Yesterday AdvaMed announced a new online platform that unites ventilator companies and component suppliers to accelerate the production and distribution of ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vent Connect was created as a pro bono collaborative project between AdvaMed, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Google and other industry organizations.
“Unprecedented challenges offer unique opportunities to think outside the box, to harness ingenuity and innovation for the greater good, and this partnership is a prime example,” said Eric Fanning, president and CEO of AIA in a press release. “Working hand-in-hand, across multiple dynamic industries will not only help meet the increased demand for ventilators, it can also serve as a model for strategic collaboration in the future.”
“In just one month, ZOLL quintupled our production of ventilators, on the way to a 25-fold overall increase, to meet the demands of this global crisis,” said Jonathan Rennert, CEO of Zoll Medical Corp. “This rapid mobilization to save lives puts tremendous strain on the supply chain, so the ability to safely, securely, and quickly find and communicate with qualified suppliers through VentConnect is a game changer—and it will help save lives.”
Ventilator companies can use Vent Connect to generate secure spreadsheets that list parts and components they need. From there suppliers can fill out an application that indicates their capacity to fulfill the need.