Have you ever imagined life without the use of your hands? What would daily activities like typing, cleaning, or eating look like? For many patients with stroke-related hand paralysis or other hand limitations, this is their reality. It’s also the challenge that Beyond Limits seeks to address.
Hailing from the UAE, seven students—Sultan Alsamach, Maryam Aldhanhani, Muna Alqaydi, Fatima Alhammami, Hamad Al Marzouqi, Ali Zainal, and Ahmed Almheiri—entered the Huawei Tech4Good Uzbekistan Regional Competition 2024 as strangers. They emerged as a team united by a powerful mission: to develop a customizable assistive device that serves as an extension of a patient’s hands.
How Did the Team Land on Beyond Limits?
During the brainstorming stage, team leader Sultan Alsamach shared the story of a friend with hand mobility challenges, inspiring the group to address this issue. Guided by their mentor Salam Al-Nukta’s advice to refine their problem statement, the team conceived Beyond Limits.
With the tagline “Your hand is your device,” Beyond Limits aims to help stroke survivors regain independence through a customizable gadget designed to simplify everyday tasks. The device integrates cutting-edge technologies, including 3D scanning and printing, Bluetooth connectivity, and a mobile application, ensuring a tailored user experience.
This concept is grounded in both personal anecdotes and data. The UAE reports 10,000–12,000 cases of stroke annually, with 50% of these patients under 45—significantly higher than the global average. This underscores an unmet need to support stroke survivors in achieving daily functional independence.
Beyond the Regionals
Following their success at the competition in Uzbekistan, the team has been refining their prototype based on feedback from mentors, peers, and industry experts. They’ve begun 3D printing their device and testing its electrical components. To further their understanding, they are engaging with the UAE’s Ministry of Health and hospitals to gather medical insights. Their goal: to ensure the product is both efficient and user-friendly.
Meanwhile, Purpose in Motion (PIM) has been providing support through monthly workshops and weekly programs. These initiatives have helped Beyond Limits sharpen their pitching skills, making their product more accessible to diverse audiences.
As team member Ahmed Almheiri noted, “The workshops provided us with invaluable support…encouraging us to think from the user’s perspective and work collaboratively as a team. This approach allows us to continuously improve and test new ideas.”
Rising Beyond Challenges
Balancing the demands of full-time studies with building Beyond Limits hasn’t been easy. The team faces challenges related to time, financing, and expertise. They’ve adopted tools like WhatsApp and Zoom to stay connected, holding weekly meetings to discuss prototype developments. Tasks are divided based on individual strengths, with some focusing on graphic design and others tackling technical aspects.
However, gaps remain, particularly in business development and financial planning. Here, the team’s mentors have been instrumental, guiding them on creating a compelling business plan, identifying target markets, and refining their value proposition.
Advice for Future Tech4Good Participants
Having walked this journey, the team shared their advice for future participants:
- Ahmed Almheiri: “You’ll need a lot of energy—it’s a busy schedule, but it’s worth it. We learned so much about technology and Uzbek culture. Stay focused and enjoy the process.”
- Ali Zainal: “Connect with as many people as possible and share your ideas. Collaborate on other projects or competitions to gain knowledge.”
- Hamad Al Marzouqi: “Give your best and work hard. Every effort teaches you something, even if you don’t win.”
- Maryam Aldhanhani: “Know your audience and target market from the beginning.”
- Muna Alqaydi: “Focus on solutions with real impact. Keep end users in mind, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and prioritize long-term sustainability.”
- Noora Salem: “Coordinate with your team and think together. Motivate each other to create the best possible product.”
Beyond the Horizon
Looking ahead, Beyond Limits is working to secure seed funding for further research, development, and testing in the coming year. The team plans to establish partnerships with healthcare facilities and enter the Emirati market. Over the next three years, they aim to optimize their solution and expand regionally, helping more patients regain independence and confidence at home and in the workplace.
The story of Beyond Limits is one of innovation, teamwork, and resilience. By overcoming both personal and professional challenges, they are creating a meaningful impact for patients with hand mobility difficulties.
We wish them all the best at the global finals and beyond!
Team Beyond Limits
Connect with Beyond Limits
Sultan Alsamach
Ali Zainal
Fatima Alhammami
Muna Alqaydi
Maryam Aldhanhani
Ahmed Almheiri
Hamad Al Marzouqi
Participation Year: 2024
Country: UAE
Program: Tech4Good (MECA)
Contributors
Ting Ting Liew, Interviewer/Writer
Ting Ting is passionate about social impact, innovation, business development, and the nexus among these three areas. She was previously a Business Partner in Enterprise Singapore, a government agency that champions enterprise growth. Ting Ting graduated from the National University of Singapore with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Social Work. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at Yenching Academy, Peking University. She is currently working on her thesis regarding the development of social entrepreneurship in China. During her free time, you can catch Ting Ting running, doing aerial yoga, or finding the best dessert in town!
