Zipline, a commercial drone delivery company founded 10 years ago, has recently completed its 1 millionth commercial drone delivery, showcasing its ability to deliver blood and other health-related materials to hospitals in hard-to-reach areas in Africa. The South San Francisco-based firm has expanded its services to include delivering food and goods for restaurants and retailers as well, making it a versatile logistics company with a focus on improving healthcare delivery in developing countries.
The company’s founders initially sought to improve healthcare delivery in Africa by researching tech solutions that could have a significant impact on people’s lives. By focusing on the needs of doctors and patients, they realized the potential of using drones to deliver medicine and other essential products. Through conversations with healthcare professionals, they identified the urgent need for blood deliveries, leading to the development of a drone capable of transporting life-saving materials to hospitals in remote areas.
After successfully delivering blood to a hospital in Rwanda, Zipline received requests for vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and other critical supplies from healthcare officials. This led to the expansion of their drone delivery services in Rwanda and later into Ghana, where they now operate in five African countries. The company’s expansion also includes partnerships with health systems, restaurants, and retailers in the U.S., contributing to a more streamlined delivery system and cost savings for their clients.
In 2021, Zipline began delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) in the U.S. and later expanded to transport pharmaceuticals and other products for Walmart near its headquarters in Pea Ridge, Arkansas. They have since expanded operations to Dallas and partnered with Intermountain Health in Utah, showing the versatility and scalability of their services. The company is also exploring new technologies such as a second platform for delivering directly to homes, allowing them to expand their focus on serving restaurants and retailers.
Zipline’s success in reducing blood supply waste by 67% in hospitals, as reported in a study in The Lancet, demonstrates the impact of their technology on improving healthcare delivery and logistics. With contracts with over 20 health systems, restaurants, and retailers in the U.S., including prestigious organizations like Cleveland Clinic and the U.K.’s National Health Service, Zipline is making strides in transforming the way essential supplies are delivered to those in need. Their expansion into Japan and partnerships with major retailers like GNC, Sweetgreen, and Panera further solidify their position as a leader in drone logistics and healthcare delivery.
