Our country is currently in a crisis where both the present as well as the future appears bleak and uncertain. The grass is definitely not green on any side. Those at the top have proved to be a disappointment with companies like Uber, Ola, Swiggy and Zomato issuing pay cuts and laying off employees. While this is understandable to a certain extent it is indeed a black mark as no clear compensation has been given. On the other hand, start-ups and small scale retailers have been leading the way with their novel ideas and innovative strategies. Though some have faced the biggest crunch, many have stopped the pandemic from destroying their spirit and playing a spoil sport.
Top venture firms including the US groups like Sequoia and Accel have issued a warning to start-ups claiming the current scenario to be a “ very difficult “ period. Things also don't help as Soft Bank ,a major funder of start ups is itself facing a number of set backs. What will really work now is a set of guidelines issued by the Centre itself collaborating with top economists and entrepreneurs. This follows the model that is currently being practised in different parts of Europe.
Problems seem to be continuously mounting up. Funding for start-ups has drastically reduced after the pandemic and on the other hand the reversal in the FDI policy by the Government is likely to hit these ventures very badly. However survival instincts is a lesson that many Indians have learnt very early in their lives. They thus know that every cloud surely has a silver lining .
Creativity has always been a man's greatest asset and one realizes this only at the toughest hour. Many start-ups however have started following this principle. For instance in Tirupur, D- Venkatesh who owns a water treatment company has built a corona virus disinfectant tunnel. This 16 feet long stainless steel structure is infact easily portable and highly efficient as it immediately sprays disinfectants when people walk across it.
Similarly Asimov Robotics, a Kerala based start-up has deployed robots across public places to spread the message of the corona virus. Also there are several retail stores which have made distribution and the sale of facial masks as their top priority. With Forbes and The Guardian listing masks as the future of fashion( not to forget, an essential part of the future us) these stores have taken it upon them to come up with new and innovative models. This serves their purpose and is a useful commodity in the current pandemic. Yo folks! This is what you call killing two birds with a stone.
Start-ups across India are also providing concrete support to the Government in its fight against the virus.
For instance, Start- ups like Klinicapp are ensuring that rapid tests are carried out at homes and are enabling patients to have online consultation with doctors. In order to meet with the current shortage, Nocca robotics is providing low cost, easy to use and portable ventilators to several rural areas across different states. These are of good quality and are incubated at IIT- Hyderabad and IIT – Kanpur. Several startups have also started donning the thinking cap and here is presenting you certain novel ideas from across the world.
Nigerian start-up Arone is providing eco friendly solutions for the delivery of blood, vaccines and other medical commodities through automatous drones. It is also providing aerial logistics services to several clinics and hospitals to track the delivery of medicines to the patients.
Estonian start-up Healthcode AI provides support to physicians in everyday patient management. It uses Artificial intelligence to diagnose and pre-evaluate patients. A detailed report including the stage of the virus( mild or critical) is then given to the physician who analyses the information and makes the final decision.
These are just cherry picked examples from a huge, an almost endless list. Technology, creation and innovation from the start ups are together combining with the knowledge, skill and experience of medical practitioners and hospitals. This has hugely contributed and in a way speeded up the process of tackling the virus.
One lesson or an input that we need to take from these start-ups is this: never fear the possibility of a change. For instance start-ups ensure that when there is a change in operation they change the way they operate, whenever there is a crisis they bravely face it and put all their attempts to come up with effective solutions. They don't take a reactive approach but a realistic one. They motivate. They innovate. They are instrumental in bringing the desired change.
Your article is such a good read in such times. As we say necessity is the mother of invention....let more such come forth!!
Hi Deepta.. U have done lot of research on how innovative thinking has let few start up from winding up. Last few lines are hit on the nail. Rightly applicable for every industry n individuals too.. I found this atricle motivational.. Good jod dear
True.... The human race is known to come up with great and smart innovations. Tough times that we are going through hasn't dampened our spirits. Loved the article, well researched and there were many start ups that I had no idea about . So good job Deepu.