FUTA students invent health device for Microsoft contest

Two students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Taofeek Olalekan Afeez and Alayande Abdulwaheed Abiola, have won the Microsoft Nigeria Imagine Cup.

The undergraduates of Physics Electronics & Electrical Electronics who formed Team TREP invented an Internet of Things (IoT) solution called Real Drip - a device that reduces the risk of blood clot or deep vein thrombosis.

They will be representing Nigeria at the regional finals of the biggest software competition for undergraduates in the world.

Their innovation was presented to the public at an event held at the Microsoft office in Lagos recently.

The General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr Akin Banuso said, “Through Imagine Cup, the world’s young, aspiring entrepreneurs and developers collaborate to build a technology application, create a business plan and gain a keen understanding of what is needed to bring a concept to market,” he noted.

The Team Lead for Team TREP, Taofeek Olalekan Afeez said “We are excited about this win. We would like to thank Microsoft for this opportunity. We look forward to competing at the global stage and do our country proud.”

The Chief Judge of the competition, Mr Damola Solanke said, “Their idea was well articulated and we look forward to seeing more home-grown solutions to our pressing needs as a country.”

The finalist from Nigeria and 28 other countries will proceed to the Round 2 which is at the regional level through an online submission. Finalists from this will win an all-expense paid trip to the World Finals taking pace in Redmond, Seattle in United States in July.

They will then compete with others to win the World Champion and $100,000 cash prize, and a chance to take home the Imagine Cup.