved and normalcy is restored.

One such effort in this direction is by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, which has set up the Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis (CAWACH) to scout, evaluate, and support the innovations and startups that address COVID-19 challenges.

SINE has been identified as the Implementing Agency of the CAWACH by DST. The program is being implemented along with Indian Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Parks and Business Incubator Association (ISBA) and 8 other incubators as satellite partners

The objective is to support up to 50 innovations/startups that are in the area of Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Informatics, and Interventions to control COVID-19.

Under the umbrella of CAWACH, SINE-IITB and other recognized incubators are calling on and facilitating innovators and entrepreneurs to work together and come up with innovative and practical solutions to combat the Corona Virus pandemic.

Under the CAWACH Program,

A nationwide call was open from April 6th
Received a massive response from innovators across the country.
Over 800 applications were received and are being processed by the CAWACH centers.

SINE Startups working on COVID-19 Relief

To cater the need of the hour, several SINE-IITB Innovators have come up with unique and effective solutions that ease many problems faced by frontline workers combating the pandemic. From screening to diagnostics, informative platforms, PPE kits, food supply chain, surveillance these startups offer it all with their new technologies.
A brief about their work is given below:

Ayu Devices

AyuSynk is a device made by Ayu Devices which when attached to a stethoscope, is capable of receiving and enhancing Lung Sounds and allows doctors to diagnose patients from a safe distance through its Bluetooth functionality. The device is currently in use at some of the hospitals in Mumbai as part of a Smart OPD Centre that doctors are using to diagnose COVID-19 patients without running the risk of infection from a distance and avoiding the need to physically interact with the patient.

Ayusynk being used at Smart OPD Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thakrey Trauma Centre, Mumbai

Ayusynk being used at Smart OPD at JJ Hospital,Mumbai

Haystack Analytics

Haystack Analytics Pvt. Ltd. launched a website that works as a tool to trace the transmission and spread of COVID-19 using Genomic Data. This method works as a nationwide tracking system that could become capable of tracking the source of every transmission without the need for contact tracing.

Haystacks Coverage in Inc 42

Haystack's coverage in Hindustan Times

Vytal Healthtech

Vytal Healthtech Pvt. Ltd. is working on a mobile app for public use - "FIGHT COVID-19" designed to educate, support, track samples & test results, warn proximities, test sample/results tracking and, eventually enable longitudinal tracking of patients and their health parameters to gain insights. The app tackles the spread of Fake News, keeps people educated and informed about COVID-19, and enables clinical research efforts.

Qawach Bio

A novel screening test for mass screening of suspected population at point-of-service, and a confirmatory test of COVID-19 symptomatic patients are the two products proposed by Qawach Bio to help with the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Ubiqare Health
At this time of COVID-19, the healthcare system is far too stretched, to provide support to post-acute or chronic patients the kind of support they need. Ubiqare’s cloud-based platform with their network of quality healthcare specialists virtually brings the hospital to home. Its dashboard can also be easily integrated for COVID-19 patient management in asymptomatic or mild cases or in post- infection recovery stage.

EmerTech Innovations

EmerTech Innovations is involved directly with Sahyadri Farms, the largest farmer collective of India. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the collective is now working to deliver fruits and vegetables directly to citizens in Nashik, Pune, and Mumbai.

EmerTech is working with them to streamline operations and provide tracking and traceability through a Blockchain-based supply chain management system and help them maintain regular food supply in this hour of need. Their work has been covered by Indian Express.

Abstract Ideas

Abstract Ideas Pvt. Ltd., has come up with a cost-effective PPE kit made from High-Grade, Non-Woven laminated fabric that can be used by Medical Professionals around the country on the frontlines against COVID-19. Their custom and standard PPE kits, helps limit direct contact with blood, body fluids and airborne contaminants, and is compliant with OSHA workplace health and safety regulations.

ideaforge Technologies

ideaForge drones are revolutionizing the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic. Police forces across India are using their drones for surveillance and ensuring that the Lockdown is being observed by all citizens of all the states.

Allincall

A Chatbot created by Allincall, provides up-to-date and accurate information on the Corona Virus and the current status of lockdown rules and regulations and precautionary measures.

A Few Good Deeds

Medprime Technologies

Using 3D Printers to make robust, high-quality face shields medprime technologies distributed them to the Thane Police at Naupda Police Station after discovering that over 20 of their police officers have tested positive for COVID-19.
medprime is also working with medical professionals to come up with a solution to utilize a single ventilator for multiple patients while minimizing the risk factor involved by monitoring and control of airflow for each patient.

Schoolboy Robotics
In order to support those on the frontlines against COVID-19, innovator Shubhankar Takle, and his team manufactured and donated 100 face shields made of impermeable polyester sheets to the Nashik Municipal Corporation.

Other Startup Updates

While the news has been dominated by COVID-19 and the work being done to curb its spread, some SINE-IITB startups have also been receiving recognition for their work outside of COVID-19 research.

Liger Mobility Pvt.Ltd were recognized as the winners of the ISGF Innovation Award 2020 – Diamond Award in the category "Innovative EV of the Year – Two Wheeler