Innovation

Fabrilab innovation is the development of three-dimensional prostheses of high quality and low cost that contribute to the good health and well-being of the vulnerable populations in conditions of disability who cannot afford conventional prostheses. Moreover, this solution contributes to reduce inequalities by empowering and enabling these populations. (Wilmer García,2018)

The prostheses are designed and manufactured using their own 3D printers, engineering and modeling services. All these services are paid by private entities, benefactors or directly by low resources people. (Wilmer García, 2018)

The headquarters are located in Bogotá, Colombia. As part of their growth plans they want to extend their business to other cities and even scaling their model to develop other novel solutions through investment in research and development, obtaining more resources, institutional recognition, among other strategies.

“With more resources, we could do much more” claims Wilmer referring to the social commitment of Fabrilab.

They are working in different projects: face mask for burn injuries, leg prosthesis, myoelectric prosthesis, exoskeleton and bioprintring.

Inspiration

The prosthesis initiative was born from an engineering thesis made by Cristian, “Cristian’s cousin suffered an accident and he decided to develop a partial hand prosthesis for him” claims Wilmer

Initially, the project was develop by Cristian with the support of public entities through his first entrepreneurship: “Give me five”

Today, this initiative is part of the social commitment of Fabrilab, and that’s why today Fabrilab is member of the global network Enabling the future which is a platform dedicated to “sharing the open-source designs and stories from a global community of volunteers who are creating free 3D printed hands and arms for those who were born missing fingers or who have lost them due to war, accident, natural disaster or disease”. (http://enablingthefuture.org)

Fabrilab’s inspiration is to be an alternative to improve life quality and well-being of the most vulnerable populations through technology. (Wilmer García, 2018)

Overall impact

The major impact of this innovation lies on improving the health, life quality and well-being of people with upper limb disability, who for economic conditions cannot access to conventional prostheses, Wilmer claims that “the cost ratio between a conventional prosthesis and one prosthesis from us, in Colombia could be 10 to 1”.

Wilmer said: “We decided to focus on children because they are the most vulnerable population, and because they need to change continuously their prostheses while they are growing and these changes are very expensive"

According to Wilmer: Fabrilab goal is to gain resources to improve their investigation center, establish alliances with orthopedic centers and medical institutions in order to reach and benefit more people generating profits for the organization while improving people life.

Besides, they are working on local certifications for these prostheses which will let Fabrilab to provide services to wider population. According to national statistics (DANE), nowadays 260.003 citizens report a disability related to the movement of body, hands, arms and legs from which 21.823 are kids under fourteen years.

It is important to stand out that Fabrilab designs for kids are inspired on superheroes, princesses and other cartoons which help the young users to feel comfortable and safe with their prostheses, allowing them to have a normal life.

Business benefit

The innovation in prosthesis is the core of the organization. On one hand the exposure of their products and services boost the demand of 3D modeling services and 3D printers.

According to Wilmer García, on the other hand, the continuous effort in research and development combined with the certification of the prostheses with the regulatory entity will allow in the short term to improve the scope of Fabrilab´s customers increasing the demand of their products.

Furthermore as Yusef explained the idea is to create an "all inclusive" plan that can be offer to Medical Institutions: 3D scaner, 3D printer, Fabrilab´s prothesis designs and technology, "making sure that we facilitate an easy, succesfull and affordable adaptation process".

Social and environmental benefit

This innovation benefits society because it allows vulnerable people with disabilities to have access to low-cost medical technology solutions with excellent quality and design. (Wilmer García, 2018)

It benefits society by improving life quality of children and adults in disability conditions, giving them the opportunity to solve their difficulties without depending extremely on their economic conditions.

The prosthesis offered by Fabrilab changes people life by giving their users a second chance. This project empower people to overcome adversity.

Interviews

Wilmer García, Cofunder

Yusef Muñoz, Cofunder