Ho Technical University students place seventh with kidney disease AI

Ho Technical University female team ranks seventh with AI kidney tool

A six-member team of female engineering students from Ho Technical University (HTU) has secured the seventh position at a prestigious Women in Engineering competition held in Ho. Competing against 19 other universities, the team gained recognition for their innovative approach to healthcare technology and their ability to apply engineering concepts to clinical challenges. The group's performance highlights the growing contribution of women in the engineering and technology sectors within Ghana’s higher education landscape. The centerpiece of the team’s entry was NephroScan GH, an AI-powered prototype designed to address the challenges of early disease detection. The tool specifically focuses on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), using full blood count (FBC) data to predict a patient's risk level. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the students aimed to provide a more efficient and accessible method for identifying potential kidney issues before they reach critical stages, potentially reducing the burden on the national healthcare system through early intervention. Led by Madam Sesinam Kumako, the team demonstrated the practical application of engineering principles to solve real-world medical problems. The competition provided a vital platform for these students to showcase their technical skills and creativity in a field traditionally dominated by men. The seventh-place finish among a large field of 19 institutions underscores the competitive quality of the engineering curriculum at Ho Technical University and the potential of its student body to innovate in the digital health space. The development of NephroScan GH marks a significant step forward in student-led technological research at the university level. As healthcare providers increasingly look toward digital solutions to improve patient outcomes, prototypes like the one created by the HTU team offer a glimpse into the future of diagnostic tools in Ghana. The team's success is expected to inspire more female students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), further bridging the gender gap in technical innovation.