The Blackfrog Technologies, a startup supported by Department of Biotechnology-Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (DBT-BIRAC), has developed Emvolio, a portable, battery-operated medical-grade refrigeration device, and it is already revolutionising the last-mile delivery of vaccines at remote locations.  

The device developed by the startup is capable of improving the efficiency of the immunization by strictly maintaining preset temperature for up to 12 hours, thus enabling the safe and efficient transportation of vaccines to the last mile.

Emvo´lio has a 2-litre capacity, enabling it to carry 30-50 vials, the standard for a daylong immunization campaign. The device also includes continuous temperature monitoring, location tracking, state-of-charge indication, communication with headquarters via live-tracking, and vital statistics for improved coverage, said the statement.

Emvo´lio’s patented technology ensures that all contents in the cold chamber are blanketed in strictly temperature-controlled air. The underlying refrigeration mechanism is solid-state cooling with a smart PID (Proportional Integral Derivate) controller, which guarantees precise temperature maintenance without the risk of noxious refrigerant leakage or cross-contamination. The lack of motors/compressors or any moving parts enables low-maintenance operation. The unique design of Emvo´lio promises uniform cooling and minimal freeze-thaw cycles.

Due to its ability of the device to strictly maintain the temperature between 2°C and 8°C for up to 12 hours in the field, the device is being used as a platform for delivery of vaccines and all other biologicals like blood, serums, viral culture. The innovation solves the current challenge of last-mile vaccine delivery as currently iceboxes, which have no mechanism for temperature control and regulation, are being used. The absence of temperature control and regulation in iceboxes also poses the risk of accidental freezing and thawing, rendering the temperature-sensitive vaccines inefficacious.

The Blackfrog Technologies has received grants from BIRAC under SEED fund, Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme for the development of proof-of-concept, Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP) for developing an end-to-end vaccine traceability system and has also been supported through BioNEST incubators.