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Celebrating the Future of Gender Equality through Innovation

The DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation competition, conducted by the BE OPEN Foundation, has recently concluded, announcing its winners for 2026. This international competition, which has taken place annually since 2019, focuses on supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by encouraging young creatives to devise innovative solutions for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to promote gender equality, aligning with SDG No. 5, which aims to empower women and girls globally. The recent edition of this contest attracted hundreds of entries from students and recent graduates, demonstrating an impressive array of creativity and commitment to social change.

The Winning Innovations

The top three winners, each with their groundbreaking projects, were selected by an esteemed jury comprising sustainability experts, designers, and policymakers. The first prize of 5,000 Euros was awarded to Norah Kimathi, a graduate from Strathmore University in Kenya. Her project, Zerobionic, is an AI-powered robotic exoskeleton designed to facilitate access to STEM education for deaf and hard-of-hearing girls. This innovative solution aims to bridge educational gaps, ensuring that all students have the resources necessary to excel in technology-related fields.

The second prize of 3,000 Euros went to Victress Igboanusim from Imo State University in Nigeria for her project, Calyx-Probe. This portable AI-driven diagnostic device seeks to enhance access to non-invasive reproductive healthcare, addressing significant health disparities faced by women in various regions. Her work not only opens doors to essential medical services but also champions the role of women in healthcare innovation.

Finally, the third prize of 2,000 Euros was awarded to Lennox Omondi and his teammates Dullah Shiltone, Keylie Muthoni, and Brian Ndung'u, all graduates of St. Paul's University in Kenya. Their project, Ecobana, focuses on converting agricultural banana waste into biodegradable sanitary pads for women and girls in underserved communities. This initiative tackles two pressing issues: waste management and access to feminine hygiene products, offering a sustainable solution that promotes health and dignity.

A Visionary's Commitment

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expressed her admiration for the finalists and their projects, highlighting the critical importance of innovative approaches to address today’s multifaceted challenges. “As global issues become increasingly complex and interconnected, traditional methods often fall short. Tackling the urgent problems of today requires new thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and bold experimentation,” she stated. The projects submitted for the DESIGN EQUALITY competition exemplify this creative energy, moving us closer to achieving equality.

Moreover, the winners will be recognized shortly in an audience-voted category, and will receive an all-expense-paid trip to a major sustainability event, providing them with an international platform to showcase their innovative projects to policymakers and a global audience.

In conclusion, the DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation competition not only aims to foster creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth but also serves as a catalyst for change, reinforcing the essential role of women in creating innovative solutions for the future. With such visionary minds taking the stage, there is hope for a more equitable and sustainable world.