Young Innovator Interview | Featuring Suchita Srinivasan | By Aarin Bothra
Suchita Srinivasan, a standout at the 2024 U.S. National Innovator Challenge, is the brilliant mind behind Cura: A Torticollis Head Tilt Device, an innovative solution to a widespread medical condition. This invention comprises a hardware device paired with an iOS and Android mobile application, designed to aid individuals suffering from Torticollis, a condition that causes the neck to contract and the head to tilt to one side. According to NCBI, Torticollis affects one in 250 newborns, with 90% of the population experiencing at least one episode during their lifetime.
How Cura Works
The hardware device, shaped like an earpiece, integrates cutting-edge technology, including an MPU6050 gyroscope, a vibration motor, and a button. It monitors the user’s head tilt and alerts them with vibrations if their head deviates beyond a predefined angle.
The companion mobile app stores user accounts and tracks daily progress, providing valuable insights for patients and medical professionals alike.
Technologies Used in Cura:
- Arduino: Programming the hardware device.
- Firebase: Storing and authenticating user information.
- Flutter: Developing the mobile app.
- Bluetooth: Connecting the hardware device with the app.
Cura addresses the challenges of current treatment options, such as physical therapy, which is limited in duration, and neck braces, which are often bulky and uncomfortable. By offering a discreet, user-friendly solution, Cura provides continuous support throughout the day, making it a game-changer for those affected by Torticollis and similar conditions, including multiple sclerosis.
A Personal Connection to Innovation
Suchita’s inspiration for Cura stems from her personal experience with Torticollis. Having faced the limitations of existing treatments firsthand, she recognized the need for a more effective and convenient solution. She recalls wishing for a product that could offer discreet, ongoing assistance. Her determination to fill this gap led her to develop Cura.
After two prototype iterations, Suchita achieved significant improvements. The second prototype simplified the design, reducing Bluetooth communication complexities and cutting production costs from $58.91 to $36.59. Testing the device herself, she experienced firsthand how Cura consistently reminded her to maintain proper posture, improving her condition significantly.
Looking Ahead
Suchita has ambitious plans for Cura’s future, including:
- Adding new features, such as enhanced communication between the app and device and facial recognition capabilities.
- Securing a patent and FDA approval.
- Selling the product online and through pharmacies.
- Collaborating with medical professionals for clinical trials and feedback.
- Partnering with manufacturing companies to bring Cura to market.
Words of Wisdom
Suchita’s journey has taught her invaluable lessons about perseverance and resilience:
“If there is one thing I’ve learned throughout the inventing process, my high school journey, and generally the last 16 years of my life, it’s that failure is not the end.”
She reflects on her younger self, who would feel devastated when outcomes didn’t meet her expectations. Over time, she realized that every opportunity, regardless of the result, provides skills and knowledge that contribute to future success.
“So, maybe you didn’t win that award, get the best grade, or beat the opposing team. And that’s okay. Just keep working hard, keep putting in time and effort into the activities you love, and keep being driven. Even if the outcome isn’t what you wanted, get back on your feet and keep going. As Helen Keller once said, ‘A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn.’”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Suchita’s journey exemplifies how personal challenges can fuel innovative solutions. With the support of mentors, medical experts, and the STEM community, she is determined to make Cura a transformative tool for those in need.
Innovation World is proud to highlight Suchita’s story as a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and resilience.
INNOVATION WORLD IS A PROUD MEMBER OF IFIA
