Two Bengaluru students selected for finals of India’s Young Innovators Samsung Solve 2026
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Two Bengaluru students from R.V. College of Engineering have reached the finals of Samsung Solve 2026 with their AI-driven project, 'Step Sense'. The innovation uses shoe-embedded sensors to detect conditions like diabetic foot ulcers and plantar fasciitis early to prevent amputations.
Innovation in Healthcare: The Step Sense Breakthrough
Two students from Bengaluru’s R.V. College of Engineering, Bhavya Chawat and Kruthi Krishna, have earned a spot among the top 20 teams for the finale of Samsung India’s Young Innovators at Samsung Solve 2026. Their project, titled 'Step Sense,' represents a significant intersection of wearable technology and preventative healthcare, addressing critical medical needs through intelligent data analysis.
The Mechanics of Step Sense
The core of the project relies on specialized sensors integrated directly into the soles of footwear. By capturing precise data on walking patterns, the system is designed to identify early markers for conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers and plantar fasciitis. This approach shifts the focus from reactive treatment to proactive monitoring, potentially saving patients from the severe complications associated with these chronic conditions.
Addressing Diabetic Complications
Diabetes is a widespread health challenge, and foot-related complications often lead to life-altering outcomes like amputations. As Kruthi Krishna noted, the primary goal of Step Sense is the early detection of disease markers that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become critical. By utilizing AI technology to monitor parameters such as fall-risk assessment and fatigue, the device empowers patients to seek medical intervention long before surgery becomes necessary.
The Role of AI in Wearable Tech
AI technology serves as the analytical engine of this project, processing complex gait data to identify abnormal patterns over time. The ability of the software to distinguish between healthy walking habits and those indicating medical distress highlights the potential of machine learning in consumer-grade medical devices. This integration allows for continuous tracking, which is far more effective than periodic clinical examinations.
Broader Implications for Future Healthcare
Projects like Step Sense are indicative of a growing trend in India’s engineering landscape, where students are increasingly focused on solving real-world healthcare accessibility issues. By participating in platforms like Samsung Solve 2026, these young innovators are bridging the gap between academic research and practical, life-saving applications that could redefine standard patient care.
Conclusion
The selection of Bhavya Chawat and Kruthi Krishna for the national finale underscores the impact of student-led innovation in the technology sector. As the competition progresses, the development of Step Sense will remain a notable example of how affordable, sensor-based AI can provide early warnings for serious health conditions, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of preventable medical procedures through smarter, more accessible technology.
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