In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, millions of people struggle to access prosthetics and assistive devices, hindering their ability to live independently and participate fully in society. Despite the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasising the importance of access to mobility aids and assistive technologies, the reality is that only one in ten people in need have access to these life-changing tools. The high cost, lack of awareness, lack of availability, lack of trained personnel, poor policy, and lack of financing all contribute to this gap. As a result, individuals who require prostheses or orthoses are often excluded, isolated, and locked into poverty, increasing the burden of morbidity and physical impairment. However, Nneile Nkholise, a pioneering mechanical engineering technologist, is revolutionising the field of prosthetics and medical technology to address this critical issue.
Born in South Africa, Nkholise holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Central University of Technology, where she also completed her Master’s research. During her studies, Nkholise discovered the potential of additive manufacturing in creating prostheses for breast cancer survivors and mastectomy patients. This sparked the idea to use 3D printing to create affordable and customised prosthetic breast forms. She aims to provide 1,000 prostheses to women who cannot afford them, changing countless lives.
Thus, Nkholise founded the iMedTech Group, a biotechnology company specialising in designing and manufacturing custom-made medical solutions to improve the lives of Africans. She employs African women under 30 with mechanical engineering research experience. Through iMedTech, she designs and manufactures affordable and customised devices, including prosthetic breast forms, dental aligners, and surgical planning models. Her mission is to transform healthcare and improve the quality of life for individuals who have lost body parts due to disease or accidents.
Leveraging 3D printing and other technologies, Nkholise creates customised devices that cater to individual needs. Her company uses mathematical modelling and AI to filter data and strengthen the accuracy of results. This enables the creation of digital 3D models of athletes, helping medical specialists plan complex bone surgeries and predict injury risks.
Empowering women and expanding horizons in medical Innovation
Nkholise’s dedication to empowering women is evident in her work. She encourages young women to pursue engineering careers and employs women at iMedTech, bridging the gender gap and equipping them with skills and knowledge. Thus, her innovative approach has earned her recognition as one of Africa’s top female innovators at the World Economic Forum and featured in Forbes Africa Woman magazine. Despite facing challenges in creating affordable and accessible assistive devices, Nkholise has successfully produced high-quality products at a lower cost.
Looking ahead, Nkholise plans to expand her impact by scaling production to reach more people. Through her company, 3DIMO, she aims to optimize injury detection and prevention using athlete-specific orthopaedic biomechanics data. With an efficiency goal of 98%, Nkholise is dedicated to making medical products more personalized and accessible. Her pioneering work transforms healthcare, uplifts women, and improves lives through innovation and determination.
