Exclusive Interview with Dr. Nadeera Nilupamali, Co-Founder ImmunifyMe, by Shameena Pallie
“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for our own improvement and, at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity.” Marie Curie
With the development of communication technology and availability of data, the world has become smaller, flooding every individual with a myriad types of information, accessible at a click of a button. Using technology for a good cause requires not just rational thinking, but also a deep sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of society. Today we speak to one such person who dedicated her efforts and knowledge towards uplifting not just the nation, but the world at large. The pearl of the Indian Ocean has produced a gem of an individual, Dr Nadeera Nilupamali, who has made a global impact in the competitive health industry, with the introduction of a revolutionary software system; ImmunifyMe (immunify.me).
Over the years, Sri Lanka has been facing challenges in maintaining records pertaining to a child’s immunization. Despite efforts to keep the immunization card safe, it was identified that the document either gets lost or destroyed. The ImmunifyMe system was created with the objective of maintaining immunization records to resolve this issue.
The passion to keep everyone safe, helping the less fortunate, and the desire to keep society updated in taking safety precautions, was the idea behind this unique software system. This technology ensures no child is left behind. We, at Lanka Business News had the privilege of meeting Dr Nadeera Nilupamali, a scholar, virologist, researcher and entrepreneur, who offers the world a brilliant solution, and long awaited good news for physicians and care givers.
Q1. ImmunifyMe has gained Global Recognition. How did you reach such Heights?
The foundation of any startup is all about trust. ImmunifyMe was co-founded by me in 2017 along with my brother and a trusted business partner. Overcoming all odds, the project ‘ImmunifyMe’ has been recognized internationally, while creating a sound global presence. I believe that it holds a promising future in the entire global health sector, especially with our expansion to countries such as Chile, Luxembourg, India and countries in the African continent. We have also introduced ImmunifyMe in Sri Lanka, with the intention of giving a solution to the challenges in storage and accessibility of data. Our primary application is to replace the ‘Child Health Record Book’ with a digitized card. This will give Doctors, decision makers & parents a guaranteed, recorded & up-to-date method of managing the child immunization process. ImmunifyMe has great potential in contributing to this very important segment in the global health arena.
Q2. How does ImmunifyMe help users?
ImmunifyMe has transformed the tracking process, replacing paper with instant data; anytime, anywhere in the world. The system ensures the availability of comprehensive recorded information about the child’s immunization process. A tedious task of recording data manually, with no set system of storage or retrieval of such vital data, is taken over by ImmunifyMe. Due to the integrated reminding system, around the clock updates and retrieval of data, ImmunifyMe is a convenient tool, especially apt during an outbreak.
Our Health Care system is run by highly skilled and hard working professionals. However, their true potential sometimes is not utilized due to time constraints in data retrieval or data collection. Most systems at present use analog technology or manual recording methods. Our products will help digitalize some of the most crucial areas in the health sector making the system much more efficient than anything we have had. Applications that we are hoping to introduce will make life easy for a great number of health sector staff, and other users such as researchers and individuals, as it is relevant to present times. This could be just the first step of many ventures for multiple aspects in the health industry.
Q3. What made you take the Overseas Market first and now Sri Lanka?
There is a general notion that local inventions are not on par, and often below international standards. The idea that technology and products introduced from overseas are far superior is sometimes detrimental to locally produced exceptional offerings. Even though Sri Lankans are capable, and have come up with amazing concepts and inventions, some of it do not survive or come to life from the drawing boards, due to this misconception in society. Therefore, many inventors in Sri Lanka have not been able to introduce their ground breaking innovations. I thought of overcoming this challenge by working around the system. As a result my company ImmunifyMe, is an internationally accredited, proven and tested brand, with a local heritage.
Q4. Tell us about Dr Nadeera Nilupamali?
I consider myself fortunate to have been born to such a wonderful family as mine. Being the youngest with two older brothers, I was protected and loved unconditionally. My mother was a teacher and my father was in business. My foundation was laid by a well-rounded family with an educational and entrepreneurial background. The caring environment I grew up in, inspired me to be the considerate, passionate person I am today, especially when it comes to contributing towards the progression of society.
I am an award winning young Scientist who has, against all odds, been a pioneer in the Sri Lankan startup culture. I believe in this quote by Tom Fletcher, more than anything in my life.
“An achievement is not a finish line; it’s a checkpoint on a far greater journey. It’s a moment to pause, to take a breath and look back and enjoy what you’ve experienced and be grateful for it, but then to turn around and look towards the next checkpoint, the next achievement.” Tom Fletcher.
This is my mantra and living by it is my key to success; always looking for the next opportunity to help my Motherland. Looking back, I have never given up in the face of adversary. Disappointments were some of the greatest lessons in my life. I overcame my challenges, and never stopped. Every obstacle and stumbling block, only made me stronger. Every situation was an inspiration to accomplish more.
Q5. How does your Service contribute to Government and Private sectors, and Society at large?
If one thing is true about our products & concepts, we are totally innovative & from another era! Of course competition is strong in any market, especially for a good product; but I can tell you with absolute confidence, that the products we offer are truly revolutionary. You can produce medicine, & even counterfeit them, but futuristic ideas are only born in one’s wisdom. Creativity cannot be copied. It is only a gift that must be used wisely.
We are facing an unprecedented pandemic and going through a challenging time with the spread of COVID 19. We can witness the relentless efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to keep the public safe, albeit a huge price and numerous sacrifices. We are in the process of developing and testing an online application to keep every Sri Lankan safe. This application will allow them to attend their regular daily chores without hindering the safety of the community. This application, once implemented will allow us to get back to our normal lives as a nation that has adapted well. We hope that our efforts towards this cause will contribute to the advancement of Sri Lanka, and help re-start our nation.
We are constantly innovating and creating ideas that are ground breaking; to offer products that will make a global impact. The way the world is evolving, the very fabric of society keeps changing. That will not stop us from revolutionizing and continuously improvising.
Q6. What do you envision for the Future?
My dream is that one day “immunify.me” will become a global giant with a Sri Lankan footprint. Most importantly, I envision a world that could save the 3 million children that are deprived from vaccination. I want this system to be fully utilized in the health industry as a reliable tool for enhancing the health & wellbeing of society.
Q8. Your advice to an upcoming Scientist?
Do not try to ‘fit into a system’. Challenge it. Never confine yourself to limiting beliefs. This calls for unwavering faith in yourself and a clearly defined greater purpose of life. Fuel that end goal with passion. Most importantly do not research on any subject unless you have a passion for it.
Q9. How does a Sri Lankan Education help build a ‘Think tank’ of Intellects?
I could proudly say my roots run through our education system. Of course the global exposure and my professional education, from a variety of world renowned prestigious institutions helped shaped my career and entire life. I can see a growing trend towards information communication technology and robotics for children, in schools. It is evident that technology is an undoubtedly important subject to be included in the curriculum. I am pleased to see a more futuristic and progressive approach to the education in Sri Lanka, which is a clear sign of national development. Amongst world geniuses, we have had many Sri Lankans who are the outcome of our education. I am happy and grateful that it is available for everyone. I hope, one day every Sri Lankan child will be enrolled as a student in their own specialization in universities.
Q10. Your greatest Success Story?
In the year 2018 we had an opportunity to participate in a global event, “Startup Thailand 2018“, held in Bangkok, Thailand. This competition was designed to identify ‘ideas that would have a Global Impact’. We presented our idea at this competition, amongst 20,000 other great concepts. Around 150-200 such ideas were shortlisted and allowed to be presented before an eminent panel of judges. I successfully presented “immunify.me” – this was our first time as ImmunifyMe on a stage! Making my country and family proud, this was the very first time “Immunify.me” had a global audience and was awarded “Top Global Impact Performer”. This, to me was a real milestone in our journey and my greatest success story – a day I will always reminisce with great pride and gratitude. The award and exposure is evidence that we can achieve more than we could ever imagine. Fix your goals, strategize and move, never looking back until you reach the pinnacle.
Doctor Nadeera tells us how her upbringing was instrumental in shaping her thoughts, especially when it comes to constantly looking for ways of giving back to the world. Her greatest inspiration and motivation comes from one of our greatest assets; children, the future of our country. The undoubtable truth of becoming a solid society and culture, solely depends on our foundation that has to be strong. Our children must be immune to sustain and take our society to the next level.
A true patriot, Dr Nilupamali, has placed Sri Lanka on the world map, and we are indeed proud to see such talent from our little nation. ImmunifyMe has had immense success, and gained global recognition, thus placing the offering on a significantly high level of acceptance and credibility. We at LBN ardently hope to see many more such talented intellectuals, who are passionately driving a ‘social mission’ for a better world.
