The 2026 Design Competition semi-finalists are currently in the running for the top prize, and voting for the 2026 People's Choice Award is officially open.
View a list of our semi-finalist teams below and cast your vote here for the next breakthrough in global health.
- LumiCare, Achievers University
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LumiCare, Achievers University
Participants: Favour Oni, Nifemi Daramola
Advisors: Olamide Olateju, Engr. Emmanuel Kibeubu, Engr. Ebenezer Atoyebi
About the Innovation: Lumicare is an AI-powered neonatal screening platform that helps detect jaundice early. Using a machine learning model analyzing sclera images, with preprocessing to normalize lighting and segment the eye, it achieves 92% accuracy. Features like pediatrician finder, milestone tracker, multilingual support, and AI chatbot help guide mothers through timely care.
- AnkleGlide, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
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AnkleGlide, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Participants: Montaha Anowar, Md. Al Maruf Ratul, Md. Aamer Intiser Shadman, Kazi Md. Borhanul Islam
Advisors: Ms. Tasnia Binte Mamun, Dr. Jahid Ferdous
About the Innovation: AnkleGlide is an affordable device that continuously moves the ankle, helping to restore the natural calf muscle pump through controlled flexing and extending. It boosts blood flow in the lower limbs without the need for consumables, is easy to use in the ICU, and can be manufactured for low- and middle-income countries, filling the gap in DVT prevention accessibility.
- BioDrip, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
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BioDrip, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Participants: Nanziba Islam, Rahin Ibne Hasan, MD Abirul Alam
Advisors: Md. Tazuddin Ahmed, Dr. Taufiq Hasan
About the innovation: Our proposed device, “BioDrip”, automates IV therapy according to national guidelines, bridging critical gaps in clinical care. By integrating real-time monitoring, it alleviates the burden on overstretched medical staff and prevents fatal management errors, providing an affordable, fast and contamination-free solution for resource-limited settings.
- MaternalScreen, Boston University
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MaternalScreen, Boston University
Participants: Berit Schaus, Devin Triano
Advisors: Dr. Catherine Klapperich, Dr. Diane Joseph-McCarthy, Dr. Matthias Stangl
About the Innovation: This project develops a low-cost, point-of-care molecular screening device for Plasmodium falciparum, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis in pregnancy. By combining lyophilized iso-IMRS reagents, a simple heating circuit, and noninvasive urine samples, the platform eliminates cold-chain dependence and enables single-visit diagnosis in resource-limited clinics, supporting improved maternal health outcomes.
- GaitWay, University of California, Los Angeles
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GaitWay, University of California, Los Angeles
Participants: Alexis Raquino, Caleb Liow, Kirby Johnson, Kyra Sunil, Safora Zia
Advisor: Prof. Sotiris Masmanidis
About the innovation: GaitWay is a low-cost wearable system designed for gait assessment in naturalistic settings, enabling continuous monitoring of symptoms to optimize medications for PD. GaitWay sensors can snap into bracelets or sock-based attachments, providing flexibility and modularity. Designed to resemble common fitness wear, GaitWay blends naturally into everyday clothing.
- EWH Wearable Air Quality Monitor, University of California, San Diego
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EWH Wearable Air Quality Monitor, University of California, San Diego
Participants: Kalani Daniel, Michelle Tran, Lucas Johnston, Anika Yogi, Mia Ge, Leksi Chen, Nilaya Badam, Kaminta Hou, Kate Malig, Vivian Quach, Isha Ubale
Advisor: Dr. Karcher Morris
About the Innovation: The device uses a metal oxide sensor that detects the VOCs in the air. The collected data is processed to calculate the AQI values that are outputted through LED lights and vibration, each corresponding with an AQI level. The device can be worn on the wrist or clipped to clothing.
- PULSE – Affordable Cardiac Phantom, Duke University
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PULSE – Affordable Cardiac Phantom, Duke University
Participants: Will Acree, Zach Hertzman
Advisors: Neil Stafford, Steve McClelland
About the Innovation: A cardiac ultrasound training device that allows medical professionals to practice ultrasound efficiently. The materials and manufacturing process developed allow it to be both low cost and easily replicable in resource-limited areas especially in comparison to commercially available models.
- ReFlex, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology
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ReFlex, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology
Participants: Tasnim Anam Tusti, Nusrat Jebin Ani
Advisor: Dr. G.M. Mahmudur Rahman
About the Innovation: A low-cost, 3D-printed hand exoskeleton manufactured for 20 USD. It supports all fingers using a rotary-encoder-based control system instead of complex biosensors. It enables assistive gripping and home-based therapy to improve finger range of motion. It is lightweight, customizable, suitable for home use, and affordable for low-income patients.
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The Health Guardian, University of Lagos, Nigeria
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The Health Guardian, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Participants: Joy Okoi, Emmanuel Awolowo, Bright Chan, Orobosa Isokpunwu, Shallom Abedayo
Advisors: Engr. Oluwaseyi Bolarinwa, Prof. Olawale Olaniyi Ajibola, Dr. Kehinde Sharafadeen Okunade
About the Innovation: The AM Detector is a low-cost, reusable handheld device that uses multi-parameter sensing to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or vaginal discharge. Designed for low-resource settings, it provides rapid, accurate, point-of-care diagnosis of membrane rupture, enabling timely intervention and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal complications.
- Team MAVERICKS, Malawi University of Science and Technology
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Team MAVERICKS, Malawi University of Science and Technology
Participants: Hildah Kalino, Hope Matemba, Mwanasha Mphonda, Bernard Mhango
Advisor: Nelson Mwenifumbo
About the Innovation: An automated CPAP device called the MACPAP that continuously monitors newborns using a custom sensor and automatically adjusts the CPAP settings. This ensures timely, precise respiratory support helping neonates recover more efficiently , particularly in busy hospitals with limited resources.
- Project MESA, University of Michigan
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Project MESA, University of Michigan
Participants: Varshini Kashyap, Jessica Mathew, Addison McLane, Tiffany McKalko
Advisors: Prof. Kenneth Alfano, Prof. Randy Schwemmin, Mr. Cliff Lambarth
About the Innovation: Project MESA developed a portable, low-cost gynecological exam table that has been used for prophylactic, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. This20-pound table, designed and dynamically tested to hold up to 300 pounds safely, can be folded up and easily transported, providing access to remote areas with rough mountainous terrain.
- Ms. Circe, University of Pennsylvania
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Ms. Circe, University of Pennsylvania
Participants: Sejal Singh, Wuji Bi, Alfredo Velazquez Vazquez, Suya Que, Nahu Gebregiorgis
Advisor: Dr. Tetsuya Ikawa, Daniel Oh
About the Innovation: MultiSpectral and InfraRed Cellulitis Expression (Ms. Circe) is a device that will assist in the monitoring of cellulitis progression and interface with physicians through its own desktop program. It is a multispectral and thermal imaging device coupled with both an analysis algorithm and a user interface for data visualization.
- Verdigris, University of Pennsylvania
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Verdigris, University of Pennsylvania
Participants: Connie Yang, Shiny Shen, Harita Trivedi, Suhani Patel, Nathaniel Kim
Advisors: Prof. Erin Berlew, Prof. Michael Siedlik, Dr. Jeffrey Kramer
About the Innovation: Verdigris is a cost-effective device for lumbar punctures that calculates viable angles for needle insertion, increasing first-time success rate within thecurrent clinical workflow. It uses ultrasound to detect spinal obstructions, then visually guides the physician through a rotatable needle slot and RGB LEDfor an intuitive solution.
- KeratoTech, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
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KeratoTech, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
Participants: Violeta Vilcapoma, Wendy Chavez, Isabel Leon, Alejandro Ecos, Gabriela Sanchez, Rodrigo Chuquiyure
Advisor: Dr. Fernando Zvietcovich
About the Innovation: KeratoTech is a portable, low-cost corneal topography device designed for early keratoconus screening in remote communities. Using structured light and automated image processing, it generates clinical-grade corneal maps and securely shares results with ophthalmologists through telemedicine, enabling early diagnosis, reducing unnecessary travel, and preventing vision loss through timely treatment.
- Queen’s Biomedical Innovation Team (QBiT), Queen’s University at Kingston
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Queen’s Biomedical Innovation Team (QBiT), Queen’s University at Kingston
Participants: Hayley Galsworthy, Alice Stapleton, Bryson Stuart, Camile Miller, Clea Baylis, Matteo Andreetta, Tyler Rotholz, Amanda Donoso, Ruby Sinclair
Advisor: Dr. Xian Wang
About the Innovation: Iodetect is a portable, low-cost microfluidic diagnostic platform that translates laboratory-based urinary iodine testing into a rapid point-of-care solution. By integrating automated reagent mixing, optical sensing, and signal processing into a compact device, it enables decentralized, scalable iodine screening for clinics, NGOs, and public health programs in underserved regions.
- AGILE (Accessible Gynecologic Innovation and Learning Equipment), Rice University
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AGILE (Accessible Gynecologic Innovation and Learning Equipment), Rice University
Participants: Lauren Walcott, Valerie Valentin, Saumya Chauhan
Advisors: Dr. Meaghan Bond, Dr. Jenny Carns-Plante, Dr. Mila Pontremoli Salcedo, Dr. Parisa Fallah
About the Innovation: An affordable uterine training model that integrates with the Low-Cost Universal Cervical Cancer Instructional Apparatus (LUCIA) platform to enable realistic endometrial biopsy training. The model provides accurate anatomy, tactile feedback, and rapid reset using locally accessible materials, supporting scalable EMB education in resource-limited clinical and training settings.
- Retinex, Rice University
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Retinex, Rice University
Participants: Alisha Sankhe, Teo Kakabadze, Samer Marmash, Clin Vadakkal Shaiju
Advisors: Dr. Maria Oden, Dr. Deirdre Hunter, Dr. Bilal Ghosn
About the Innovation: An affordable, portable ROP screening device accessible in underserved regions. It features a specialized camera enabling high-quality imaging, and an AI model comparing images against large datasets, flagging ROP biomarkers. Handheld and under $500/unit, it offers a promising alternative to current bulky and expensive solutions.
- PhoroVis, University of Texas at Austin
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PhoroVis, University of Texas at Austin
Participants: Mihir Thakur, Krishn Virani, Bethel Daniel, Mahith Rav
Advisor: Dr. Nuttada Panpradist
About the Innovation: A $100 manual liquid-lens phoropter for low-resource settings. By replacing electronics or mechanical lens systems, our power-free device provides a more affordable, sustainable vision diagnostic device. This innovation empowers healthcare providers to deliver life-changing vision care globally, thereby enhancing educational and economic opportunities for rural and underserved communities.
- AMAYI Postpartum Monitoring Device, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
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AMAYI Postpartum Monitoring Device, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Participants: Jamin Ni, Julianne Goldstein, Kelly Fangyen, Rylee Langdon
Advisors: Dr. Ashley Taylor, Dr. Robert Stone, Dr. Ted Mwango
About the Innovation: A low-cost, wearable device that continuously tracks postpartum vital signs using a stable forehead sensing site. Designed with input from clinical partners, Dr. Ted Mwango and Ida Puliwa-Mwango at the Othakarhaka Foundation in Malawi, it reduces clinician workload and enables early detection of complications during the most critical hours after childbirth.
- Surgical Skin Stapler for Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
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Surgical Skin Stapler for Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]
Participants: Anika Mukul, Kyra Matkin, Athreya Iyer, Gabriella Haddad
Advisors: Dr. Andre Muelenaer, Dr. Josh Stodghill, Mr. Edwin Khundi
About the Innovation: We aim to address the absence of a reusable, sterile, and low-cost surgical stapling method for use in low-resource settings to expedite surgical procedures, allowing more patients to be treated. Our key innovation is that we have designed an ecosystem where all device components and consumables can be manufactured locally.
- Other Participating Teams
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BlueBil, University of Michigan
Participants: Nicholas Litsas, Spero Litsas, Benjamin Barron
Advisor: Prof. Kathleen Panagis
About the Innovation: BlueBil addresses diagnostic bias in transcutaneous jaundice meters by measuring blue light absorption in the eye's sclera, enabling accurate bilirubin quantification across all skin pigmentations. This approach eliminates the inequities of current non-invasive diagnostics while maintaining the critical advantage of pain-free, repeatable monitoring for newborns.
Ke-Health, Kenyatta University
Participants: Ebby Lari, Keith Tongi
Advisors: Ms. Stacy Awinja, Dr. June Madete
About the Innovation: The HemoDrop Detector is an automated, suction-enabled system that provides continuous, quantitative, and real-time measurement of blood loss after childbirth. It directly addresses postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal mortality, by eliminating the dangerous inaccuracies of visual estimation and delay of intervention. Through providing objective data, trend recognition and early warnings, HemoDrop enables life-saving interventions before a crisis occurs. Its affordable, reusable design is specifically engineered for scalability in resource-limited settings.