Did you know that every 10 seconds, someone is rushed to the emergency room due to a life-threatening food allergy? And by 2025, over 50% of all Europeans are expected to suffer from an allergy. Through the Seeds for the Future Tech4Good Competition 2024, a team of five students launched Anaphero with a bold vision: to protect children at risk of anaphylactic shock from food allergies. They envision a world where children can live without the constant fear of severe allergies and where parents feel secure knowing help is just an alert away.
The team, consisting of Tiarnan, Dylan, Ciara, Luke, and Eoin, developed a wearable device for children that triggers alerts at the earliest signs of an anaphylactic reaction. PIM Global recently caught up with Anaphero’s team following their win at the Seeds for the Future Europe Regional Competition.
What Inspired Anaphero?
When asked about Anaphero’s origins, team lead Tiarnan shared his lifelong experience managing severe food allergies, including several near-death encounters. This personal motivation united the team around a mission to create a life-saving device. They decided on a wearable with real-time blood pressure monitoring, as sudden drops in blood pressure are a primary indicator of anaphylactic shock. Eoin aptly described Anaphero as a “shield,” designed to protect children and give families a sense of security.
Memorable Moments from the Competition
Reflecting on their Tech4Good journey, the team laughed about the “sleepless nights” but agreed it was all worth it. Luke shared that he was inspired by the energy and commitment of every team working towards positive social impact. Watching their solution evolve from whiteboard ideas to a tech-driven, life-saving device was especially rewarding. Ciara marveled at how fast their concept grew, saying, “You would think, what can happen in a week? But then it rockets off, and now we’re developing a tech startup. It’s crazy!” The team credited their success to a diverse skill set: from software engineering to data analytics, each member brought unique expertise and perspective.
Advice for Future Tech4Good Participants
Having won the Europe Regionals, the team shared tips for others aiming to make a difference:
- Find a project you’re passionate about. Belief in a problem and its solution truly shines through.
- Start small, aim big. Begin with a feasible solution and plan for it to expand regionally and beyond.
- Understand your users’ needs. Engage with potential users early. For Anaphero, close collaboration with allergy organizations and Tiarnan’s work with AllergyAct has provided invaluable insights.
- Leverage mentors. Take full advantage of workshops and mentorship; mentors can guide you toward critical resources and next steps.
Gearing Up for the Finals
The Anaphero team, while juggling their final-year studies, meets weekly to ensure steady progress. They’re actively working with health tech specialists, conducting patient surveys, and collaborating with AI experts to enhance their solution. Monthly workshops have been invaluable, covering prototype testing, team alignment, and scaling strategies. The team gave a special mention to their Tech4Good mentor, Salam Al-Nukta, for her invaluable advice and guidance throughout the competition, setting realistic expectations for their journey into social entrepreneurship.
Where Do They See Anaphero Heading?
Looking forward, the team is optimistic about Anaphero’s future. With support from health tech experts and allergy patients, they plan to continue refining the device and expanding its reach. From regulatory approvals and user feedback to securing seed funding, Anaphero aims to make a significant impact across Europe. For Anaphero, this is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where they go next.
Team Anaphero
Connect with Anaphero Team:
Anaphero’s Official LinkedIn Page
Tiarnan O’Rourke – Team Lead
Dylan Hussain – Software Engineer
Ciara O’Reilly – Mechatronic Engineer
Luke O’Sullivan – Systems Modeling & Data Analyst
Eoin Creavin – Software Engineer
Participation Year: 2024
Country: Ireland
Program: Tech4Good (Europe)
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!
