Principal investigator: Chandrasekhar Nataraj
University: Villanova University
Industry partner: EFE Labs
Acting rapidly in response to the COVID pandemic, a team from Villanova University (led by the key personnel on this proposal) developed a prototype emergency ventilator, NovaVent. The prototype was rigorously tested to show its potential for emergency use. Based on these results, the team has received a provisional patent and submitted an application for EUA approval. Building on this device and the team’s collective expertise, we propose to develop a field deployable ventilator that is based upon our NovaVent technology platform. By leveraging the considerable and ongoing R&D work at Villanova on NovaVent and EFE’s advanced manufacturing expertise, we are confident in our ability to develop and deliver a high-quality, rugged, cost-competitive field ventilator.
There is a demonstrable gap in the domestic and global supply chains for an affordable and rugged field ventilator for applications including emergency response and preparedness, disaster relief and combat situations. Villanova University and EFE Labs are uniquely qualified to undertake this effort to develop a production ready field ventilator, to include an alpha run of three production ready devices.
The project’s impact on manufacturing is expected to be significant. Our goal is to partner with manufacturers like EFE to produce a line of affordable, high-quality ventilators to address different markets like emergency response, military and humanitarian relief. We see no better place to grow this technology and product line than right here in PA where this initiative took root.