Paulin Viotti

Beninese inventor creating affordable prosthetics from recycled materials

Born in Cotonou (1991), Paulin Viotti founded MediHand after witnessing landmine victims struggle with expensive artificial limbs. His 3D-printed prosthetics made from recycled plastics cost 90% less than European models.

Viotti's modular knee joint design allows customization for farming postures. He established West Africa's first prosthetic training center in Porto-Novo, training former tailors as orthopaedic technicians.

In 2022, his disaster response kits containing portable 3D printers were deployed in flood-ravaged Nigeria. Over 12,000 amputees now use Viotti's designs across 15 African nations.