Kemisola Bolarinwa, a Nigerian robotics and embedded systems engineer, has invented a smart bra capable of diagnosing early-stage breast cancer before symptoms manifest. Bolarinwa unveiled her innovative creation to the world in February 2022, marking a significant milestone in the fight against breast cancer.
The inspiration behind Bolarinwa’s invention stemmed from a personal tragedy – the loss of a loved one to breast cancer in 2017. Prior to this experience, breast cancer was merely a distant concern for Bolarinwa, something she heard about through media channels. However, witnessing her aunt’s battle with the disease firsthand ignited a passion within her to make a difference.
As the founder and CEO of Nextwear Technologies, the first wearable technology startup in Nigeria, Bolarinwa embarked on a mission to develop the smart bra after witnessing the struggles faced by women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Her dedication to the cause earned recognition from BBC Africa, spotlighting her as a pioneer in the field of medical technology.
The smart bra operates by repurposing ultrasound technology into a compact form factor, enabling early detection of breast abnormalities. Leveraging nanotechnology, the bra incorporates an ultrasound system known as the Doppler, which detects blood clots, heart defects, and blocked arteries by bouncing high-frequency sound waves off the body. This innovative approach offers a non-invasive and convenient method for screening, potentially revolutionizing breast cancer detection methods.
Despite the significant strides made in developing the smart bra, Bolarinwa acknowledges that there is still work to be done before it can be mass-produced and commercialized. Extensive clinical testing and further development are required to ensure the device’s accuracy and effectiveness. Bolarinwa aims to finalize these efforts by the end of 2022 or early 2023, paving the way for widespread adoption of this life-saving technology.
Beyond her role as an inventor, Bolarinwa is a staunch advocate for increasing female participation in STEM fields. Drawing from her own experiences, she emphasizes the importance of encouraging women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through initiatives like the Women In ICT Foundation, Bolarinwa strives to empower women and girls with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in tech-driven industries.
However, Bolarinwa also highlights the challenges faced by innovators in Nigeria, including limited support from government and funding agencies. Despite the abundance of talent and creativity, many inventors struggle to secure the resources needed to bring their ideas to fruition. Bolarinwa calls for greater investment in research and development, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a conducive environment for innovation to flourish.
With a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University), Bolarinwa boasts over a decade of experience and a passion for solving complex problems through technology. Her dedication to advancing medical science and empowering women exemplifies the spirit of innovation driving Nigeria’s tech landscape forward.
In conclusion, Kemisola Bolarinwa’s groundbreaking invention of the smart bra represents a significant step forward in the fight against breast cancer. Through her tireless efforts and commitment to innovation, she is not only saving lives but also inspiring a new generation of female engineers and entrepreneurs. As Nigeria continues to harness its potential as a hub for technological innovation, individuals like Bolarinwa serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of ingenuity and perseverance.
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