It is a dream that has been five years in the making and this must be a very proud moment for Herbert Weirather, Mirko Cesena and the folks at Swiss drone logistics start-up, Jedsy; following the announcement that they have partnered with a German healthcare operator to launch a medical drone logistics operation in the country.

Founded by billionaire Bernard Broermann, who opened the first hospital in 1984, Asklepios Kliniken is a German hospitals company, one of Germany’s three largest operators of private hospitals. It employs more than 67,000 people, and owns 170 hospitals worldwide.

Now Asklepios and its subsidiary Medilys, a laboratory and diagnostic services provider, will be working with Jedsy’s Gliders to embark on drone deliveries of blood, tissue, samples and other medical suppliers between Asklepios’s hospitals and diagnostics labs.

The partners have stated that they have already been working out logistics for the first routes of the new network – adding that they also have plans for a ‘further 49 connections’ following the initial launch.

“Extensive investigations are already underway for the first routes, including ambitious plans for further 49 connections,” the start-up said in a statement.

“This bold expansion underscores Asklepios’ steadfast commitment to efficiently serve an ever-growing healthcare network, ensuring patients have timely access to care precisely where and when it’s needed most. The drone delivery’s superior speed, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced accessibility reflect their dedication to pioneering healthcare logistics.”

For some time, Jedsy’s founders traversed the world, in search of a home where they would perfect their Glider, a prototype delivery drone which they hoped would solve healthcare logistics challenges in far flung communities.

“At the heart of Jedsy’s innovation lies a concept that has electrified the logistics industry: direct docking of their advanced delivery drones at the recipient’s window or balcony, resulting in unparalleled speed and precision in medical supply delivery.”

The Gliders can dock outside the window or balcony and loading and unloading only takes a few seconds and can take place in any weather, conveniently from the window.

The Jedsy Mailbox docking station also charges the Jedsy Gliders within 60 seconds, which makes operations extremely simple and versatile.

“Jedsy’s ingenious docking stations which double as charging hubs, enables an unprecedented level of automation and decentralisation within their delivery network. The unique landing and docking mechanism do cut the intralogistics and provides an unparallel customer experience for shipments. This innovation not only ensures lightning-fast deliveries but also promises remarkable cost-efficiency.”

Malawi opened its doors, gave Jedsy space to perfect their drone; and today, the start-up finally has the chance to introduce itself to the world on a bigger stage.

The parties reckon that – just like other drone delivery ventures before them – their new collaboration will usher in further transformation in healthcare logistics, in fulfilment of the Jedsy mantra, Delivery when it Matters

“In addition to solidifying this partnership, Jedsy and Asklepios have a grander vision in mind that is not just addressing inefficiencies in the supply chain and adding speed to healthcare to increase quality, but measurable add to the sustainability targets through reducing emission, noise and operating time of machinery.

“By adopting Jedsy’s cutting-edge delivery drone technology, this collaboration is set to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Compared to conventional car-based medical supply deliveries, the partnership is expected to achieve a remarkable reduction of up to 99 percent in carbon emissions.

“This substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions reflects their shared dedication to building a greener, more environmentally conscious future.”

Asklepios has only recently been nominated for the finals of the 16^th German Sustainability Award in the healthcare sector, the biggest award in this field in Germany.

Jedsy has also made successful trial operations in India, and in Switzerland where it has worked with laboratory group, Dr Risch, to deliver samples.

With demand growing, Jedsy expects one hundred long-range Jedsy drones are anticipated to be in service.

The start-up has also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with multiple organisations, which include Garuda Aerospace and KL Tech City in India, to scale out drone deliveries in the country.

Malawi’s health ministry and Shire Highlands Development Trust also signed an MoU with Jedsy to deliver medical supplies to hospitals and health centres around the country.