A non-invasive device that monitors the flow of intravenous fluid during IV treatment and notifies medical staff in real time has been developed by two young undergraduates of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and has won Microsoft’s Imagine Cup Nigeria 2018 competition.
The IoT solution aimed at improving the healthcare sector was developed by Taofeek Olalekan Afeez and Alayande Abdulwaheed Abiola who are both undergraduates of Physics Electronics & Electrical Electronics and collaborated to form TEAM TREP to present the solution called Real Drip – a device that reduces the risk of blood clot or deep vein thrombosis.
The device monitors the rate at which intravenous fluid drops (flow rate) and notifies the medical staff on duty in real time, for the timely removal of intravenous needle to prevent back flow of blood which may lead to pulmonary embolism if necessary action is not taken on time.
Akin Banuso, General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria says: “Today’s students are the makers and doers that will build and change the world, as we know it. At Microsoft, we believe this new generation of innovators have the potential to address some of humanity’s most pressing problems; from how to predict and monitor diseases like Alzheimer’s and depression, to identifying ‘fake news’ or increasing response times during natural disasters.”
“Through Imagine Cup, the world’s young, aspiring entrepreneurs and developers collaborate to build a technology application, create a business plan and gain a keen understanding of what is needed to bring a concept to market. In a cloud-first, mobile-first world, creators and makers must work together to create a cloud for global good,” Banuso said.
Taofeek Olalekan Afeez, The Team Lead for Team TREP, says “We are excited about this win. We would like to thank Microsoft for this opportunity. We look forward to competing at the global stage and do our country proud.”
Damola Solanke, Principal Azure Apps & Infrastructure Lead, Microsoft Nigeria and Chief Judge of the competition said the winning idea was assessed based on four key areas – Technology, Innovation, Concept and Feasibility. “We would like to commend TEAM TREP for satisfying the requirements of the competition. Their idea was well articulated and we look forward to seeing more homegrown solutions to our pressing needs as a country.
Now in its 16th year, Imagine Cup, aims to give young developers the opportunity to acquire new and critical technical, business and team-building skills — all while having fun along the way.
JUMOKE AKIYODE-LAWANSON
