Construction of a decentralized medical device development platform under the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Hiroshima University has developed Biodesign program in collaboration with Government of India as part of Prefectural medical-related industry cluster formation. In US and India, they have raised the solutions of "Silicon-Valley-type value chain" and "emerging-country-type innovation driven by lean-startup," respectively. Based on learning from India-Biodesign, we aim to realize frugal innovation by taking technological advantage and reliability of Japan in developing medical devices at affordable price. After launching Fellowship in 2019, we were entrusted with Local-Innovation-Support-Project for regional companies, and provided academic guidance to manufacturing companies. In 2020, COVID-19 pandemic required medical resource optimization. In order to promote medical technology (MedTech) development even under stagnant logistic situation, we proposed "Decentralized-Platform among Local-Core-Institutions" with AMED support. Dr. Ishikita set up secretariat at the National Hospital Organization, and his hospital leads the research projects. We report our experience from the viewpoint of biomedical engineering as an optimal solution promoting MedTech demonstrating resilience.