By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: Located at the Makerere University Biomedical Engineering Unit, the Design Cube is a cutting-edge innovation space that is revolutionizing the field of biomedical engineering in Uganda. Headed by Paula Kworekwa, the Design Cube is a collaborative effort between Makerere University and Duke University in the US, with funding from Venturewell.
The Design Cube was established to address a critical gap in biomedical engineering education in Uganda. According to Kworekwa, students were previously forced to rely on local craftsmen to build their projects, rather than developing their own engineering skills. The Design Cube provides a space for students to design, prototype, and test their ideas, with a focus on frugal design and locally relevant solutions.
One of the key initiatives of the Design Cube is the summer program, which brings together students from Uganda and the US to design and develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. The program has already led to the development of several promising projects, including the NEONEST and HEMOSAVE devices, which are currently undergoing clinical trials.
The Design Cube is also home to a range of state-of-the-art equipment, including a Formlab 3B Plus printer, a Prusa 3D printer, However, despite these advances, the Design Cube still faces significant challenges, including limited funding and equipment.
To address these challenges, Kworekwa is calling for increased support from the university and external partners. “We need to increase our visibility and attract more funding and equipment to support our work,” she said. “We also need to expand our team to include more engineers, clinicians, and industry experts.”
The Design Cube is part of the Biomedical Engineering Unit at Makerere University, which has played a critical role in supporting the unit’s work. According to Kworekwa, the unit has provided financing, mentorship, and technical expertise, which has been instrumental in the Design Cube’s success.
In addition to the summer program, the Design Cube also runs a range of other initiatives, including design classes and workshops. These initiatives provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to design and develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.
The Design Cube’s approach to innovation is centered around the principles of frugal design and human-centered design. According to Kworekwa, this approach involves working closely with clinicians and other stakeholders to identify healthcare challenges and develop innovative solutions.
“We don’t just innovate for the sake of innovating,” Kworekwa said. “We innovate to address specific healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes.”
The Design Cube’s work has already had a significant impact on healthcare outcomes in Uganda. The unit’s innovative solutions, such as the NEONEST and HEMOSAVE devices, have the potential to improve patient care and save lives.
As the Design Cube looks to the future, Kworekwa is optimistic about the potential for biomedical innovation in Uganda. “We have a talented team of engineers and clinicians, and a growing network of international partners,” she said. “With increased support and funding, I am confident that we can make a significant impact on healthcare outcomes in Uganda.”
In terms of scalability, Kworekwa emphasized the importance of understanding the market and the needs of the end-user. “We need to develop solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of our healthcare system,” she said. “This requires a deep understanding of the market and the needs of our users.”
To achieve this, the Design Cube is placing a strong emphasis on business model development and market research. “We need to develop solutions that are not only technically feasible but also economically viable,” Kworekwa said.
The Design Cube is also working to expand its team and increase its visibility. According to Kworekwa, the unit is looking to recruit more engineers, clinicians, and industry experts to support its work.
The Design Cube at Makerere University Biomedical Engineering Unit is a pioneering initiative that is revolutionizing the field of biomedical engineering in Uganda. With its focus on frugal design, human-centered design, and business model development, the Design Cube is poised to make a significant impact on healthcare outcomes in Uganda.