Celebrating Innovation: Winners of the DESIGN EQUALITY Competition Announced

Introduction

The DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation competition, which promotes innovative solutions tailored to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has announced the winners of its latest edition. This notable international competition focuses on encouraging students and recent graduates to propose projects that foster a sustainable and inclusive future. Managed by the BE OPEN initiative, this year's event celebrated creativity and dedication to equality.

Background

Launched in 2019, this competition has continually aimed to empower young creatives by encouraging their participation in addressing global challenges through innovative ideas. Each year, the event aligns itself more closely with the UN's objectives, making significant strides in cultivating an environment where innovation leads to substantive social change.

Women's Empowerment Theme

For the 2025/2026 edition, the competition has devoted itself to the promotion of gender equality (Goal 5 of the SDGs). Recognizing women's contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship, BE OPEN endeavors to galvanize female participation in community initiatives and sustainable small businesses.

During the opening of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the significance of providing girls with quality education and decent work opportunities for women to stimulate economic growth and strengthen economies. This vision aligns perfectly with the ethos of the DESIGN EQUALITY competition.

The Winners

Out of hundreds of submissions, three standout projects were awarded monetary prizes. The panel of judges, entailing a diverse range of professionals from sustainability experts to academicians, selected the top three entries based on their innovation and potential impact.

First Prize: Norah Kimathi

The first-place prize of €5,000 was awarded to Norah Kimathi, a graduate of Strathmore University in Kenya. Norah's project, Zerobionic, introduces an AI-powered robotic exoskeleton designed to enhance STEM education accessibility for hearing-impaired girls. This cutting-edge solution holds the potential to significantly reshape educational opportunities for marginalized demographics by promoting inclusivity in tech-centric fields.

Second Prize: Victress Igboanusim

The second prize of €3,000 went to Victress Igboanusim from Imo State University in Nigeria for her project, Calyx-Probe. This innovative portable diagnostic device utilizes AI to provide non-invasive reproductive healthcare solutions, significantly improving healthcare access for women. Victress's work addresses urgent healthcare needs, emphasizing the importance of equipping women with vital health resources.

Third Prize: Ecobana Team

The third prize, valued at €2,000, was awarded to Lennox Omondi and his team, including Dullah Shiltone, Keylie Muthoni, and Brian Ndung'u from St. Paul University in Kenya. Their project, Ecobana, focuses on a circular manufacturing process that converts agricultural banana waste into biodegradable sanitary pads for women and girls in underprivileged communities. This groundbreaking approach not only tackles waste management but also confronts menstrual hygiene challenges faced by many.

Future Implications

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expressed her admiration for all participants during the announcement. She stated, “As global challenges grow more complex and interlinked, traditional methods often fall short. We need innovative thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and bold experimentation to tackle today's urgent issues. The incredible projects submitted by young people worldwide exemplify this.”

In addition to the cash awards, all winners will receive fully-funded trips to present their projects at significant sustainability events, providing them with international exposure and potential partnerships.

The public voting winners and the founder's choice award will be revealed in June 2026.

Conclusion

The DESIGN EQUALITY competition stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. By investing in the bright ideas of youth, it underscores the transformative power of innovation in achieving true gender equality and sustainability. Special recognition goes to the commitment of BE OPEN and its partners in fostering a platform where such visionary projects can thrive and make an impact on a global scale.