Claremorris student wins junior regional winner award at Technovation Global Celebrations
A student from from Mount Saint Michael Secondary School in Claremorris has been honoured with the prestigious European junior regional winner award at the Technovation Global Celebrations.
Dana Carney scooped the award for her project, Secure Hands which uses machine learning to give first responders an instant working knowledge of Irish Sign Language (ISL)
Ireland’s emergency services are renowned for their exceptional ability to handle a myriad of languages, ensuring effective communication across diverse linguistic needs. However, the deaf community, which relies exclusively on ISL, faces a significant disadvantage and can be left vulnerable and underserved.
Carney worked on her project coding her app and creating her business plans at Teen-Turn’s after school sessions with teacher and Teen-Turn lead mentor Stephanie Hogan, facilitated by Iseult Mangan, Teen-Turn’s regional manager in the area. She also received support while coding her app from industry and academic volunteers through Teen-Turn’s online support and at this year’s in-person Super Sessions at Genesys in Galway and the Ideas Lab in the University of Galway.
“Working on my project with Teen-Turn was an incredible experience. Their sessions guided me from the initial idea stage to coding a functional app. I loved visiting Genesys in Galway, where I collaborated with volunteers and coding experts. Additionally, visiting the Ideas Lab at the University of Galway provided invaluable support for the business aspects of my project,” said Carney.
“Secure Hands is more than just a project; it is a mission to ensure that no one in our community is left without help in their most critical moments. This recognition motivates me to continue working towards a future where emergency services are inclusive and accessible to all.”
The Technovation Global Celebrations recognise young innovators from around the world who use technology to solve real-world problems. With nearly 11,000 girls from 69 countries creating 3,200 tech-based solutions to community problems, this year was especially competitive.
Joanne Dolan, Technovation’s ambassador in Ireland, said: “with the largest number of submissions from Ireland ever, and nine of those entries reaching the global semi-finals, we already had a banner year, but seeing Dana’s project go on to be awarded the junior category prize for all of Europe, well that’s the icing on the cake.”
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