Chennai-based engineer Pravin Kumar has been deemed as the national winner for India of the James Dyson Award 2023. Kumar has been selected for his innovation Mouseware, a movement-based technology designed for people with upper limb disabilities.
This technology enables control of smart devices by using the power of head movements, allowing individuals to effortlessly interact with digital devices.
The national winner Pravin Kumar will receive prize money of approximately Rs 5 Lakhs (£5,000) and will also represent India in the International round where final winners will be handpicked by Sir James Dyson.
“Mouseware, a project under Pravin’s IIT-Madras Research Park based tech startup Dextroware Devices, is progressing towards being commercialized. Pravin started the company right after his graduation with the aim towards utilising technology for the larger societal good,” the official release stated. Through this project, Pravin aims to create assistive technologies that empower individuals with disabilities through digital accessibility.
With the help of the prize money, the national winner aims to repurpose his patented technology for various applications that require gesture-based interaction. He aims to take the invention to NGOs, special schools, hospitals and rehab centres that work towards the upliftment of people with disabilities.
The James Dyson Award encourages students across 28 countries to design something that solves a problem through clever yet simple engineering principles that address clear problems. The international top 20 shortlist for the James Dyson Award will be announced on October 18, and the international winners on November 15.
Courtesy : The Indian Express