Annual GLHT Design Competition

People's Choice Award

While our judges will choose the finalists, your vote counts too. Let us know who you think should win the People’s Choice Award and cast your vote.

Vote Now

ManuVera, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

ManuVera, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

Members: Sunaina Rahman Adisha, Afroza Ysemin Isha, Rudmila Nizam

Advisors: Shoyad Ibn Sabur Khan Nuhash

About the Innovation: Manuvera’s Nitinol Prosthetic Arm is a low-cost, customizable, and child-friendly solution for amputees. It overcomes challenges in body-powered and myoelectric prosthetics by using Nitinol actuators for effortless control. Using locally available materials, colorful designs, and 3D printing will ensure affordability, accessibility, ease of use, and make adoption of these prosthetics simpler for children.

ScopeEase, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

ScopeEase, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

Members: Imdadul Haque Sourav, Mehedi Hasan Nirzan, Galib Anjum Talukder Mahi

Advisors: Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Dr. Tarikul Hamid

About the Innovation: ScopeEase is a low-cost, 3D-printed video laryngoscope ($40 - $80) being designed to improve intubation success in low-resource settings. Scope Ease will enhance airway visualization, reduce failure rates, and support telemedicine and medical training. It will be an affordable and scalable alternative to expensive commercial devices, improving patient safety and healthcare accessibility worldwide.

BiliRoo, Calvin University

BiliRoo, Calvin University

Members: Daniel John

Advisors: Mr. Jon VerLee, Mr. Zach Booker

About the innovation: Globally, more than 6 million newborns lack access to the essential equipment needed to treat moderate-to-severe jaundice. Our patent-pending device, BiliRoo, is the first technology to combine filtered sunlight phototherapy with kangaroo care—critical skin-to-skin contact between parent and child—providing an effective treatment for neonatal jaundice in low-resource settings.

PRES-SURE, Cornell University

PRES-SURE, Cornell University

Members: Meg Pardee, Rosie Versaci, Laurel Zhang, Aidan Larish, Olivia Watson

Advisor: Dr. James Antaki

About the Innovation: Team PRES-SURE is developing a semi-automatic pneumatic tourniquet that ensures precise pressure monitoring for up to 72 hours. PRES-SURE is intended for use in austere and rural environments. One hour after activation, the tourniquet will automatically initiate brief periods of limb reperfusion, allowing for safer extended wear. The device also will feature printed instructions used to guide application and activation, regardless of experience.

AstraManagement, Cayetano Heredia University

AstraManagement, Cayetano Heredia University

Members: Joao Torres Rivera, Tayel Saavedra Barboza, Catherine Boggio Vidal, Sara Rua Bermudo, Victor Rivas Rojas, Melany Cama Bahamonde

Advisors: Prof. Julissa Venancio, Prof. Alonso Agapito Córdova

About the innovation: AstraManagement combines technovigilance, QR codes, and chatbots to optimize medical device incident magagement. It automates the recording and tracking of adverse events in real-time, reducing operating costs and improving patient safety. Its intuitive interface empowers clinical staff without increasing their workload.

HemoSave, Duke University

HemoSave, Duke University

Members: Haasini Nandyala, James Bradley, Desmond Boateng, Mohammed Farah

Advisors: Dr. Ann Saterbak, Dr. Eric Richardson, Dr. Robert T Ssekitoleko

About the Innovation: HemoSave is a cost-effective, real-time blood loss measurement device being designed to improve the detection of postpartum hemorrhage and thereby reduce maternal mortality. Using colorimetric and gravimetric analysis, HemoSave can accurately measures blood loss during C-sections, providing clinicians with timely data for improved decision-making in low-resource settings.

VenAlign, Duke University

VenAlign, Duke University

Members: Catherine Chen, Alisha Gupta, Alec Yang, Monona Zhou

Advisors: Dr. Eric Richardson, Dr. Roarke Horstmeyer

About the Innovation: VenAlign will enhance central venous catheter (CVC) placement by guiding an adjustable needle through a channel that rotates from 0 to 90 degrees along a ratchet. The intuitive design will reduce training requirements and enable precise and efficient needle placement. A detachable clamp will assist with consistent alignment and accuracy across different ultrasound models.

Premie App, Jimma University

Premie App, Jimma University

Members: Firanol Teshome, Gelane Biru, Gelane Gelgelu

Advisor: Dr. Gelan Ayana

About the Innovation: Premie-App is an AI-powered model being developed to predict preterm birth risks in Ethiopia. It analyzes diverse factors to identify high-risk pregnancies. It is being designed to integrate into the existing healthcare systems for use by trained community health workers. The system will provide early warnings and data-driven decision support to reduce preterm birth rates and improve maternal health outcomes.

WoundCare Innovators, Makerere University

Members: Shadia Nakato, Douglas Kigenyi, Hussein Kato, Joseph Okileng, Jackie Baluka

Advisors: Dr. Brian Kasagga, Dr. Robert Ssekitoleko, Mr. Brian Matovu

About the Innovation: Team WoundCare Innovators is developing a low-cost, user-friendly Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) device using locally available materials. Designed for low-resource settings, it promotes wound healing while reducing costs and hospital stays. By prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and ease of use, this device addresses a critical gap in wound care.

Aorus Eye, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

Members: Maria José Jaico Román, Ronald Sebastian Paricanaza Bravo, Ingrid Licota Ocaña, Katherine Navarro Luyo, Fiorella Perez Arévalo

Advisors: Dr. José Fernando Zvietcovich Zegarra, Andrea López Anton, José Antonio Timaná Torres

About the Innovation: Aorus Eye is a portable, affordable retinal camera designed for early glaucoma detection in rural communities and primary health centers. Its user-friendly design enables non-specialists to capture optic nerve images using a smartphone. AI-driven analysis enhances detection, while telemedicine integration allows specialists to provide accurate interpretations, improving access to early diagnosis and treatment.

Burbojito, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

Burbojito, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru

Members: Diana Cortez, Aldo Manturano Lopez, Anny Correa, Jamie Arista, Joaquin Diaz, Rodrigo Llachua

Advisors: Ms. Fernando Zvietcovich, Ing. Andrea Lopez, Ing. Christiam Rojas

About the Innovation: Burbojito is a portable, foldable campimeter being developed for glaucoma detection in rural Peru. The device will use LED lights to assess visual fields and an eye-tracking system for accuracy. Burbojito will interface with a mobile app that can be used by technicians to perform tests remotely and send results to specialists, improving early diagnosis and access to eye care.

QBIT A.R.M., Queen's University

QBIT A.R.M., Queen's University

Members: Lauren Windover, Alina Gammage, Emese Elkind, Noah Learned, Max Wolkoff, Kyla Wisener, Cole Mccauley

Advisors: Dr. Xian Wang

About the Innovation: Team QBiT A.R.M. is developing an affordable, body-powered, above-elbow prosthetic designed for individuals with limited access to healthcare. Using 3D printing and an open-source design, this durable and customizable solution will enable clinics in lower- and middle-income countries to produce prosthetics on-site, restoring mobility and independence for those in need.

WYYRL Designs, Rice University

WYYRL Designs, Rice University

Members: Dylan Yoon, Charissa Wang, Hammad Younas, Sandeep Ramlochan

Advisor: Dr. Matthew Peña

About the Innovation: WYYRL Designs is developing a device to monitor an infant’s suction during breastfeeding to address a gap in available low-cost devices in this area. This device will be low-cost device and record relevant and objective pressure data to quantify an infant’s breastfeeding efficiency. The design will include an interface that will aid parents in understanding the infant’s ability to feed.

Respira, Rice University and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences

Respira, Rice University and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences

Members: Sanjay Senthilvelan and Tatyana Chingeni

Advisor(s):

Innovation: Team Respira is developing a low-cost, anatomically accurate training model for neonatal nasopharyngeal suctioning. Using photomicro sensors and RGB indicators, it provides real-time feedback on catheter placement. With built-in audio simulation and multiple training models, the model enhances skill development, ensuring safer, more effective neonatal airway management in resource-limited settings.

SignTalk, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology

SignTalk, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology

Members: Susmita Jahan Supty, Rudra Sarker, Irfan Nafiz Shahan, Mahbub Ahmed Chowdhury

Advisors: Dr. Nancy L. Glenn, Dr. Farzana Hossain, Dr. Rashed Talukder

About the Innovation: SignTalk is a pioneering assistive technology solution aimed at breaking communication barriers for individuals with hearing and speech impairments. This flagship product will include sensor-based IoT gloves used to translates sign language into voice in real time. The design will be optimized for affordability, portability, and functionality.

Surgical Instrument Disinfector, University of California - San Diego

Surgical Instrument Disinfector, University of California - San Diego

Members: Shabdika Gubba, Justine Kaye Placio, Leon Wang, Ani Jelalian, Patrick Woo, Neo Teigen, Sophie Brown, Anita Hudaverdi, York Peng, Anna Wang, Andrea Sedano

Advisor: Prof. Karcher Morris

About the Innovation: Surgical Instrument Disinfector is developing a solar- or battery-powered machine that combines ultrasonic cleaning and ultraviolet disinfection to ensure effective sterilization. Ultrasonic transducers will generate cavitations in a water and hydrogen peroxide solution, dislodging contaminants from instruments. Then, a pulley system will lift the instruments into a reflective chamber, where UV light can eliminate viruses, bacteria, and fungi, providing a reliable and efficient disinfection process.

The Guardian, University of Lagos

The Guardian, University of Lagos

Members: Joy Okoi, Emmanuel Awolowo, Orobosa Isokpunwu, Bright Chan, Shallom Adebayo

Advisors: Dr. Kehinde Okunade, Engr. Oluwaseyi Bolarinwa, Engr. Motunrayo Sanyaolu

About the Innovation: AM Detector is a portable, non-invasive diagnostic device designed to detect amniotic fluid leakage and differentiate it from other vaginal discharges. The design will use pH and protein biosensors to provide real-time, accurate results on the device’s screen. This innovation will enable early detection of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), the name for the premature rupture of the amniotic sack, to reduce pregnancy complications and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Althea, University of Pennsylvania

Althea, University of Pennsylvania

Members: Varun Trivedi, Madeleine Drefke, Melina Daniilidis, Hian Leng Kek

Advisors: Dr. Erin Berlew, Dr. Michael Siedlik, Dr. Quinn Tate

About the Innovation: Althea is a wearable back brace that leverages Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound that is being designed to treat chronic non-specific lower back pain. Althea is comprised of targeted therapy, integrated electronics, and a mobile app for personalized treatment. It is being designed to provide an affordable, non-invasive, and portable alternative to current solutions, effectively addressing critical gaps in accessibility and efficacy.

PRIME, University of Pennsylvania

PRIME, University of Pennsylvania

Members: Majd Ayyad, Shriya Boyapati, McKenzie Davis, Sophie Gu, Sophia Klessel

Advisors:Dr. John Greenwood, Dr. Erin Berlew, Dr. Michael Siedlik, Stephanie Yoon

About the Innovation: PRIME standardizes Capillary Refill Time (CRT) measurement by automatically compressing a patient’s finger and using pulse-ox waveforms to quantify CRT at set intervals. It alerts clinicians to significant changes, reducing reliance on visual assessment. With real-time monitoring and non-invasive metrics, PRIME enhances ICU care while reducing clinician workload and hospital stays.

All Eyes, University of Texas at Austin

All Eyes, University of Texas at Austin

Members: Ajeet Nagi, Trinh Luong, Dhroov Pathare, Aswin Kuppahally, An Vo, Aarushi Anand, Hareem Tariq, Jihnu Basu, Johnny Tran, Shreya Ganti

Advisor: Dr. Panpradist

About the Innovation: All Eyes is a low-cost liquid-lens phoropter being developed to replace traditional, expensive lens-based systems in order to make vision care more affordable and accessible. All Eyes is using an innovative design to lower the cost and simplify the manufacturing of its phoropter systems. The team is focusing on improving the affordablity of eye exams to benefit underserved communities and improve global access to essential vision testing.

Newborn Hearing Screening Device, Virginia Tech University

Newborn Hearing Screening Device, Virginia Tech University

Members: Bella Rowland, Sara Altreuter, Karylin Colodro, Sasha Zaslavsky

Advisors: Dr. Robert Stone, Dr. Ashley Taylor, Dr. Andre Muelanear, Dr. Chris Arena

About the Innovation: Team Newborn Hearing Screening Device is designing an affordable hearing screening device using the auditory brainstem response test to minimize upfront and lifetime costs associated with hearing screenings. The innovative design will be easily repairable, portable, with a user-friendly interface, and a sustainable power management system with recycled lithium-ion batteries.