Manipal, 07^th May 2022: Dr. Ranjan Pai, Chairman, Manipal Education & Medical Group (MEMG), Bengaluru, inaugurated the medical device manufacturing facility of Blackfrog Technologies in Manipal, Karnataka on 29 April 2022. Blackfrog Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is a Manipal-based Technology startup developing patented technologies to improve immunization supply chains. While inaugurating Dr. Pai spoke about the significance of having a pipeline from academia to manufacturing and the larger role that cold chain technologies will play in the future of delivering quality healthcare.

The event had attendees from Academia, the impact investment community, and the medical devices industry. Dr. Neeta Rao, Senior Health Lead, USAID/India was one of the dignitaries and she spoke about the partnership with Blackfrog Technologies to take the Emvolio cold chain technology to the African continent. This project by SAMRIDH an innovative financing platform supported by USAID and implemented by IPE Global has supported Blackfrog to deliver Emvolio in Kenya’s public health system to aid COVID-19 mitigation efforts and delivery of routine vaccines. The event was graced by Dr. Manish Diwan, DGM & Head, SPED, BIRAC, DBT, Govt. of India, Dr. Sapna Poti, Director of Strategic Alliances at PSA Office Govt. of India, Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro chancellor MAHE and Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor MAHE and Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director MIT.

Speaking at the inauguration Dr. Ranjan Pai, Chairman, MEMG, Bengaluru said “Setting up a 1500 unit per month capacity medical device manufacturing facility within 6 years after graduation by a startup co-founded by two engineers is extremely commendable”

Blackfrog is supported by MAHE incubators and funded by DST, BIRAC, Venture Centre Pune, CCAMP Bangalore, Social Alpha, and USAID-supported SAMRIDH. Blackfrog has been deploying its vaccine transport systems across India in close coordination with National Health Mission at the state level. Emvolio (portable medical-grade refrigerator) is designed as per IEC 60601 and compliant with European Standards. Blackfrog’s new manufacturing plant is in adherence with ISO 13485 standards for manufacturing medical devices.