The United Arab Emirates (UAE), through in5, a startup incubator for nurturing businesses and ideas, is deploying blockchain, robotics, and 3D printing technologies to instigate the wellbeing and safety of its citizens amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Blockchain-enabled biometrics
Liber Health, an in5 startup, is using a blockchain-powered biometrics platform for patient identification located in Dubai Internet City. It has been able to create a contactless IRIS identification initiative for recognizing patient data by leveraging on blockchain technology. This approach is safer than other biometric identification networks like fingerprint scanners, which have a high probability of spreading pathogens, and this would be counterproductive in stemming COVID-19.
The Managing Director of Dubai Media City, Majed Al Suwaidi, noted, “Dubai has always been a hub for talent, and we enable highly-skilled individuals with innovative ideas to thrive across our sector-focused ecosystems. Some of the sharpest minds are now creating potentially life-saving products and services to beat the virus, while others are proactively reaching out to relevant authorities to provide knowledge and expertise.”
According to Liber Health CEO, Abrar Ahmed, the blockchain-enabled biometrics platform could be instrumental in saving the many lives lost because of medical errors triggered by the absence of auditable health records.
Scalable network
The blockchain-based network is globally compatible and scalable to any healthcare application and electronic medical record (EMR) system.
Another In5 startup called 3Dinova is 3D printing face masks for health practitioners because of the high demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). On the other hand, Junkbot, a hardware technology firm, is encouraging children to participate in the Fight Corona Robotic Championship by developing robotics from recycled house materials.
The blockchain platform seeks to limit contact when taking patients’ biometrics as this approach is necessitated in flattening the coronavirus curve by limiting new cases. Recently, HashCash Consultants revealed its intention of revamping the complicated process of drug research, vaccine development, and clinical trials by presenting blockchain solutions.
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