Nigeria: Nigerian Engineer Kemisola Bolarinwa’s Breakthrough: A Smart Bra for Early Breast Cancer Detection
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
In a remarkable stride forward for healthcare technology, Nigerian engineer Kemisola Bolarinwa has pioneered the development of a smart bra designed to detect early-stage breast cancer. This groundbreaking invention marks a significant advancement in the fight against one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women worldwide.
The genesis of Bolarinwa’s innovation traces back to February 2022 when she unveiled the prototype of the smart bra, propelled by a deeply personal motivation stemming from the loss of a loved one to breast cancer in 2017. Prior to this tragic event, breast cancer had been a distant concern for Bolarinwa, relegated to mere mentions on television or radio broadcasts.
As the founder and CEO of Nextwear Technologies, Nigeria’s pioneering wearable technology startup, Bolarinwa’s journey toward developing the smart bra was catalyzed by her firsthand experiences accompanying her aunt to hospital visits during her illness. Witnessing the struggles of countless other women grappling with breast cancer further fueled Bolarinwa’s resolve to innovate in this critical area of healthcare.
Her groundbreaking invention garnered international recognition, with BBC Africa shining a spotlight on her efforts. Bolarinwa devoted eighteen months to intensive research and development before unveiling the smart bra prototype in 2019, leveraging cutting-edge nanotechnology to shrink ultrasound technology into a wearable, compact device.
The functionality of the breast cancer-detecting bra hinges on repurposing ultrasound technology, specifically the Doppler system, to detect abnormalities such as lumps within breast tissue. Unlike conventional ultrasound machines utilized for imaging purposes, the smart bra employs high-frequency sound waves to bounce off the body, enabling the detection of potential indicators of breast cancer.
Despite achieving a significant milestone with the prototype, Bolarinwa acknowledges that there remains substantial work ahead before the smart bra can be commercialized and made accessible to the masses. Extensive clinical testing and further development efforts are essential prerequisites for realizing the device’s full potential. Bolarinwa sets a tentative timeline for mass production between late 2022 and early 2023, underscoring the ongoing commitment required to translate innovation into tangible impact.
Beyond her role as an inventor, Bolarinwa emerges as a passionate advocate for gender diversity in STEM fields, echoing her own journey of empowerment within the male-dominated realm of engineering. Her unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity and representation is epitomized by her leadership of the Women In ICT Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through technology education and entrepreneurship opportunities.
In a broader context, Bolarinwa’s pioneering work underscores the wealth of untapped talent and ingenuity within Nigeria’s innovation landscape. However, she laments the systemic challenges faced by aspiring inventors, citing the lack of adequate support from government institutions and funding agencies as a significant hindrance to progress.
As Nigeria’s technological ecosystem continues to evolve, luminaries like Kemisola Bolarinwa serve as beacons of inspiration, driving forward the frontiers of innovation while advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment for future generations of inventors and entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, Bolarinwa’s groundbreaking smart bra represents not only a triumph of engineering ingenuity but also a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against breast cancer, underscoring the transformative power of technology to catalyze positive change in healthcare and beyond.
