Raagdeep Raj is a distinguished PhD Research Scholar at IIT Guwahati, Co-founder of Kaizenith Consultants, and a Research Fellow at GIFU University, Japan. His work is at the forefront of innovation, focusing on the development of cutting-edge biomaterials and biomedical devices aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. As part of his research, Raagdeep is collaborating with the Biomedical Devices and Biomaterials Lab at IIT Guwahati, where he is working on pioneering solutions for a range of medical challenges.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Raagdeep delves into his groundbreaking work on biomedical devices designed to address issues such as diabetic foot and ankle complications. He elaborates on the design process, the potential impact of these products, and the plans for scaling up and commercializing them. Raagdeep also highlights other exciting projects he is currently developing, shedding light on the innovative solutions he is creating for the healthcare sector. Below are the key insights from this engaging interview.
Q: Can you share some insights into the innovative products you are currently developing and how they stand out in the market?
A: At the Biomedical Devices and Biomaterials Lab at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, we are developing cutting-edge biomaterials and biomedical devices that address critical healthcare challenges. Among the many innovations we have created, two key products stand out: a biodegradable material and a customized footwear solution.
The customized footwear solution, in particular, was developed as part of a DBT-funded initiative, where we focused on tackling diabetic foot and ankle issues. A year ago, we identified a gap in the market for personalized footwear solutions for such conditions. In response, we designed a system that allows medical clinics to capture a full standing impression of patients’ feet. This impression is then used to create a tailor-made footwear solution that is fabricated centrally and delivered to the patient. Our model operates on a B2B basis, making it easier for healthcare providers to offer individualized, high-quality solutions to their patients, improving their overall healthcare experience.
Q: What strategies are you implementing to scale up production and meet growing demand?
A: Our initial target is to produce 500 units in the first year, with a focused launch in Delhi. Once we achieve this milestone, we plan to scale our operations and expand into other cities. We anticipate beginning the commercialization process within the next month or two, laying the groundwork for broader distribution and further growth in the coming phases.
Q: Could you highlight other products you’ve developed using biodegradable materials and their impact on sustainability?
A: We’re showcasing our innovative cutlery and toy designs, which include biodegradable options aimed at reducing environmental impact. Alongside these products, we have samples of biodegradable pellets. These versatile pellets enable us to injection-mold a wide range of sustainable products, allowing us to create eco-friendly alternatives that maintain quality and durability across different applications.
Q: Could you provide more details about the sheet you’ve displayed here and its unique features?
A: Here, we have a biodegradable polyethylene sheet created as a sustainable alternative to traditional poly bags. This innovative product, developed by another lab, holds promising potential in eco-friendly packaging solutions. While I’m not directly involved with its ongoing development, I can share that the project is backed by Oil India, which provides the lab with robust support, advanced facilities, and comprehensive production capabilities. These resources enable them to refine each prototype and ensure high-quality standards in manufacturing, positioning them well to make meaningful contributions to sustainable product innovation.
