Gradian Health Systems has been named as a laureate of The Tech Awards 2014, one of 10 global innovators recognized for applying technology to benefit humanity and spark global change. The Tech Awards, a signature program of The Tech Museum of Innovation, and presented by Applied Materials, Inc., selected Gradian as one of two laureates in the Nokia Health Award category.
Gradian equips hospitals around the world to deliver anaesthesia safely and economically. The company's Universal Anaesthesia Machine® (UAM) operates in environments where conventional machines fail due to shortages of compressed oxygen and power outages. Gradian is active in 18 countries, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. Each UAM is delivered with an on-site training program for clinical providers and biomedical technicians no matter how remote the hospital.
The Tech Awards: Technology Benefiting Humanity is one of the premier annual humanitarian awards programs in the world, recognizing technical solutions that benefit humanity and address the most critical issues facing our planet and its people. The awards program honors 10 innovators annually alongside the recipient of the Global Humanitarian Award. Laureates are selected by a prestigious panel of judges made up of University faculty as well as leaders from educational and research institutions, industry and the public sector.
"We are honored to be recognized by The Tech Awards for Gradian's technology and training to strengthen surgery in under-resourced hospitals," said Stephen Rudy, CEO. "The operating theater is a complex environment and one that has not received sufficient attention in global health policy. I hope our award encourages other innovators and advocates to focus on the challenges of emergency and urgent care in a large, neglected part of the world."
"The global challenges of the day have become increasingly strident, more deeply rooted," said David Whitman, Vice President of The Tech Awards. "Still, there is hope. These incredibly impressive laureates have all proven to be equal to, or better than, the challenge to make the world a better place. By celebrating their accomplishments today, we are encouraging future innovators to work toward solutions to make the world healthier, safer and more sustainable."