UCT MedTech Lab championing medical device innovation

In the heart of Cape Town, the UCT MedTech Lab, housed within UCT’s Biomedical Engineering Research Centre and led by Professor Sudesh Sivarasu, has been quietly revolutionising medical innovation with a focus on appropriate, Africa-relevant solutions. 

Blending cutting-edge engineering and deep clinical insight, their work spans two core hubs: the Medical Device Laboratory (MDL) and the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory (OBL).

Landmark ISO 13485:2016 Accreditation                       

The ISO 13485:2016 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems in the design and manufacture of medical devices, and the BMERC / UCT MedTech Lab is one of the first on the continent to be awarded this global recognition. 

Prof Sivarasu said, "The 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟭𝟯𝟰𝟴𝟱 certification opens doors for our technologies to be adopted more confidently by clinicians, regulators, and international partners. It also sets the foundation for an innovation ecosystem where African-born devices can move from lab bench to bedside with credibility and speed. For UCT MedTech and South Africa, this is a signal that our regulatory, academic, and industrial communities are coming together to build a resilient, compliant, and export-ready medical technology sector. I am proud of the BMERC team and deeply inspired by what this means for the future of equitable healthcare innovation across our continent.”

Transformative Device Portfolio

UCT MedTech’s impressive array of inventions includes:

• ZiBiPen, Impulse Biomedical, ZiBiPen represents a new generation of auto-injectors that simplifies allergy management. Its user-friendly design and the world’s first reloadable feature make it an easy and sustainable choice, offering practical benefits for those with allergies. This revolutionary device was developed by a Master’s graduate Mr. Gokul Nair, under Prof. Sudesh Sivarasu and Prof. Mike Levin
• Easy Squeezy, Impulse Biomedical, Easy Squeezy is an innovative sleeve that fits over  major inhaler brands such as, Asthavent®, Ventolin® and Ciclovent® asthma inhalers. It has a user-friendly, ergonomic activation mechanism that reduces the force required to get a puff out of an asthma pump by up to four times, making inhalers easier for children and those with limited finger strength to use. This game-changing device was developed by a Master’s graduate  Mr. Giancarlo Beukes, under Prof. Sudesh Sivarasu and Prof. Mike Levin
• FlexiGyn, Vas MedTech, is a portable gynaecological device developed by Dr Edmund Wessels under Professor Sudesh Sivarasu. It enables diagnostics like hysteroscopies without general anaesthesia, making it perfect for rural clinics or mobile outreach. FlexiGyn won the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation in 2023. First in UCT to win this prestigious continental award.
• Inspyre, Khaya HealthTech, developed by Joel Philpott under Professor Sudesh Sivarasu, offers the advantage of enabling patients to undergo diagnosis comfortably within their homes. What sets the innovation apart is the seamless integration of diagnostic sensors into the treatment apparatus, such that a single device is used for both purposes.
• UCvenT, a non-invasive BiPAP ventilator developed in response to COVID-19, is progressing toward SAHPRA approval. 

The list of other medical devices can be found using the link : https://health.uct.ac.za/medtech/medtech-medical-devices

Combined, these devices illustrate UCT MedTech’s ethos: that tools must be affordable, user-centric, and locally made.

Patent Power and Publication Prowess

MedTech’s innovation engine is driven by a rigorous and strategic pipeline: 27 granted patents across 22 patent families spanning the EU, US, SA, UK, and India, supported by 66 additional applications. Complementing this IP strength is a prolific academic output, with over 120 peer-reviewed publications and a landmark textbook titled Medical Device Innovation for Africa, reinforcing global and local credibility.

Beyond traditional metrics, the team has developed five open-source medical technologies—several of which are already in use across 17 countries—demonstrating a strong commitment to accessibility and global health equity. On average, the team generates more than 10 invention disclosures annually, underscoring the central role of intellectual property in their innovation value chain.UCT MedTech COVID-19 Related Innovation 

1. National Ventilator Project: UCT MedTech co-led the development of a locally manufacturable CPAP ventilator along with CSIR, producing 20,000 units for South African hospitals during the COVID-19 peak
2. UCT ViZAR – A cost-effective face shield PPE rapidly produced and distributed (55,000+ units) across South Africa, supporting frontline healthcare workers with SAHPRA-registered variants.
3. Ubuntu Booth – A contactless COVID-19 testing station protecting healthcare workers from aerosol transmission, designed using local materials and deployed in drive-through sites.
4. Floq Swabs – High-efficiency flocked swabs designed for reliable and accurate COVID-19 sample collection, improving testing quality.
5. Mask Supports—Ergonomic add-ons enhance mask fit and comfort, promoting longer and more effective use by healthcare workers and the public.
6. A South African ventilator usability protocol was created—the first of its kind—to standardise usability testing across emergency-use devices,  adopted by SAHPRA

Societal and Sustainable Impact

With over 25 postgraduate graduates since 2021, UCT MedTech aligns with SDGs for reduced health inequalities and local manufacturing. The team’s frugal bio design method ensures medical devices are practical for African healthcare systems and beyond.

UCT MedTech is demonstrating how resource-conscious engineering, clinical collaboration, and sustainable business thinking can transform healthcare delivery. With award-winning inventions and a robust pathway from ideation to international recognition, they stand as a beacon for MedTech in Africa and the world.

Awards and recognitions by UCT MedTech Incubated Startup companies led by UCT post-graduates trained at UCT MedTech through their MedTech Innovations.

Easy Squeezy & ZibiPen – Impulse Biomedical

International & Regional Competitions

• 1st Place – Merck Pharmaceuticals Accelerator (Cape Town)
• 1st Place – Venture Leaders South Africa – Swiss Program
• 2nd Place – MiLi Valuation Competition (Design of Medical Devices Conference, USA)
• 1st & Runner-up – GCIP Medical Devices Sector (TIA Global Cleantech Innovation Program)
• Xi’an International Entrepreneurship Competition (China)
• 2nd Place – BRICS Young Innovator Award
• Finalist – Digital Health Accelerator

Academic & Incubation Accolades

• Most Viable Business Award – University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business
• Award from London Business School (ACCEL) – 2nd place 

Innovation Grants & Social Impact Awards

• Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant Recipient
• SAB Foundation Social Innovation Award – 2023 second place
• Aspen Pharmaceuticals Route to Market Challenge – 2023
• Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Innovation Grant Recipient
• Cape Chamber of Commerce – Best University Spin-Off Company

FlexiGyn™ - Vas MedTech

1. Royal Academy of Engineering - Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 

2. GQ South Africa Man of the Year Award - GameChanger of the Year

3. Africa Impact Initiative - Africa Impact Challenge Winners

4. SAB Foundation Social Innovation Award - Development Award

Inspyre – Khaya HealthTech

1. Most Promising MedTech Award from the MDMSA at the Mediventors Lion’s Den Conference (2022)
2. 2nd Place overall in Mediventors Lion’s Den Conference (2022)
3. Selected to participate in the Royal Academy of Engineering Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (2024)
4. Shortlisted for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Prize for the Royal Academy of Engineering Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (2024)
5. Winner in the South African Breweries Foundation – Disability Empowerment Awards (2025)