Last week, the EIT Health I-Days returned to Dundalk Institute of Technology for its third consecutive year hosted by the Connected Health and Wellbeing Cluster in partnership with dConnect. This event brings together students from multiple disciplines to tackle real-world health challenges. The event was held on the afternoon of Tuesday the 15th and all-day Wednesday 16th of October. This year the featured theme was “Narcolepsy,” with participants tasked with developing innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for those living with the disorder.
Breanndán Casey, manager of the Connected Health Cluster stated, “Over the course of one and a half action-packed days, more than 70 students from diverse academic backgrounds – spanning biosciences, data analytics, entrepreneurship, engineering and software development – collaborated in multidisciplinary teams. Applying Design Thinking methodologies, participants explored creative ways to address the management and care of narcolepsy, all while receiving mentorship from leading industry experts. It was great to see so many Cluster members support the students directly with advice and mentoring”.
The event was structured around a series of workshops, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on activities. Guided by mentors, students were encouraged to think outside the box, using empathy and creativity to design solutions that could have a real-world impact.
Among the facilitators were Elaine Armstrong and Alan Hickey from Narcolepsy Ireland, who provided valuable insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals with narcolepsy, further fuelling the innovative spirit of the event. Prominent professionals such as Adrian Coyle (Market Access, Value Based Partnerships, Digital Health, Takeda), Des O’Toole (Innovation at Health Service Executive), Deirdre O’Rourke (Consultant Neurologist at St. James’s Hospital), Laura Caden (HIHI Health Technology Innovation Specialist), Sinead Sexton (EIT Health), Ann Quinn (Head of Innovation at Children’s Health Ireland), Brian Markey (Senior Project Manager at Health Service Executive), Dolores Donegan (Innovation and Change Management Agent), Thelma Pentony (Business Operations, Training Manager at Technology and Transformation, HSE), Claire Staple (Vice President of Strategy & Country Manager for Ireland), Bridget Kelly (Lecturer), Dara Keeley (Project Manager), and many more.
Team NarConnect Triumphs
Team NarConnect triumph as the winners of the 2024 I-Days, comprised of DkIT students James Sands (Maths & Data Analytics), Jordana Hamilton (Bioscience), and Raphael Frogoso (Software Development). The team developed an innovative Bluetooth-enabled patch designed to assist in symptom recognition and analysis to alert users of impending narcoleptic episodes and reduce the need for frequent visits to clinical practitioners and increase safety for the person living with narcolepsy.
The solution was lauded for its user-centered design and the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people living with narcolepsy. Competing against 16 other teams, Team NarConnect stood out for its practicality and scalability, earning them the top prize. The prize included an iPhone 15, €200 in One-4-All voucher for each team member and the honour of representing DkIT at the EIT Health I-Days Finals in Budapest this November.
As Team NarConnect prepares for the EU Finals in Budapest, they will continue to refine their solution under the mentorship of Breanndán Casey from the Connected Health and Wellbeing Cluster and Ceara Treacy, of dConnect in addition to other mentors from the day. The DkIT community is eager to support their journey, anticipating the potential impact their innovation could have in the field of narcolepsy care.
The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of key sponsors, including Takeda UK and Ireland, HSE Technology and Transformation, and Nordic Global. Their financial contributions and mentorship offerings not only incentivised participation but also ensured a rewarding experience for all involved.
The EIT Health I-Days are part of a Europe-wide initiative designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of healthcare innovators. With its focus on fostering collaboration across disciplines, the event in Dundalk was a testament to the power of creativity and teamwork in addressing some of today’s most pressing health challenges. As we look to the future, these students are paving the way for significant advancements in healthcare, and events like I-Days are critical in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
The 2024 EIT Health I-Days in DkIT was a resounding success, demonstrating the value of student-led innovation in health. The winning solutions and the enthusiasm displayed by all participants reflect the bright future of healthcare and the promise of Design Thinking as a tool for solving complex problems. We look forward to seeing the continued success of these talented individuals as they carry forward the spirit of innovation and positive change. For more information on EIT Health I-Days and upcoming events, visit EIT Health I-Days.
