Students develop the world’s first solar-powered ambulance
Stella Juva demonstrates how Brainport technology is making a social impact
Solar Team Eindhoven has unveiled Stella Juva: the world’s first solar-powered ambulance. The vehicle runs entirely on solar power and also supplies power to medical equipment. The student team aims to make medical care accessible in places where electricity and fuel are scarce. Next month, the team will travel to Kenya to test the solar ambulance in real-world conditions.
From knowledge to social impact
Solar Team Eindhoven consists of 23 students from various degree programmes who take a year’s break from their studies to develop an innovation together. Following previous world firsts, such as the solar camper Stella Vita and the off-road solar car Stella Terra, the team deliberately chose to tackle a social challenge this year.
In collaboration with Amref Health Africa, the students investigated where sustainable energy could make a difference to healthcare. Their research revealed that the lack of reliable energy is a major obstacle to healthcare in remote areas. Stella Juva was developed precisely to provide a solution in these areas.
Bringing healthcare to people
Stella Juva is not a traditional ambulance that transports patients to hospital. Instead, the solar-powered ambulance brings healthcare directly to the patient. On board, there is space for, amongst other things, a mobile X-ray machine, ultrasound equipment, vaccines and other medical supplies. Thanks to its solar panels, the vehicle is expected to be able to travel 715 kilometres on a sunny day without relying on charging points or fuel.
Testing in Kenya
In August, Solar Team Eindhoven will travel to Kenya to test Stella Juva under realistic conditions. Together with local partners, various healthcare scenarios will be simulated to investigate how the solar ambulance performs in practice. The team aims to cover hundreds of kilometres powered entirely by solar energy.
Innovation starts with talent
Stella Juva demonstrates what Brainport stands for: giving talent the space to work alongside businesses, knowledge institutions and civil society organisations to find solutions to global challenges. From sustainable mobility to accessible healthcare, innovation takes on meaning when technology is used to improve people’s lives.
Photography by: Bart van Overbeeke
