Ethiopia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Medical emergencies are unpredictable, so Blue Health Ethiopia have created a new, innovative digital emergency service called 'Derash' that can be dispatched to any location in Ethiopia and East Africa to deliver emergency care at a moment's notice.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Medical emergencies are unpredictable, so Blue Health Ethiopia have created a new, innovative digital emergency service that can be dispatched to any location in Ethiopia and East Africa to deliver emergency care at a moment's notice.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Blue Health Ethiopia aims to solve several critical problems in emergency medical services (EMS): Inefficient Resource Allocation: Traditional EMS relies on phone calls and radio communication, leading to slow and inaccurate dispatching of ambulances and medical personnel. Poor Coordination Between Responders: Lack of a centralized system hampers effective communication and coordination among emergency responders. Delays in Response Times: The existing methods are time-consuming, causing significant delays in emergency response. Absence of Real-Time Tracking: Without real-time GPS tracking, it is challenging to quickly identify and deploy the closest available resources. Limited Immediate Medical Consultation: Traditional EMS lacks telemedicine capabilities, preventing immediate virtual consultations and potentially delaying critical care.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Blue Health Ethiopia's "Derash" initiative offers several key benefits: Reduced Response Times: Utilizing GPS tracking, AI algorithms, and telemedicine capabilities, "Derash" ensures rapid emergency dispatch and assessment, significantly cutting response times, even in remote and congested areas. Improved Coordination and Efficiency: The "Derash" app centralizes emergency response, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing responder coordination. Enhanced Healthcare Access: "Derash" extends emergency medical services to underserved regions in Ethiopia and East Africa, providing swift emergency care and virtual consultations, thereby improving overall healthcare access and community health. Economic and Social Impact: "Derash" saves lives and creates job opportunities for medical professionals, contributing to economic growth and improved livelihoods.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Blue Health Ethiopia's "Derash" initiative is aimed at serving a wide range of beneficiaries across Ethiopia and East Africa. The primary targets are individuals in need of emergency medical services, particularly those in remote and underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited. Additionally, "Derash" caters to urban populations facing congested traffic that delays emergency response. The service is also beneficial for healthcare providers seeking efficient resource allocation and improved coordination. Insurance companies and employers looking to offer enhanced health benefits to their clients and employees are also key beneficiaries.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-07-15

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Dr. Binyam Alemu is the CEO and co-founder - he combines his healthcare experience with expertise in marketing, business development, and investor relations. Dr. Elias Tadesse is the COO and co-founder - With his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills he will give a special focus on translating ideas into actionable initiatives as the COO and handle tasks on the ground. Dr. Natan Mulubrihan, CPD Director and co-founder - With a strong medical background and years of experience in training and critical care management, he is responsible for handling advancement of our solutions. Mr. Adam Getachew, CTO and co-founder - With experience as an Android developer and product manager, he brings strong technical and communication skills to the team.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.bluehealthethiopia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-health-ethiopia/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Yes, by significantly improving health outcomes and reducing the financial burden of health emergencies on individuals and families, which can be a major cause of poverty. The initiative creates job opportunities for emergency medical technicians, support staff, and healthcare professionals, thus contributing to economic growth and poverty alleviation. Additionally, by enhancing access to emergency medical services in remote and underserved areas, "Derash" ensures better health and productivity, helping prevent individuals from falling into poverty due to medical expenses.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Yes, by providing swift and efficient emergency medical services, "Derash" ensures timely access to healthcare, which is essential for preventing and treating illnesses, injuries, and other health emergencies. This initiative improves health outcomes and reduces mortality rates by offering immediate medical attention, particularly in remote and underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited. Additionally, by leveraging advanced technology and telemedicine capabilities, "Derash" promotes innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, enhancing overall health and well-being in the communities it serves.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

by creating job opportunities for various professionals involved in emergency medical services, including emergency medical technicians, support staff, and healthcare professionals. By expanding access to emergency medical care, "Derash" generates employment opportunities, contributing to economic growth and livelihood improvement, particularly in underserved regions. Additionally, the initiative's scalable business model, which includes subscription plans, pay-per-use options, and partnerships with insurance providers, fosters entrepreneurship and supports the growth of the healthcare sector. Through its economic activities and job creation efforts, "Derash" contributes to the promotion of decent work and economic growth, aligning with SDG 8 objectives.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Yes, by leveraging cutting-edge digital technology and innovative approaches to improve emergency medical services infrastructure. By centralizing emergency response through the "Derash" app and integrating real-time GPS tracking, AI algorithms, and telemedicine capabilities, the initiative enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency care delivery. This innovation in infrastructure and technology streamlines the dispatch process, reduces response times, and ensures the rapid deployment of resources, even in remote and underserved areas.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Yes, by improving access to emergency medical services, particularly in underserved and remote areas where healthcare access may be limited. By providing swift and efficient emergency care, "Derash" helps reduce inequalities in health outcomes by ensuring that individuals in these regions receive timely medical attention, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

yes, by improving emergency medical services in urban areas, thereby making cities safer, more resilient, and sustainable. By leveraging advanced technology such as real-time GPS tracking and telemedicine capabilities, "Derash" ensures rapid emergency response within urban environments, enhancing safety and security for residents. Additionally, by centralizing emergency response through the "Derash" app and optimizing resource allocation, the initiative helps build resilience against health crises and emergencies in urban settings.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

The initiative collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, technology firms, and insurance companies, to enhance emergency medical services and improve healthcare access. By partnering with insurance providers, "Derash" expands its reach and ensures financial sustainability, while partnerships with technology firms enable the integration of innovative digital solutions. Moreover, Blue Health Ethiopia's collaboration with local communities and healthcare professionals empowers them to actively participate in and support the initiative, fostering local ownership and sustainability. Through its collaborative approach, "Derash" revitalizes the global partnership for sustainable development, driving progress towards achieving the SDGs.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our initiative is a groundbreaking innovation in emergency medical services. It introduces a completely new type of service by leveraging advanced technology to streamline emergency response. Derash incorporates new technologies like real-time GPS tracking, AI algorithms, and telemedicine capabilities, making it a novel solution in the healthcare industry. While building on existing emergency services, Derash represents a significant improvement, offering faster response times and better coordination. Moreover, it directly addresses the unmet need for efficient emergency care in Ethiopia and East Africa, distinguishing it as a unique and essential service in the market.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

1. Traditional ambulances which face challenges like traffic congestion and remote area access. 2. Emerging startups offering similar solutions, Blue Health Ethiopia's early establishment gives us a competitive advantage. 3. Substitutes like informal transportation lack professional care, highlighting the necessity for efficient emergency services. Blue Health Ethiopia's "DERASH" program offers distinct competitive advantages. It ensures reduced response times through motorcycle teams' rapid deployment, particularly beneficial in congested or remote areas. The program's use of motorcycles enhances accessibility, reaching areas traditional ambulances may struggle to access. Equipped with advanced medical equipment, "DERASH" teams provide a higher level of care at the scene. Collaboration with existing emergency services and healthcare institutions maximizes reach and impact, solidifying Blue Health Ethiopia's competitive position in the market.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, I provide mentorship programs specifically tailored to support aspiring female entrepreneurs, offer workshops and networking events aimed at fostering their skills and connections, and actively collaborate with women-led organizations to promote gender equality and empower women in business.