GlobalNeoNat Incubator - Significant progress over the summer!

This summer, our research team made groundbreaking progress in developing a safe and affordable thermal battery, a significant advancement over traditional electrical batteries, which are expensive, have a limited lifespan, and can be hazardous due to their flammability. The thermal battery is based on a phase-change material which releases heat when it transfoms from liquid to solid. The team also integrated a state-of-the-art control system designed to predict the performance of this thermal battery, alongside an innovative heat storage and airflow system to ensure a stable environment inside neonatal incubators. This solution will be truly transformative in a context where power is unreliable and maintenance often not performed.

The key innovation lies in predictive software, powered by machine learning, which accurately forecasts the thermal battery's life. In practical terms, these advancements mean newborns will remain warm and safe, even during power outages. This provides healthcare workers with peace of mind, knowing the incubator will protect babies when electricity fails, allowing them to focus on providing care rather than worrying about life-threatening temperature fluctuations.

As our team moves into the final phase of research, we are seeking funding support to bring this life-saving technology to the next level. We encourage you to spread the word or reach out to learn more about how you can help make a difference in neonatal care.

We thanks our EPFL partner labs and Professors Sophia Haussener LRESE, Véronique Michaud LPAC, Christophe Moser LAPD, and partners HUG, CHUV, EssentialMed Foundation, Hewatele and SwissTPH.