A Meaningful Return: The Simulator Company at SWAAC ELSO 2026, Chennai

The 12th Annual SWAAC ELSO Conference, held alongside the 15th Annual National ECMO Conference of the ECMO Society of India, was an extraordinary gathering representing South West Asia and Africa. Chennai became a vibrant hub of innovation, collaboration and purpose — united by a shared mission to advance Extracorporeal Life Support and save lives.

For The Simulator Company, this conference held special significance.

A Homecoming for Our Founder

After 11 years, our Founder, CEO and Lead Inventor, Mr Sagar Haval, returned to India — the country where much of his ECMO journey began. The warmth and reception he received from clinicians, mentors, teachers and long-time colleagues reflected deep professional bonds built during the early days of ECMO development in the region.

It did not feel like a return after more than a decade. It felt like continuity — as though the shared commitment to advancing ECMO therapy had never paused.

During his early career in India, Mr Haval conducted South Asia’s first ECMO simulation, along with many states’ first ECMO simulations across the country. These milestones were instrumental in laying the foundation for structured ECMO simulation training in the region. Being able to revisit and reflect on those early achievements during SWAAC ELSO 2026 was both meaningful and inspiring.

Showcasing World-First Innovations

At the conference, The Simulator Company showcased:

• E-SIM Pro 3 — the world’s most advanced and world’s first AI-powered ECMO simulator

• Pump-E — the world’s first ECMO Pump Simulator

The enthusiasm from clinicians and educators reaffirmed the global shift towards high-fidelity, intelligent simulation as a critical component of ECMO training.

The Future of ECMO Simulation

On the final day of the conference, Mr Haval delivered a keynote presentation titled “The Future of ECMO Simulation.”

In his address, he discussed the current state of ECMO simulation and outlined a roadmap for the next decade. A central theme of his presentation was the transition from reactive simulation to responsive simulation.

Traditional simulation has often relied on predefined scenarios. The future, however, lies in intelligent systems that dynamically respond to clinical decisions in real time — replicating the complexity of actual ECMO therapy. The E-SIM Pro 3 already embodies this shift, creating responsive environments that enhance decision-making, team coordination and clinical preparedness.

Mr Haval also emphasised that simulation is not merely a training tool — it is a life-saving intervention in itself. Better preparation leads to better outcomes. Furthermore, advanced simulation can be economically viable, strengthening healthcare systems by reducing preventable complications and improving team performance.

Responsibility and Vision

As the world’s largest, most innovative and most awarded ECMO simulator company, The Simulator Company recognises its responsibility to set the standards for the future of ECMO simulation and ECMO education globally.

The conversations held at SWAAC ELSO 2026 reinforced our commitment to strengthening ECMO simulation across South Asia, South West Asia and beyond.

We are also pleased to share that new team members from India will be joining The Simulator Company soon — further strengthening our presence and collaboration in the region.

Looking Ahead

SWAAC ELSO 2026 was not just a conference — it was a reminder of how far ECMO simulation has evolved and how much further it can go.

We remain committed to advancing high-fidelity, AI-powered simulation and to shaping the future of ECMO education worldwide.

The Simulator Company

Shaping Heroes. Saving Lives.