Nigerian engineer, Kemisola Bolarinwa, has revolutionized breast cancer detection with her groundbreaking invention– a smart bra designed to identify early-stage breast cancer before symptoms emerge.
Bolarinwa’s journey began in 2017, spurred by the loss of a loved one to breast cancer.
Inspired to make a difference, she dedicated herself to creating a solution, culminating in the design of a prototype smart bra unveiled to the world in February 2022.
As the founder and CEO of Nextwear Technologies, Nigeria’s pioneering wearable technology startup, Bolarinwa’s invention garnered international recognition, including a feature by BBC Africa.
The smart bra utilizes nanotechnology to repurpose ultrasound technology into a wearable device, capable of detecting breast lumps through the Doppler ultrasound system.
Despite years of intensive research and prototype development, Bolarinwa emphasized that there is still work to be done before the smart bra can be mass-produced.
She highlighted the need for further development and extensive clinical trials, targeting a timeline between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023 for commercialization.
Beyond her role as an inventor, Bolarinwa is a staunch advocate for women in STEM fields, striving to bridge the gender gap and empower more women to pursue careers in science and technology.
However, she acknowledged the challenges faced by inventors in Nigeria, citing a lack of government support and research infrastructure.
Despite these obstacles, Bolarinwa remains committed to her mission of using technology to address critical issues and inspire future generations of innovators.
