In remote regions of sub-Saharan Africa, the absence of basic necessities like clean water, reliable electricity, and primary healthcare services is a harsh reality for many. However, a beacon of hope emerges with the establishment of “S Mile Solutions (Pty) Ltd”, a spin-off from the esteemed Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. Based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, this innovative startup is on a mission to transform the landscape by providing smart, small-scale, and off-grid infrastructure solutions mounted on commercially available pick-up trucks.
The vision of “Smart Last Mile Solutions”, or S Mile, is to bridge the gap in infrastructure services along the final stretch, thereby enhancing the living conditions and opportunities for the most vulnerable communities in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Their solutions encompass various essential services, including clean water and electricity supply, storage solutions, hygiene measures, and telecommunications infrastructure to facilitate primary healthcare services, including telemedicine and data management.
Dr. Lothar Schäfer, a founding member of S Mile and former Deputy Director of Fraunhofer IST, emphasized the company’s current focus on providing self-sufficient preclinical platforms for primary healthcare. However, plans for the future are expansive, with intentions to diversify the product range to support sectors such as wildlife conservation, agriculture, mining, tourism, disaster relief, and research platforms.
The genesis of S Mile’s business concept stems from collaborative projects between Fraunhofer IST, Fraunhofer ISE, and the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus at Stellenbosch University (FIP-WEF@SU). The initial prototype for a self-sufficient mobile medical care platform was developed during these joint initiatives. Supported by the Fraunhofer Venture Group and the Fraunhofer Future Foundation, the team of four entrepreneurs, including Dr. Martin Hamann and Frank Neumann, received invaluable assistance in refining their business model and establishing a solid foundation for S Mile.
Looking ahead, S Mile envisions relocation to its commercial property, expanding its workforce, and forging numerous collaborative projects with Fraunhofer. The company plans to recruit engineers, technical administrators, accountants, and sales representatives to bolster its operations. Additionally, collaborations with Fraunhofer and industry partners will drive the further development and deployment of S Mile’s infrastructure solutions. From facilitating joint training programs to coordinating field studies and participation strategies, S Mile aims to make a lasting impact on rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
