One of Eleven Innovators & Entrepreneurs Recognized for Helping Create Jobs and Grow the U.S. Economy
Cambridge, MA (May 29, 2013) -- Sproxil, a leading provider of world-class brand protection for emerging markets, is proud to announce that CEO Dr. Ashifi Gogo was honored today in a White House Ceremony for Immigrant Innovators "Champions of Change." According to the White House press release, the Champions event "highlights immigrant innovators and entrepreneurs – the best and brightest from around the world who are helping create American jobs, grow our economy, and make our nation more competitive."
Based on Dr. Gogo's innovation, Sproxil's Mobile Product AuthenticationTM (MPATM) solution allows consumers to verify products are genuine by using a mobile phone and a free (SMS) text message. While the solution can be used for any tangible product, MPA solution's first application is addressing the need to combat counterfeit medication.
Upon purchasing medication, consumers scratch a label revealing a one-time use code, then text the code to a secure number provided on the package. As part of the MPA technology, the text message is processed to determine the drug's genuineness. Within seconds, the end user is notified, via text, of the result. Alternatively, consumers can call a consumer support desk to get results in their local language.
The solution is deployed in developing regions of Africa and Asia; it is offered in Nigeria, India, Kenya (serving East Africa), and Ghana (serving West Africa).
As of March 2013, over 3.8 million products had been verified using the MPA Solution. Sproxil has won awards from the Clinton Global Initiative and IEEE, amongst others. Most recently, the company was ranked #1 in health care and #7 overall in Fast Company® Magazine's World's 50 Most Innovative Companies and was honored with the U.S. Department of Commerce "Patents for Humanity" Award.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2013
White House Highlights Dr. Ashifi Gogo as an Immigrant Innovator "Champion of Change"
WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, May 29th, the White House will honor Dr. Ashifi Gogo as one of eleven people who are Immigrant Innovator "Champions of Change." This Champions event will highlight immigrant innovators and entrepreneurs – the best and brightest from around the world who are helping create American jobs, grow our economy, and make our nation more competitive.
"Immigrants have long made America more prosperous and innovative, and the Champions we are celebrating today represent the very best in leadership, entrepreneurship, and public service," said US Chief Technology Officer Todd Park. "We are proud to recognize these leaders who work every day to grow our economy, advance science and technology, and support their home communities."
The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature groups of Americans – individuals, businesses and organizations – who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.
To watch this event live, visit www.whitehouse.gov/live at 11:00 am ET on May 29th. To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program and nominate a Champion, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.
Dr. Ashifi Gogo, Cambridge, MA
Dr. Ashifi Gogo is the CEO of Sproxil, a social enterprise that empowers consumers in emerging markets with mobile technology to combat the $600 billion counterfeit goods industry. Under his leadership, Sproxil developed its award-winning Mobile Product Authentication™ (MPATM) technology that has been used on over 100 million products by more than 2 million consumers to verify the authenticity of their medication. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton described Sproxil as "a genuinely remarkable achievement... [it's] empowering...putting people in charge of their own healthcare." Sproxil's MPA solution is now used on multiple continents and in many industries including pharmaceutical products, automotive, garment, and fast-moving consumer goods.
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