Kemisola Bolarinwa is a Nigerian Robotics Engineer with 11 years of experience. She founded Nextwear Technologies, the first wearable technology startup in Nigeria. She designs and develops wearable technology to treat health-related issues.
She invented a smart bra that identifies early-stage breast cancer. This wearable technology has the potential to save countless lives, especially for those in rural or low-income communities with limited access to healthcare facilities.
Kemisola was inspired to design and develop this bra after her aunt died as a result of a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis. This personal experience drove her to create a solution that addresses the pressing healthcare issue of breast cancer detection.
The smart bra detects lumps in the breast using ultrasonic technology, which bounces high-frequency sound waves off the body. This wearable, non-invasive device provides accurate readings within 30 minutes.
The bra’s ability to provide accessible screenings from the comfort of home can transform breast cancer detection but despite the smart bra’s potential, Kemisola has acknowledged the need for further development and extensive clinical trials before commercialisation.
Kemisola is a passionate advocate for STEM education, especially for girls, and she is the president of the Women in ICT Foundation. She leads Nextwear Technologies and the Women in ICT Foundation to promote STEM education, encourage female participation in technology, and use innovation for societal impact.