The idea of the University of Twente to administer medicine to people without the need for needles has been revealed to be the best tech idea of 2017.
In the medical world alone, more than 12 billion needles are used annually. But, in addition to the impact that these needles have on people who are afraid of them, they also have an environmental impact. This motivated the startup, InkBeams, to develop a new method; the needleless injection of medicines. An initiative that KIJK rewarded with the award ‘Best Tech Idea of 2017’.
Recent domestic tech ideas
The winner was selected from a longlist of twenty inspiring, recent, domestic tech ideas, composed by KIJK’s editors, based on a tour past independent experts, technical universities and institutions providing opportunities to startups. Afterwards, the public could choose a favourite online, which generated more than 3,600 votes. Additionally, an expert jury assessed the nominated ideas, consisting of technology and innovation expert Danny Mekic, PhD student Jacqueline Heinerman, creator Astrid Poot, tech editor with NU.nl Jeroen Kraan and KIJK editor in chief (a.i.) André Kesseler.
InkBeams is a good and relevant idea
The idea of the needleless jab received no fewer than 729 votes. The jury was also enthusiastic. “InkBeams is a good and relevant idea”, assessed jury member Astrid Poot. “Many people are afraid of needles and, if this idea also results in less waste in the form of disposed needles, that would be great.”
Editor in chief (a.i.) André Kesseler is very satisfied with this KIJK award for the best tech idea. “The fear of injection needles is imprinted in most people from an early age. Nuclear engineer David Fernandez Rivas, assistant professor at the Mesoscale Chemical Systems at the University of Twente, is trying to solve that problem by administering medicines into the body using a laser. If Rivas succeeds, it will be great news for us all.”
The runner-up was the Eindhoven-based startup, BitSensor, with cybersecurity software that signals hacks while they are occurring. Third place went to GUTS. Their online ticketing platform that runs on blockchain technology prevents tickets for concerts and performances from being resold illegally. The complete top ten of the best tech ideas can be found in the latest edition of KIJK, which will be on sale from Thursday 16 November onwards.
Photo: Dr. Loreto Oyarte, BSc. Maria Brio, MSc. Lea Milovich and David Fernandez Rivas (assistant Professor).
