A construction worker needed an ambulance. It took 46 minutes to arrive. For Kishore Manepalli, that wait raised a troubling question: why would people book a cab in minutes, yet struggle to find timely medical transport in an emergency?
That question became the starting point for TEN — Total Emergency Network. The company is working to connect patients, ambulance operators, hospitals and medical teams through a coordinated, technology-enabled service. Its goal: make emergency medical logistics more reliable, transparent and easier to navigate.
The experience behind the idea
Kishore’s background in manufacturing operations and e-commerce including leadership experience at Ola informed his approach to the challenge. He saw ambulance response not only as a transport issue, but as a coordination problem involving availability, dispatch, communication and service standards. TEN aims to build a satellite-based network that can help provide medical assistance within a target of 15 to 20 minutes, subject to location, traffic and ambulance availability.
More than an ambulance booking
In an emergency, families need more than a vehicle. They need clear information about what is coming, when it may arrive and what it will cost. TEN’s model is designed around those needs, with a 24/7 call centre, ambulance details and tracking links shared through WhatsApp, and upfront pricing based on distance and medical requirements. The company has also developed an internal CRM and central command centre, alongside a driver app to support onboarding and operations. Driver training focuses on patient handling and service standards. TEN also uses demand data, including location and demographic patterns, to help guide ambulance placement across pin codes.
Building trust in a fragmented sector
One of the early hurdles was bringing ambulance operators into a more organised system and building consistency in a sector where service needs can be unpredictable. To strengthen trust, the company focuses on transparent communication, standardised processes and patient-first service. It has also conducted CPR training and healthcare engagement activities to encourage greater emergency preparedness.
Growing city by city
According to Kishore, TEN operates across several major Indian cities, including Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Chennai. The company plans to deepen its presence before expanding further, with growth tied to its ability to build dependable local networks and maintain service standards. Kishore says the company has raised ₹2.5 crore through angel funding and is seeking $1 million in a pre-seed or seed round to support its next phase. Public reports have documented earlier funding announcements at different stages, so the company’s latest total should be confirmed before publication.
A future where vehicles can call for help
TEN’s ambition reaches beyond ambulance coordination. Kishore hopes to explore partnerships with vehicle manufacturers to develop systems that could automatically alert emergency services after a crash. The company also sees itself as a potential extension of India’s existing 108 emergency response system not a replacement for it.
For Kishore, the purpose is personal and practical: make it easier for people to get help when every minute matters. The 46-minute wait that once exposed a gap in the system now underpins 10TEN’s effort to build a more connected emergency network.
Interview By: Sejal Thakur
