Innovative tech-driven approach targets 300% increase in blood donations within a year
ModFx Labs, a technology-driven initiative, has facilitated blood donations from 38,000 donors in the past two years and aims to boost this figure by 300% within the next year. Founded by five alumni from IIT Bombay, Wharton, and UC Berkeley, ModFx Labs leverages a unique technology platform and incentive program to address India’s critical blood donation challenges.
In January 2023, the five founders—Mandeep Singh, Anant Pokharna, Saurabh Saxena, Kinshuk Jerath, and Pulkit Grover—were leading comfortable lives but felt a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to society. Their research revealed a staggering statistic: a lack of quality blood contributes to the loss of nearly 12,000 lives daily in India. Driven by this alarming data, they dedicated themselves to creating a lasting impact.
“We are five founders of ModFx Labs, graduated from IITB, Wharton, and Berkeley. We are attempting to decipher the blood donation problem using our Technology Platform-based Incentive Program,” said Mandeep Singh.
The founders conceptualized a Location Technology-based Incentive Program to encourage blood donations. Singh proposed partnerships with mobile app companies to access crucial data, while Pokharna emphasized the importance of collaborating with NGOs. Saxena advocated for alliances with government apps, Jerath developed the incentive structure, and Grover focused on optimizing the technology.
The incentive program offers INR 1,000 to each blood donor upon validating their presence at a donation camp. The company’s technology platform tracks donors’ locations by mapping mobile numbers and advertising IDs, ensuring anonymity and non-personally identifiable data use. Blood donors’ mobile numbers are tracked after obtaining explicit SMS consent, aligning with privacy regulations and receiving support from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
ModFx Labs collaborates with multiple NGOs across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh to facilitate donations. The company believes offering attractive incentives is the quickest way to scale up blood donations. “The innovative elements earmarked to intercept the challenge in its Technology Platform are no short of cutting-edge,” said Singh.
The company’s technology platform utilizes advanced data analytics, including Advertising ID-based Mobile Location Data and encrypted mobile number mappings. These elements allow for accurate tracking while maintaining user privacy. The platform is built on a robust framework incorporating repetition, breakthrough awareness, role models, activation, word of mouth, marketing, and growth strategies.
Despite their success, the road ahead presents challenges. Achieving a 300% increase in donations will require collaboration with government bodies, mobile app companies, and investors. “The road ahead will not be easy. Apart from the tough labor, we will need the encouragement and assistance from partners like the Indian Government, the Indian Mobile App Companies, and generous investors,” Singh added.
With their hearts and minds fully immersed in this mission, the founders of ModFx Labs remain steadfast in their resolve. It will be interesting to see how swiftly they can meet their ambitious goals and transform the blood donation landscape in India.
