What Would You Do with Ksh. 250,000?

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Innovate. Ideate. Two powerful words that fuel Strathmore University’s commitment to research and innovation. Over the past two years, the #SUIdeasFestival has served as a dynamic platform where students have the opportunity to showcase groundbreaking ideas aimed at transforming society and shaping a brighter future through service and impact.  This year was no exception, with Strathmore University once again proving its status as a powerhouse of creativity and innovation, hosting the third edition of the #SUIdeasFestival.

This year, the spotlight shone brightly on one particular team, Zero Bionic, a smart and yet intriguing innovative idea sparked by Maxwell Opondo, Lexi and Norah Kimathi. Zero Bionic’s groundbreaking creation—a robotic prosthesis designed to teach deaf students STEM subjects through bi-directional communication—is nothing short of revolutionary. What makes their project so unique is its ability to deliver complex STEM concepts without relying on sign language. By utilizing advanced technologies like machine learning and facial recognition, Zero Bionic is bridging the gap between accessibility and education, offering deaf students a new way to engage with technical subjects that were previously out of reach.

I had the privilege of sitting down with the dynamic duo behind Zero Bionic, Maxwell Opondo and Norah Kimathi, to learn about their journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their ambitious future goals.

The Birth of Zero Bionic

When asked about the inspiration behind the project, Norah reflected: “We saw the barriers deaf students face when accessing STEM education. Complex concepts weren’t being communicated effectively, and as tech enthusiasts, we wanted to change that.”

This shared passion drove them to design a lightweight, portable, and affordable system that caters to diverse learning environments, from bustling urban setups to remote rural schools. Their journey began two years ago during outreach programs in various schools, where the team witnessed firsthand the communication challenges between trainers and students with disabilities. Motivated to create a solution, they developed Zero Bionic, which uses machine learning and facial recognition to interpret and convey technical STEM language. The basic version of Zero Bionic enables finger-spelling and technical word display, while the advanced version incorporates upper torso movement recognition for more complex interactions, creating a richer learning experience.

Zero Bionic took center stage at this year’s #SUIdeasFestival, where their innovation earned them first place. Winning Ksh. 250,000 was a huge milestone, but for Maxwell and Norah, it was the recognition and feedback they received that truly stood out. Winning Ideas Fest was a validating moment,” said Norah. “It confirmed that we’re on the right path, and it fueled our passion to push forward. It gave us the confidence to know that our work is making a real impact.” “Funding remains a critical challenge. While Ksh. 250,000 is a significant boost, it’s only a starting point for realizing our vision,” Maxwell acknowledged. 

Despite their busy schedules as full-time students, Maxwell and Norah complement each other perfectly. Maxwell brings technical expertise in programming and robotics, while Norah excels in business development and navigating the educational sector. Their shared vision and dedication have propelled Zero Bionic to impact four schools so far, with educators and students alike showing remarkable enthusiasm and improved understanding of STEM subjects.

Looking to the future, the team envisions incorporating multilingual sign language support and adapting the system for other disabilities, fostering inclusivity across the board. Their ultimate goal is to develop a full-body exoskeleton that caters to a wider range of needs. Maxwell shared: “We aim to scale our solution to countries facing similar barriers and create a global impact.” Zero Bionic is actively seeking partnerships with institutions and stakeholders worldwide to expand their reach and enhance their technology. Reflecting on Ideas Fest, the team emphasized the importance of such platforms in nurturing young innovators. “It gives you the courage to place your dreams on a stage where they can grow,” said Norah.

The festival not only provided funding but also equipped them with the skills and network to continue their journey of innovation. As Maxwell and Norah look to the future, they remain humble and driven, dedicated to creating a world where every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to excel in STEM. They continue to acknowledge the instrumental support they have received from Young Scientists Kenya, iBiz Africa, and the invaluable feedback and encouragement from peers and experts during Ideas Fest. “It’s the collective effort of a community that has made this possible,” Maxwell shared.

Article written by: Briege Mwangi

What’s your story? We’d like to hear it. Contact us via communications@strathmore.edu

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