James Dyson Award | October 16, 2024
The best student inventions of 2024, selected by the James Dyson Award
Today, the James Dyson Award celebrates the best inventions of 2024 by young engineers and designers around the world, as the competition’s Top 20 shortlist is unveiled.
And in four weeks’ time, on 13th November, someone from this shortlist will be crowned the global winners by Sir James Dyson and win £30,000 in prize money to accelerate their invention.
This year’s 20 best inventions tackle the world’s most pressing problems
1. Improving medical devices and patient experience: Olivia Humphreys from Ireland progresses to the Top 20 shortlist with Athena, a portable post-chemotherapy scalp cooling device, after witnessing the impact chemotherapy-induced hair loss can have on a person when her mother was undergoing treatment in 2019. Jonathan Fisher, UK inventor of the shortlisted Peter, invented the wearable biomedical device to improve the quality of life of his father, who suffers freezing of gait as a Parkinson’s Disease patient.
2. Increasing everyone’s accessibility to healthcare: A team of students from South Korea has invented Oxynizer, a non-electric oxygen generator aimed to help developing countries. Austria’s shortlisted entry, finGrip, has developed an adapted catheter system for users with low dexterity.
3. Managing waste and pollution: In Australia, young inventor Sze Yek’s experiments with her sister’s unused primary school uniform developed into Sorbet, an acoustic panel made from shredded household textile waste. AirXeed Radiosonde, created by Shane Kyi Hla Win and Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful, takes inspiration from falling maple seeds to make daily weather measurements by radiosonde more sustainable.
The 14 Dyson engineers who selected the Award’s Global Top 20 shortlist work across Dyson R&D hubs in the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. They bring a wide variety of expertise ranging from design and product innovation, to electronics and sustainability.
-
-
“I really hope that this inspiring group of talented, young inventors will continue to develop their ideas to commercially successful products, as every shortlisted entry has clear potential to change our world and people’s lives for the better – our James Dyson Award Top 20 shortlist makes me excited for the future!”
Rumyana Dancheva, Lead Design Engineer at Dyson and Chair of the James Dyson Award 2024
-
-
-
Meet the shortlist
-
Problem: Construction workers in Hong Kong work in extreme heat, often reaching 45°C. 60% of Hong Kong’s 600,000 construction workers have suffered symptoms of heat stroke.
Solution: Air Ring 48 is a more ergonomic and biometric cooling accessory to protect outdoor workers from worsening climate-induced heat stress.
Invented by Yu To Mak, Ze Fu Jeff Li, Jing Hymn Joseph Wong – The University of Hong Kong.
-
Problem: Current single-use radiosondes pollute the environment and cost $520,000 daily in global weather detection.
Solution: airXeed Radiosonde is a weather instrument designed to reduce environmental impact and costs by guiding radiosondes back for reuse using a design inspired by the autorotation of maple seeds.
Invented by Shane Kyi Hla Win, Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful – Singapore University of Technology and Design
-
Problem: Scalp cooling treatment, which is used to mitigate hair loss during chemotherapy, is shown to be important for many patients in preserving their sense of identity and emotional well-being. However, the treatment poses challenges that may include discomfort, accessibility, and variability in effectiveness.
Solution: Athena is a portable, thermoelectric, patient-managed cooling device consisting of a carry case and a wearable headpiece. It aims to provide a more accessible and effective option for scalp cooling.
Invented by Olivia Humphreys – University of Limerick
-
Problem: Tens of thousands of glass medication vials are disposed of in sharps bins yearly in hospital wards and ICUs, requiring autoclaving before landfill, an energy-intensive process. These vials could be recycled, but post-processing barriers exist. Separating aluminium caps from glass vials with makeshift tools causes hand strain and laceration risks. Opening glass ampoules, poses high risks due to sharp edges causing lacerations.
Solution: Cap Snap is a medical multi-tool for crimp seal cap removal and ampoule breaking, designed for health professionals to reduce risks when accessing medications and reduce barriers to more sustainable practices.
Invented by Jack Pugh – Massey University
.jpg?$responsive$)
.jpg?$responsive$)
-
Problem: Worldwide, over 28 million people have suffered strokes, with 60% facing hand dysfunction, integral to 80% of daily tasks. Existing soft rehab gloves are often bulky and uncomfortable, with designs lacking personalised, adjustable solutions.
Solution: CO-JUMP is an ergonomic, AI-integrated soft robotic glove designed for finger rehabilitation, featuring EMG sensors for motion recognition. It incorporates 3D-printed bellows, providing a comfortable and customisable solution that integrates real-time feedback and rehabilitation games to enhance recovery.
Invented by Li Yuanjing, Zhan Jing, Guan Shunzi, Yu Tianlin, Li Junkai, Qian Qingyun, Wei Yi – South China University of Technology
-
Problem: While many tech devices cater to the general population, Concavix addresses the needs of individuals with underdeveloped hands, often marginalised in tech.
Solution: Concavix is a concave mouse that empowers individuals with underdeveloped hands to use both a mouse and keyboard simultaneously. Made from durable ABS plastic with biodegradable PLA buttons and a TPE anti-slip surface, it provides a secure and comfortable grip.
Invented by Jonathan Lopez Calderon, Raúl Hernandez, María de Lourdes Zaldívar Martínez – Universidad Anahuac Mayab
-
Problem: Studies have demonstrated that 40% – 60% of acute stroke patients experience dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), with nearly 50% still affected six months post-stroke. Existing interventions are often invasive and difficult to implement in home settings.
Solution: DysphagiaDynamics is a portable, non-invasive smart assessment and home-based rehabilitation system. Utilising surface Electromyography (sEMG) signals and a proprietary AI classification model, it provides convenient assessments and training for patient.
Invented by Zhu Zhaopeng, He Qi – Shanghai Jiao Tong University
-
Problem: Traditional catheter systems often require fine motor skills that can be challenging for users with low dexterity or wheelchairs, leading to difficulties in handling and increased risk of contamination and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Solution: finGrip's design includes a multi-use grip tool and a single-use cartridge housing the catheter. When connected, the cartridge opens easily, unfolding the algae urine bag which is disposable in the toilet.
Invented by Philipp Niechoj – FH-Joanneum
-
Problem: Flying by aeroplane causes ear discomfort especially to those prone to tinnitus, ear congestion or ear pain.
Solution: Flying Ear Pressure Regulator relieves ear discomfort during flights. By pressing the product in each ear with both hands, the pressure in the Eustachian tube is equalised during take-off and landing.
Invented by Yi-Shan Zheng, Wen-Yeh Hsaio-Lin – Tunghai University
-
Problem: Many women avoid mammograms due to the discomfort and pain of breast compression, leading to delayed breast cancer detection and higher mortality rates.
Solution: Mammosense analyses individual breasts to determine the optimal breast compression force, reducing procedural pain by objectively adjusting the force applied during screenings. This enhances comfort and encourages more to undergo breast cancer screenings.
Invented by Luke Goh – National University of Singapore
-
Problem: Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic lung disease characterised by thick mucus buildup, causing irreversible lung damage over time. Daily Airway Clearance Therapy (ACT) is crucial for mucus removal, typically requiring two one-hour sessions daily. Yet, adherence among pediatric and adolescent CF patients is reported to be below 50%.
Solution: Moii is an Airway Clearance Therapy training kit for adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis. Moii prioritises user experience by providing real-time guidance, feedback, and a personalised progression path through its app, making the therapy more intuitive and motivating.
Invented by Yuchen Lan – Umeå University
-
Problem: WHO reports at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. In at least 1 billion of these, vision impairment could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed. Regular eye check-ups are expensive and fundus cameras, costing at least $2,000, limit availability to certain hospitals and clinics.
Solution: OcularSky is a portable, affordable smartphone-based alternative to fundus cameras, utilising AI and a 3D-printed gadget for diagnosing AMD, Glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy in diverse settings.
Invented by Houssam Hammoud, Mohammad Yaman Al Aref, Mohamad Hammoud, Mayar Jabouli, Wessam Shehieb – Ajman University
-
Problem: Oxygen shortages claim lives every year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many experienced breathing difficulties and died due to lack of timely oxygen supply. This issue extends beyond pandemics, with 25 million annual deaths due to inadequate oxygen treatment.
Solution: Oxynizer provides 1.5-2 times the oxygen concentration of ambient air. It can be paired with pumps and compressors based on patient needs in resource-limited setting.
Invented by Kyeongho Park, Jiwon Lee, Jiwon Kim, Yeohyun Jung, Seung-Jun Lee – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
-
Problem: While Parkinson’s is famous for causing shakes, there are over 40 ways the disease causes people to suffer, including freezing of gait. This stops your legs from working and can happen randomly at any time of the day, leading to severe accidents and falls.
Solution: Peter is a wearable biomedical device that helps people with Parkinson’s Disease regain their ability to walk. It detects when their legs stop working and automatically plays rhythmic signals through the collarbone to help them move.
Invented by Jonathan Fisher – University of Cambridge
.jpg?$responsive$)
-
Problem: Of the 20bn RFID tags made in 2019, 12bn were made for the $1.7T fashion industry. Many of these RFID tags found in clothing tags are single use and end up in landfills, once pulled off.
Solution: PulpaTronics develops recyclable paper-only RFID tags that eliminate metal mining, simplify manufacturing and minimise environmental impact.
Invented by Adonis Christodoulou, Barna Soma Biro, Chloe So – Imperial College London and Royal College of Art
-
Problem: Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires globally. By 2100, extreme wildfires are predicted to increase by 50%, most significantly in the Arctic and tropical forests where communities are severely unprepared. Early wildfire detection is key to reducing wildfire devastation. Conventional solutions require prohibitive amounts of time, money, and labour to install and maintain.
Solution: Pyri is a bio-inspired and bio-based early wildfire detection system for remote and low-cost coverage. The heat from nascent wildfires activate Pyri’s novel organic electronics which emit an RF signal to alert vulnerable communities.
Invented by Richard Alexandre, Karina Gunadi, Blake Goodwyn, Tanghao Yu – Imperial College London and Royal College of Art
-
Problem: We produce about 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Recycling plastic requires injection moulding tools to shape molten plastic into the desired product, and this can be expensive.
Solution: Social Plast is a new production method for injection moulds made of UHPC concrete which makes plastic recycling cheaper and more energy-efficient.
Invented by Johannes Kastner – Kunsthochschule Kassel
-
Problem: There is an increase in household textile waste, largely contributed to by the fast fashion industry. As the demand for cheap, low-quality clothing increases, so does the pollution of Australia's landfills.
Solution: Sorbet acoustic panels are made from shredded textile waste combined with a starch-based glue. The panels are more sustainable than competitors and efficiently reduces more noise pollution than other acoustic panels.
Invented by Sze Yek – RMIT University
.jpg?$responsive$)
-
Problem: More than 70% of the global workforce is at risk from death or injury as a result of extreme heat. The workers most at risk from excessive heat include construction workers.
Solution: Tailwind is a helmet designed to create airflow preventing heat-related illnesses for outdoor workers.
Invented by Youngki Kim, Jisu Kim, HyeonJun So, Seunghun Jeong – Hongik University
-
Problem: Blue-green algae blooms produce toxins and lead to oxygen depletion, the death of aquatic organisms and severe disruptions in the ecosystem. Existing mechanical, chemical and biological methods to combat these blooms are expensive, require regular maintenance or are harmful to the environment.
Solution: The Reef is an innovative, ecological filter module which has been designed to counteract the growth of blue-green algae in water bodies, by filtering out phosphates and other nutrients.
Invented by Anton Vervoot – University of Antwerp
.jpg?$responsive$)
Press contacts
-
Dyson Press Office
Email: Press.Office@dyson.com
-
James Dyson Award
- Website: https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/
- Instagram: @jamesdysonaward
- X: @jamesdysonaward
- TikTok: @jamesdysonaward
- LinkedIn: James Dyson Award
- YouTube: youtube.com/jamesdysonfoundation
Discover Dyson
