By: Seraphina Quinn
If you’ve ever spent time in a hospital or clinic, you’ve probably noticed those red sharps containers mounted on the walls. They’re easy to overlook – until they’re overflowing. For Dr. Chinelo Pearl Nwaogbo, these containers represent both a critical safety risk and an opportunity for innovation that could enhance healthcare safety.
“I’ve seen it happen too many times,” says Dr. Nwaogbo, her voice carrying the weight of 15 years of healthcare experience. “A busy nurse rushes to dispose of a needle, only to find the container is packed full.” These moments and near-misses sparked the idea for what would become her innovative company, Nelo.
You might not expect a mother of four to be leading a healthcare tech startup, but Dr. Nwaogbo isn’t your typical entrepreneur. A Nigerian-born healthcare professional with a doctorate focused on leadership, she’s spent years in the trenches as both a nurse practitioner and Director of Nursing. Along the way, she’s gathered experience and a deep understanding of what healthcare workers need to stay safe.
In April 2024, she took the leap and founded Nelo, pouring her insights into a deceptively simple solution: an intelligent disposal container that alerts staff when it’s getting full. “Sometimes the best innovations aren’t about reinventing the wheel,” she says. “They’re about making the wheel work better for everyone.”
The technology behind Nelo’s containers is clever – sensors track capacity and alert staff before overflow becomes an issue. But what’s really remarkable is how this solution aims to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries, a persistent danger that healthcare workers face daily.
Right now, Nelo is in what Dr. Nwaogbo calls “the exciting, messy phase.” The company is running pilot programs in local clinics, getting real feedback from the people who’ll actually use these containers. “We’re building this with healthcare workers, not just for them,” she explains. There’s something refreshing about her approach – no Silicon Valley buzzwords, just practical solutions born from real experience.
What truly drives her vision is bringing this technology to underserved and rural communities. “Safety isn’t a luxury,” she insists. “Every healthcare worker deserves to feel protected, whether they’re in a big city hospital or a small rural clinic.”
Photo Courtesy: Dr Chinelo Nwaogbo
The healthcare community is starting to take notice. Nelo is gearing up for its debut at the 2025 American Association of Nurse Practitioners National Conference in San Diego. It’s a big stage for a young company, but Dr. Nwaogbo seems unfazed. She’s too focused on the potential impact to worry about the spotlight.
Her role as a Christian founder deeply influences her business approach. “It’s about service, really,” she reflects. “About seeing a need and feeling called to address it.” While Nelo is still in its early stages, seeking funding and establishing its presence, there’s a clear sense of purpose behind every decision.
The future holds exciting possibilities for Nelo. “Imagine walking into any healthcare facility and seeing safety equipment designed to help prevent accidents,” she says. It’s not just about selling products – it’s about fundamentally shifting how we think about safety in healthcare settings.
Between balancing family life and building a company, Dr. Nwaogbo embodies the kind of practical innovation that healthcare desperately needs. She’s not trying to disrupt healthcare – she’s trying to make it safer, one smart container at a time.
“Sometimes the best person to solve a problem is the one who’s been living with it,” Dr. Nwaogbo notes. In an industry where innovations can mean the difference between safety and injury, her practical, experience-driven approach offers the potential to make a significant impact.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
