Exciting Winners Announced in DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation Competition for UN SDGs

Innovative Solutions for Gender Equality

The initiative DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation has unveiled its winners for the international competition aimed at fostering innovative solutions supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This competition marked the seventh event under the socio-cultural initiative BE OPEN, where students and recent graduates from around the world gathered to contribute creative ideas for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

With an official launch at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the significance of quality education for girls and decent work for women as pivotal elements for economic growth and solidifying economies. Embracing this vision, BE OPEN dedicated the 2025/2026 competition to stimulating women's involvement in innovation, community initiatives, and sustainable small business solutions. The profound impact of gender equality in innovation, and the pressing need to advocate for gender equality, have never been more apparent.

Among the numerous entries received, fifty projects received honorable mentions, showcasing the plethora of innovative talent. The final winners were chosen by an esteemed panel of international judges, comprising sustainability professionals, academics, and design experts.

First-Place Winner: Norah Kimathi
The top prize of €5,000 went to Norah Kimathi from Strathmore University in Kenya. A computer science graduate, Norah has developed "Zerobionic," a robotic exoskeleton powered by artificial intelligence that aims to enhance access to STEM education for deaf girls and girls with hearing impairments. Her passionate endeavor highlights the urgent need to provide barriers-free education in STEM fields, particularly for marginalized groups.

Second-Place Winner: Victress Igboanusim
The second prize of €3,000 was awarded to Victress Igboanusim from Imo State University in Nigeria for her innovation 'Calyx-Probe.' This portable diagnostic device utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance access to non-invasive reproductive healthcare. Victress’s project addresses critical gaps in healthcare access, especially in rural areas, demonstrating the potential of technology to revolutionize medical solutions.

Third-Place Winners: Lennox Omondi and Team
The third prize of €2,000 was shared by Lennox Omondi and his team, comprising Dullah Shiltone, Keylie Muthoni, and Brian Ndung'u, from St. Paul University in Kenya. Their project "Ecobana" reflects a circular manufacturing model, which transforms agricultural waste from bananas into biodegradable sanitary pads for women and girls in underprivileged communities. This project not only tackles waste management but also addresses critical health issues facing women.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, praised the outstanding creativity displayed by participants, stating, "Modern global challenges are intricate and often require innovative approaches beyond traditional methods. Addressing today's urgent issues demands original ideas, interdisciplinary collaborations, and bold experimentation. We are privileged to witness the promising creativity from youth around the world, which brings us closer to equality and nurtures future leaders for sustainable change.”

The public voting result and the Founder’s Award will be revealed in June 2026. In addition to the cash prizes, all winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to a major sustainability-related event where they can showcase their projects to policymakers and international audiences. This opportunity not only aids their professional growth but also amplifies their vital voices in the realm of sustainable innovation.

This event demonstrates that youth around the globe are not just imagining a world with gender equality but are actively creating it. The future is bright, and it is driven by Young Innovators committed to making a real difference.