We are focused on two transformative innovations with the goal of improving and expanding access to oxygen therapy:

• The EssentialTech Centre is developing a more robust oxygen concentrator with improved resistance to heat, humidity, dust, and low-quality power. An innovative zeolite sieve-bed will improve humidity resistance; Self-cleaning filters will improve airflow and reduce dust penetration and decrease the burden of preventive maintenance; and a redesigned power management system is intended to improve resistance to power fluctuations. In addition, a combination of both power and oxygen storage will ensure that oxygen can be provided during periods of no power.
• We are developing an innovative business model (integrated delivery solution) that focuses on the delivery of oxygen as a service, rather than the provision of equipment. This service will include equipment, training and maintenance, with the goal of reducing the burden of maintenance on the health care facility, and increasing up time.

Combined, these innovations have the potential to make oxygen available in more remote settings by reducing costs when compared with cylinders alone, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring that oxygen is available during periods of no power.
We are focused on supporting healthcare providers at the primary level of healthcare who are treating pre- and full-term neonates, as well as infants and children who require respiratory support.

Users: Nurses will be the primary operators of this device and medical equipment technicians will be the primary servicers.

Environment of use: The concentrators are intended to be deployed in primary healthcare facilities, characterized by: intermittent, poor quality power; a hot, humid and dusty environment; a lack of on-site maintenance expertise, tools and supplies; and, remote and difficult access by road. Deployment in less remote facilities is also anticipated.

Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of the device are pre- and full-term neonates, infants and children under five presenting with symptoms of respiratory distress leading to hypoxemia. The device is also relevant to patients at the tertiary level including applications such as surgery, post-op recovery, and the treatment of diseases where oxygen therapy is critical—COVID-19 and pneumonia for example.sustainably in hot, humid and dusty climates. This project aims to develop a robust and low-cost oxygen concentrator, able to provide access to oxygen in primary health structures.