In a ground-breaking development, Nigerian robotics and embedded systems engineer, Kemisola Bolarinwa, has invented a smart bra capable of diagnosing early-stages Br3@st cancer before symptoms develop.
Inspired by the loss of her beloved aunt to the disease, Bolarinwa embarked on a mission to develop a solution that could empower women to detect Br3@st cancer from the comfort of their homes.
Bolarinwa made the invention known to the world by designing the prototype of the smart bra.
It was spurred by the death of her loved one in 2017. She said before the death of her aunt, she rarely paid any attention to Br3@st cancer. This was because it was just something she heard on the TV or radio.
Bolarinwa is the founder and chief executive officer of Nextwear Technologies, the first wearable technology startup in Nigeria.
She said she was moved to invent the smart bra, after frequent visits to the hospital where her aunt was before she died.
According to her, seeing other women battling breast cancer was painful. She then intensified efforts on the invention.
Her invention was recognised by BBC Africa. She spent a year and a half of intense research, before the smart bra came up in 2019, Bolarinwa added.
The pain of witnessing the suffering of women battling late-stage breast cancer fueled my determination to make a difference,” Bolarinwa said while giving an insight to the innovation.
The CEO emphasised on the need to leverage technology to break down barriers on early detection of breast cancer and improve outcomes for women in Africa and beyond.
She noted that the Smart Bra, poised to serve as a beacon of hope for communities where access to conventional screening services is limited.
On how the Smart Bra works, Bolarinwa said it will be equipped with mobile and web applications that will provide users with real-time results and empower them to take proactive steps towards their health.
“I envision a future where every woman, regardless of her location or socioeconomic status, can access life-saving breast cancer screening.
“Our mission is to make early detection accessible, affordable, and empowering for women across the globe,” she added
This invention has garnered accolades from both local and international stakeholders, including approval from Nigeria’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
Despite challenges such as sourcing raw materials and securing funding, Bolarinwa remains steadfast in her commitment to realising her vision of a world where breast cancer no longer claims lives unnecessarily.
Experts in the sector say the Smart Bra represents more than just a technological breakthrough; but embodies Bolarinwa’s unwavering dedication to driving societal change and empowering women in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Through her leadership at Nextware Technologies and the Women in ICT Foundation, the robotics entrepreneur has continued to advocate for STEM education and gender equality, inspiring the next generation of innovators to break barriers and make a difference.
