Nigerian robotics and embedded systems engineer Kemisola Bolarinwa has revolutionized breast cancer detection with her groundbreaking invention: a smart bra designed to identify early-stage breast cancer before symptoms manifest.
Bolarinwa unveiled her innovation to the world in February 2022, presenting the prototype of the smart bra as a response to the loss of a loved one to breast cancer in 2017. Prior to this personal tragedy, breast cancer was merely a distant concern for her, something she encountered in media but didn’t deeply engage with.
As the founder and CEO of Nextwear Technologies, Nigeria’s pioneering wearable technology startup, Bolarinwa was driven to action by her experiences accompanying her aunt to the hospital before her passing. Witnessing the struggles of other women battling breast cancer fueled her determination to develop the smart bra.
Recognized by BBC Africa for her invention, Bolarinwa devoted a year and a half to intensive research before unveiling the smart bra prototype in 2019. The device leverages ultrasound technology, repurposed into a compact form factor, to detect breast lumps—a feat made possible through nanotechnology, which specializes in manufacturing technology at miniature scales.
The smart bra employs a specialized ultrasound system known as the Doppler, which detects abnormalities by bouncing high-frequency sound waves off the body. Unlike traditional ultrasound machines used for imaging, the Doppler’s focus is on identifying blood clots, heart defects, and blocked arteries.
Despite the significant progress achieved in developing the smart bra, Bolarinwa acknowledges that further refinement and extensive clinical testing are necessary before it can be brought to market. She envisions a timeline for mass production between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.
In addition to her role as an inventor, Bolarinwa is a staunch advocate for encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM fields, a cause she has championed since her youth. She emphasizes the importance of robust research and development infrastructure to support innovative solutions and laments the lack of adequate research institutions in Africa, particularly in hardware and deep tech sectors.
Bolarinwa holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University). With over a decade of experience, she possesses exceptional technical skills and a passion for tackling complex problems with cutting-edge technology.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Bolarinwa is actively involved in empowering women and girls in ICT through her nonprofit organization, the Women In ICT Foundation. She strives to address the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and math-intensive fields by providing education and opportunities in technology.
While Nigeria boasts a wealth of talented inventors like Bolarinwa, their potential is hindered by a lack of support from the government and other stakeholders, highlighting the need for greater investment and recognition of homegrown innovation.