Cyprus Team Wins First Place and Public Choice Award at European i-Days Competition

Cyprus celebrates a monumental victory as the national winners of i-Days 2024 took home 1st Place and the prestigious Public Choice Award at the European i-Days competition held in Budapest on November 28–29, 2024. The winning team, consisting of Ron Poon, Karthikayini Gomathinayagam, Alma Sato, and Loukia Chatzilazarou, impressed judges and audience alike with their innovative solution, pHera.

The pHera project addresses the issue of incorrect nasogastric (NG) tube placement, a common medical challenge. Their solution, featuring an integrated pH sensor activated by capillary action, provides immediate visual confirmation of proper placement, reducing complications and improving clinical outcomes.

The two-day i-Days event in Nicosia, hosted by Junior Achievement Cyprus and supported by Novartis Cyprus, EIT Health, and the Research and Innovation Foundation, served as a springboard for this remarkable achievement.

Looking ahead, the pHera team will continue their journey in the Beyond Pre-Accelerator Programme, where they will refine their solution and develop a working prototype. This initiative provides participants with professional guidance, educational resources, and access to a network of innovators in healthcare.

“This achievement showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling global healthcare challenges,” said Antigoni Komodiki, CEO of JA Cyprus. “We are incredibly proud of the team for their dedication, hard work, and inspiring success. Such a huge win for our small island.”

The event and its ongoing programmes were made possible by generous support from partner organizations including the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cocoon Creations, CYENS Centre of Excellence, CyRIC, Cyprus Seeds, Idea Innovation Centre, Karaiskakion Foundation, Kinisis Ventures, the Federation of Patients’ Associations (ΟΣΑΚ) and the Cyprus Oncology Society.

For more information about i-Days or the Beyond Pre-Accelerator Programme, please visit www.jacyprus.org or contact eleni.tovletian@jacyprus.org