We are grateful to the following partners and sponsors without whom we could not carry out our mission.
Partners
The uBox was developed after extensive discussions with our partner, the Prajnopaya Foundation, which runs TB treatment programs in Bihar, India. The foundation organized our recent training camp for uBox and uPhone training, and 200 patients will use these devices as part of Prajnopaya's treatment program beginning March.
In 2006, Prajnopaya's directly observed therapy (DOT) program treated close to 600 patients. The foundation will use the full functionality (uBox, uKey, uSoft) to improve drug adherence by enabling early and targeted intervention, objective criteria for supervising and rewarding DOT workers, and reducing burden by allowing compliant patients to serve themselves.
Sponsors
MIT IDEAS Competition, the Public Service Center, Jameel Poverty Action Lab
The uBox project was launched in January 2007 in response to the inaugural Yunus Challenge to Alleviate Poverty, which was ÒTo Increase Adherence to Tuberculosis DrugsÓ. The MIT IDEAS competition, Public Service Center and Jameel Poverty Action Lab organized the challenge.
Initial funding for the uBox project came on winning the Yunus Challenge. The MIT PSC has since supported the uBox project by grants and fellowships. Our trip to Bihar over IAP was supported by the PSC. The staff at the PSC have also been great mentors.
National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA)
The uBox won an advanced E-Team grant from the NCIIA in August 2007 which allowed us to develop several iterations of the uBox prototype.
Motorola Research Labs in Schaumburg, IL
Motorola donated the cell phones used to develop the first uPhone prototypes.
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Support from the Legatum Center helped fund the training camp in Bihar in January 2008.
Generous Donors
Many generous individuals have supported the uBox effort by making donations online.