Zuhlke

NHS COVID-19 app prevents 1 million infections and advances mobile medtech

We designed and developed the UK’s COVID-19 app and supporting infrastructure, helping to prevent an estimated 1 million cases of the virus, corresponding to 9,600 deaths avoided.

• Medically approved app delivered in just 12 weeks
• Downloaded by more than 22 million people
• Prevents 1 million infections, 44,000 hospitalisations, and 9,600 deaths

What we did:

Despite the challenging conditions, we designed, developed, user tested, and launched the beta app in just six weeks – complete with all six mandated features and class 1 ‘medical device’ classification from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Together with the DHSC, we established a multi-disciplinary working group including policy makers, researchers, designers, engineers, plus experts in security, ethics, accessibility and other areas.

This borderless and multidisciplinary approach to innovation – together with our lean delivery approaches and cloud infrastructure – gave the health department the speed and agility to develop and scale the NHS COVID-19 app in just 12 weeks.

Following the national app launch, we designed, developed and deployed new features, such as the ability to search and apply for self-isolation support payments. Each week we continued to launch app updates in line with changing pandemic conditions, policy and guidance.

Innovation and technology can be a positive force for good in business and society. We empower our clients to envision and create a sustainable future.

Zühlke is a global innovation service provider. We empower ideas and create new business models by developing services and products based on new technologies – from initial vision through development, deployment, production, and beyond.

We specialise in strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. Our solutions provide unique business value and a reliable foundation for ongoing success.

Zühlke was founded in Switzerland in 1968 and is owned by its partners. Our 1,900 employees are based in Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hong Kong, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, serving clients from a wide range of industries. Meanwhile, our venture capital arm Zühlke Ventures provides start-up financing in the high-tech sector.