Congratulations to a group of researchers and students from the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative at Lingnan University, who received three awards at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva for their humanitarian innovations.
The exhibition is the most prestigious annual event in the world dedicated exclusively to inventions.
The project awarded a Gold medal was the Crew Wheelchair - a power-assisted wheelchair control system designed for caregivers. It has force-sensing handles that give caregivers motorized assistance to maneuver the wheelchair safely, smoothly and comfortably.
This innovative technology provides the benefits of powered wheelchairs to those who cannot control their wheelchairs independently and their caregivers as well.
Winning a Silver medal was the 12 Mask. It is a transparent face mask made to safeguard health and offer a complete view of the wearer's facial expressions.
While most transparent face masks fail to meet health and safety standards, the 12 Mask keeps you protected. It allows professionals -- such as doctors, nurses, counselors and social workers -- who rely on verbal and facial expressions to communicate with their patients effectively.
Also awarded a Silver medal was an invention called FlashGreen, founded by a Lingnan alumnus with two partners. FlashGreen is a social initiative that helps recycle leftover stockpiles of short-dated, best-before-date foods, reselling them in vending machines with an accompanying mobile app.
This invention combines technology and sustainability to deliver a functional solution to decrease unnecessary waste and support responsible consumption.
Professor Albert Ko, director of LEI, stated: "We will continue to drive the development of humanitarian technology for the betterment of humankind in the future."
We are truly fortunate to have such brilliant researchers and scientists utilize technology and innovation to make the world a better place. The future is in capable hands with the team at Lingnan University.
Bernard Charnwut Chan is chairman of Tai Kwun Culture & Arts Co Ltd.
