Pioneering a New Era in Medical Technology: The First Open Healthware Certifications Arrive
The landscape of healthcare innovation is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the principles of openness and collaboration. At the forefront of this movement is the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA), which has just announced a groundbreaking milestone: the first official Open Healthware Certifications.
For years, OSHWA has championed open source hardware, providing a vital certification program that assures creators and users alike that certified devices adhere to rigorous community-defined standards. This familiar certification logo has become a beacon of trust and transparency in the open hardware world.
Forging the Open Healthware Ecosystem
Over the past two years, fueled by a National Science Foundation POSE III grant, OSHWA embarked on an ambitious journey to bridge the gap between health and open hardware. This initiative culminated in the creation of the Open Healthware ecosystem and, crucially, a specialized certification process tailored specifically for open health devices. This endeavor was made possible by the invaluable support and collaborative spirit of the global open healthware community.
Today, we proudly spotlight the inaugural cohort of certified Open Healthware projects. These pioneering devices represent the vanguard of accessible, transparent, and community-driven medical technology.
Spotlight on Innovation: The First Certified Devices
Open-LIFU: Precision Ultrasound for Research (IUD US00002844)
From the innovators at Openwater comes the Open-LIFU, a Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound platform designed for cutting-edge research. This sophisticated device features a compact console that generates high-voltage drive signals and precisely coordinates timing, making it an ideal fit for any laboratory bench. It pairs with a wearable transducer headset, offering one or two 64-element 2D matrix transmit modules, all powered by robust open-source software.
Researchers gain unparalleled control with every parameter of a sonication sequence being fully programmable. Adding to its advanced capabilities, the transducer leverages an Android device for precise localization through photogrammetric reconstruction. For a deeper dive into this project, mark your calendars for the August 2026 episode of Show & Tell Monthly, featuring Openwater’s own Dan Blizinski.
Universal Mounting System: Adaptability in Healthcare Environments (IUD KE0000001)
Addressing a common need for versatility in medical settings, the Universal Mounting System offers a brilliant series of 3D-printed attachments. Designed for seamless integration into hospital environments, this system includes a range of hooks, holders, and clamps. These components are mutually compatible with a versatile back piece that can securely mount to walls, hospital beds, trolleys, poles, and more.
The ingenious design allows front pieces to accommodate specific tools, such as humidifier bottles and handheld pulse oximeters, providing a vast array of use cases and enhancing operational efficiency across various medical scenarios.
COSMIIC: A Breakthrough in Implantable Neuro-modulation (IUD US00002851)
COSMIIC stands out as a truly unique and transformative project within the Open Healthware ecosystem. Previously highlighted on the OSHWA site, COSMIIC is distinguished by its role as a fully implantable neuro-modulation platform. Developed with support from NIH SPARC funding, this innovative device has already spurred numerous research projects, particularly exploring its potential for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
To learn more about the profound impact of COSMIIC, be sure to catch Chris Rexrothi from COSMIIC on the August 2026 episode of Show & Tell Monthly.
Join the Movement: Certify Your Open Healthware Today!
These initial four certifications are just the beginning. OSHWA is eager to see this number expand, fostering a robust and diverse ecosystem of open health devices. Projects certified through the specialized Healthware process will also be proudly listed in the general OSHWA Certification database, ensuring broad visibility.
If you are developing open health hardware, we strongly encourage you to submit your project for Open Healthware certification today. Stay informed about the latest certifications by following our dedicated certification bot on Mastodon, and become a part of this exciting revolution in healthcare technology.
Article by Sam Freeman, Online Editor at Make. Sam builds interactive art, collects retro tech, and tries to get robots to make things for him. Learn more at samtastic.co, or on socials @samdiyfreeman.
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