Page 26 - DUT CONNECT - Spring 2024

Lognath Siblings
Innovate in Healthcare
Brothers Ricardo and Nicolas Lognath are “Living Limitless’ with their medical innovation Omninela.co.za, South Africa’s leading online health store.
When Forbes Africa released its 10th anniversary edition of the “30 under 30” list, brothers Ricardo and Nicolas Lognath were proudly featured in the Class of 2024, alongside Grammy-awarded Tyla and other young South African and African young greats. Ricardo Lognath, co-founder and CEO, and Nicolas Lognath, co-founder and COO, were recognised for their innovative healthcare e-commerce brand Omninela Medical, which they started in 2017.
“It’s been incredibly humbling and exciting to be featured alongside such esteemed individuals in Forbes Africa. The recognition has been a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to our vision,” says Ricardo.
Family and Early Influences
The brothers trace their success back to their upbringing in Merebank, Durban, saying that their roots are deeply entrenched in this community.“Growing up in a tight-knit community taught us the importance of hard work, determination, and supporting one another.These values have been fundamental to our current success and have helped us navigate the challenges we’ve faced along the way.”
Their parents worked hard to provide for the family. Their father was a Mechanical Engineer at the Engen Oil Refinery in Wentworth and their mother was a stay-at-home mom. Their dedication and perseverance were constant sources of inspiration for both Ricardo and Nicolas.
Academic Pursuits and Challenges
Both brothers studied at DUT and recall their years at the institution as “immensely rewarding”.
“The faculty at DUT was supportive, and we made lifelong friends and connections.The combination of rigorous academics and real-world work experience prepared us well for our future career,” Nicolas recalls.
Nicolas and Ricardo balanced their studies with a part-time job to support themselves financially, which taught them time
management and the importance of perseverance. Hard work, challenges, and valuable experiences characterised their journey. A particularly memorable experience was Ricardo’s participation in the annual student engineering project competition, in which his team designed an Automatic Miniature Potato Chip Production Line. He says this project epitomised the spirit of teamwork and innovation that DUT encouraged.
Continued Education and Inspiration
Nicolas and Ricardo completed certification through the Project Management Institute for a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).Additionally, Ricardo completed a Strategic Business Management certification from the University of Cape Town.To serve their business Omninela, they have also pursued various short courses in marketing, sales, and generative AI, continually pushing the boundaries of their education and professional development.
Nicolas believes that DUT played a significant role in inspiring their pursuit of further education: “The faculty’s emphasis on lifelong learning and the institution’s robust academic environment instilled in us a passion for continuous improvement and intellectual growth. The foundational skills and knowledge we acquired at DUT provided a solid base that encouraged us to keep pushing the boundaries of our education and professional development.”
Innovating in the Medical Field
A cornerstone of their professional philosophy is to design practical and innovative solutions. Their decision to focus on the medical field stemmed from personal experiences and a desire to make a significant impact on people’s lives. Ricardo stated, “The impact of healthcare challenges in our community and understanding the critical need for accessible and effective medical solutions drove me to this field.” This drive led to the establishment of Omninela Medical, as South Africa’s leading medical online store. A typical day for the Lognath brothers involves research, development, and strategic collaboration, all aimed at delivering personalised and effective medical solutions. The name “Omninela Medical” embodies their mission to “seek every solution”, to reflect their commitment to innovative and personalised healthcare.
Building a Business and Family Bonds
Navigating a business partnership as siblings can present unique opportunities. Their advice for alumni wanting to form partnerships is to choose the right co-founders and to remember that mutual respect, trust, and complementary skills are crucial for success.
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