UniSZA bags 2 golds, 3 silvers and special award at INNOVA 2014, Belgium

Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) won two gold medals, three silver medals and one special award at the International Exhibition of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and New Technologies (INNOVA) 2014 in Brussels Expo, Belgium from November 13-15.. A self-automated wheelchair using Dijkstra's Algorithm and Artificial Neural Network to aid disable people, invented by Azrul Amri Jamal from the Faculty of Informatic and Computer was awarded gold medal. Another gold medal conferred to Addy Putra Md Zulkifli from the Faculty of Arts and Engineering Technology for the invention of Hydryver, a device that help hyperhidrosis patient to control the excessive flow of the sweats under their palms.

Two more inventions, EVA Flo; a tool that allows the user to dry their shoes in short time even during rainy days and a multifunction aromatherapy lamp design that support modern gadget trend called Nobuzz Lamp, won silver medals. These two products were invented by Nor Ziratul Aqma Norzaman and Shahrul Anuwar Mohamed Yusof, respectively. Both inventors are from Faculty of Art and Engineering Technology.

Meanwhile, a product called EZ – Arabic by Mohd Firdaus Yahaya from Faculty of Language and Communication not only won silver medal but also awarded Special INNOVA 2014 Award, a Prize of the Idea Monopoly by Belgium. EZ-Arabic is a virtual learning tool that enables teachers and students to learn Arabic. It facilitates the learning enhancement through variety of open-source learning tools such as e-book of Arabic, educational games, audio-video learning aids, online translator, online chat-box for discussion, link of Arabic keyboard for computer, and links of various websites in learning Arabic for children.

The success of INNOVA 2014 was the first time lucky for UniSZA as the participation in this year event was the first time. The exhibition, which was lasted for three days was officiated by the Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister. More than 200 inventions compete for this year awards, which involved the participation from private companies, research institutions and universities from more than 13 countries. The participation in this exhibition is significant as it can be a catalyst to UniSZA's innovation and invention efforts. This event also be able to showcase researcher's creativity and potentially market UniSZA's products. In addition, this event can promotes UniSZA at international level.

CRIM proudly congratulates all winners.

The summary of the products and inventors of INNOVA 2014 as follows: