Chicago-based startup Neopenda is using crowdfunding with Republic to enable expansion of its clinical pilots and bring awareness to its work on a newborn vital sign monitoring device.

Neopenda is currently developing a medical device that is designed for underserved markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. The device is a wireless wearable vital sign monitor that measures pulse rate, respiratory rate, peripheral blood oxygen saturation and temperature of newborns being cared for in hospitals in low-resource areas. The company suggests that the device helps healthcare providers in overcrowded and understaffed hospitals give more effective care to at-risk newborns.

“At Neopenda, we are laser-focused on involving our users and stakeholders in emerging markets in the design of our product and our business strategy. By raising funds on Republic, we have the opportunity to closely involve supporters at home in Neopenda’s growth as well,” Sona Shah, Neopenda’s CEO, said in a press release.

Republic is an investment platform founded in early 2016 that accredited and non-accredited individuals can invest in startups.

“Republic is pleased to host this open investment opportunity in Neopenda and provide Neopenda with an alternative way of raising capital for their work,” Kendrick Nguyen, CEO of Republic, said.