The innovative Beyond Pre-Accelerator program and i-Days Nicosia 2024 took place in Nicosia, bringing together young visionaries to shape the future of healthcare through technology and entrepreneurship.

Organized by Junior Achievement Cyprus with support from Novartis Cyprus, EIT Health, and the Research and Innovation Foundation, the program offers unique learning and development opportunities for young participants. The two-day event encouraged students to develop and present groundbreaking health solutions.

The winning team of i-Days Nicosia 2024, team "pHera," observed the frequent risks of incorrect nasogastric (NG) tube placement, which can lead to severe complications and typically requires additional verification, such as X-rays. Their solution, "pHera," incorporates a built-in pH sensor activated by capillary action to provide immediate visual confirmation through acidity indicators when the tube reaches the stomach. This innovation ensures safer, faster, and more reliable NG tube placement, improving patient outcomes and clinical efficiency. Team pHera, comprising Ron Poon, Karthikayini Gomathinayagam, Alma Sato, and Loukia Chatzilazarou, will represent Cyprus at the European i-Days finals in Budapest later this month.

The event opened with introductory sessions led by Eloisa Savvidou from Junior Achievement Cyprus and representatives from Novartis and the Research and Innovation Foundation. Keynotes explored digital health opportunities and healthcare innovation in Europe and Cyprus. The first day concluded with expert panel discussions on “Challenges in the Health Sector” and “How Innovation Can Shape the Future,” featuring speakers from Novartis, the Karaiskakio Foundation, Cyprus Seeds, the Gravity Incubator, the National eHealth Authority, and other prominent organizations.

Throughout the two days, over 45 participants engaged in workshops to enhance their business and innovation skills. The event wrapped up with final presentations of business proposals before a panel of experts and investors. Team pHera emerged as the winner, earning the opportunity to represent Cyprus at the European i-Days finals.

The i-Days and Beyond Pre-Accelerator programs provide young people with a unique chance to develop as leaders and innovators in the health sector. By the end of the program, participants gain knowledge and skills spanning data analysis, prevention, psychological support, and palliative care, along with access to mentorship and high-quality educational resources.

Antigoni Komodiki, CEO of Junior Achievement Cyprus, commented, “We are proud to have successfully hosted the EIT Health i-Days 2024 for the third consecutive year. This initiative serves as a platform for young people to develop entrepreneurial skills and propose solutions to real-world challenges in the health sector.”

Loukia Samata, Head of Patient Access and Corporate Partnerships at Novartis Cyprus & Malta, added, “Our support for programs like i-Days and the Beyond Pre-Accelerator contributes to shaping and empowering the next generation, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to develop skills and innovate. Through these initiatives, young people gain valuable experiences and knowledge to address real health challenges. Our commitment to innovation and tackling healthcare challenges is underscored by our continuous support of such actions. We believe that collaboration can reshape healthcare management, drive change, and improve the quality of life for patients in Cyprus.”

The program is supported by partners including the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cocoon Creations, CYENS Centre of Excellence, Cyprus Federation of Patient Associations, Cyprus Oncological Society, Cyprus Seeds, Gravity Ventures, Idea Innovation Centre, Karaiskakio Foundation, Kinisis Ventures, and Panis Media.