James Biltaji
James is a Computer Software Development graduate (2018) who is developing the DoseAid® Smart Pillbox, a product that aims to significantly reduce medication non-adherence in the UK by integrating IoT technology with healthcare. The DoseAid is an automatic medication dispenser with built-in WiFi capabilities and a companion mobile application.
This innovative device helps ensure the correct medication dosage is taken on time and most importantly provides alerts and updates to carers and family members via their mobile app if they don’t. In the event of a missed dosage, notifications will be sent out, reducing the risk of potential health complications and related pressures on the healthcare system.
In 2019, James and Matthew Biltaji needed a solution to manage their father’s medication after he had liver transplant surgery.
The medication provided to support his new liver made him forgetful and in order for him to leave the hospital he had to be able to manage his pills. The last thing he wanted was to stay in hospital, and fortunately, they could do their best to help him manage his medication.
They realised that they couldn’t always be there to ensure he took his pills on time and in the right dosage. This was stressful for everyone, especially when he forgot a dose or, as happened occasionally, accidentally double-dosed.
Unfortunately, this problem is not unique. In the UK alone, there are roughly 26 million people who have chronic illnesses. Many people do not take their medication as prescribed, leading to medical issues and costing the NHS around £98 million annually to support people who have had complications due to poor management of medications.
James’ background in Computer Software Development provided the technical expertise needed to create the electronics and DoseAid mobile application, which serves as the control centre for the Pillbox. The app allows users to configure the dispenser, set alarm times, and track medication stock. It also records medication adherence over time, providing valuable data that can be used for further healthcare analysis.
Thanks to winning Innovate UK’s Young Innovator Award 2022/2023, James was able to work closely with a design agency to get a manufacture-ready design of the DoseAid. He hopes to start testing the device with users soon to then move on to mass manufacturing of his product.
In the near future, James hopes to raise additional investment to finalise, manufacture and sell the DoseAid and get it into the hands of people who need it the most.
The Hallam Enterprise Award will go towards building the business traction and creating marketing copy, graphics and advertising. The venture so far has been completely bootstrapped, so any funding is stretched to be as effective as possible.