oqni: innovative prosthetics based in Armenia
We at oqni aim to help amputees and war victims sustainably through integrated prosthetics, rehab, and mental health support. As a non-profit R&D platform, we encourage innovation in Armenia by advancing next-generation, AI-powered, 3D-printed prosthetics.
The Problem
- Recurring Need: An estimated ~150+ leg and ~15+ arm amputations were caused by the recent war -- further contributing to an estimated total of ~5,000 local amputees. Prosthetics are being replaced every ~3 years, creating a recurring need.
- Lack of knowledge, tech, and production: available tech and knowledge is outdated and oftentimes dependent on expensive imports.
- Lack of funds: State funds can subsidize only up to ~2,500 USD for a mechanical prosthesis. A standard prosthesis costs ~7,000 USD. Thus, even standard quality/functionality items remain unaffordable.
- Lack of proper support and rehabilitation: current approach to wider amputee rehab and support is basic and can be unattainable. Moreover, little assessment of usability is done.
Our Solution
- End-to-end Prosthesis, Rehab and Mental Health Care: Together with our partners -- incl. TUMO Labs, the American University of Armenia and leading prosthetics companies -- we are set to build an unprecedented, integrated care system for amputees.
- State-of-the-art technologies to reduce costs: Benefitting from advancements in robotics, bionics and 3D tech, we will significantly reduce costs through rapid prototyping and lean manufacturing, benefitting the largest amount of the growing disabled community.
- Developing local know-how for global applications: oqni will develop local talent to turn Armenia into a hub for assistive technologies, and benefit communities globally through cutting-edge research.
Our Projects
Why Donate?
- Sustainable Help with war victims & amputees: Help the victims of the recent war and general amputees through a sustainable approach of developing local prosthetics production and maintenance.
- Innovation into next-gen Prosthetics Technology: Support prosthetics innovation seeking to improve the lives of amputees through Armenian-based R&D and technology development.
- Educating Future Engineers: Provide high-quality educational opportunities for diverse engineers.
How YOUR donation could make a difference:
Selected cost items:
- $100 - Estimated cost of custom-made metal and fiber pieces and shafts for prototyping a prosthetic foot
- $250 - Estimated cost of producing custom-made high-quality, waterproof and sturdy prosthetic covers
- $1,200 - Approx. gross monthly salary of a full-time engineer in Armenia
- $4,000 - Cost of a High-Performance Engineering Laptop
- $25,000 - Medium-sized SLS 3D-printer (e.g. Formlabs Fuse 1)
- $40,000 - Assembly of the UoM OSL-Bionic Leg Prototype in Armenia incl. with spare parts
YOUR donation would help us advance our R&D projects, educate next-generation engineers, and most importantly help war victims and amputees through a sustainable and innovative approach.
Projected Timeline
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About Us
oqni is a non-profit NGO registered in the Republic of Armenia and founded by an interdisciplinary team of both local and Diasporan Armenians across the US, Canada, France, UK, and DE.
This fundraiser is part of our total fundraising efforts for our Phase I - which includes producing prosthetics covers, creating a minimal viable product for our mechanical prosthetics as well as advancing our research into bionic prosthetics.
Contact Us
Visit our Website: www.oqni.org & sign up for our newsletter to learn more & for regular updates.