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GlobalNeoNat: Innovating to Save Newborn Lives in Low-Resource Settings - A significant progress

Our GlobalNeoNat project is dedicated to reducing neonatal mortality in vulnerable regions by developing a low-cost, mobile, energy-efficient incubator designed for settings with unreliable electricity and limited resources.

This summer, our research team made significant progress by developing a safe and affordable thermal battery (a revolution compared to potentially flammable lithium battery!) and integrating a control system to predict its performance. Additionally, the team designed an innovative heat storage and airflow system to maintain a stable environment inside the incubator. We also developed predictive software, powered by machine learning, that accurately forecasts battery life.

What does this mean in practical terms? It means that thanks to these innovations:

  • Newborns will stay warm and safe, even during power outages.
  • Healthcare workers will have peace of mind, knowing the incubator will protect babies when electricity fails. This will allow nurses and doctors to focus on caring for newborns without worrying about life-threatening temperature fluctuations.
  • Medical teams will be able to plan ahead with confidence, reducing stress and ensuring they can respond quickly and effectively in critical moments.

Stay tuned for more development news as we move now into the final phase of research.  We are also seeking funding support—please spread the word or contact us to learn more!

More publications or events

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Tech4Dev at the ChangeNOW Summit in Paris in April 2026

Within the frame of the Tech4Dev programme of EPFL EssentialTech Centre, our Programme Manager, Dr. Tiphaine Detoudeville, hosted a roundtable at the international ChangeNOW Summit on April 1st in Paris, titled “From Research to Impact Investing in Scalable Local Climate Solutions.”
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Tech4Dev Advances 6 New Projects into Prototyping Phase for 2026

From climate resilience and disaster response to sustainable reconstruction, the next cohort of Tech4Dev projects moves from research to real-world testing.
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Semester Projects Opportunites for EPFL Students open now!

EssentialTech Centre opens 3 Semester projects open to EPFL students. These are for three projects in the Health and Sustainable Development areas: GlobalO2, GlobalNeoNat and RenAllCare. A fantastic opportunity to join a great team and work on meaningful projects.