The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Innovation Week, held at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital from May 15^th to May 16th, 2024, was a remarkable event celebrating engineering and innovation. Among the many highlights was the presence of the UniPod team, whose contributions added a unique spark to the week’s activities.

The event attracted a distinguished assembly of guests, including government officials, academic researchers, representatives from standard bodies, and partners from the health industry, among others. It featured insightful presentations on emerging technologies across the development pathway, as well as panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions that set the stage for an exciting week.

A key feature of MLW Innovation Week was the series of workshops that encouraged hands-on learning and creative problem-solving. One such workshop, led by Joseph Phiri and Francis Masi from UniPod, focused on the Engineering Design Process. Participants were grouped into ten teams and assigned problems to rapidly develop low-cost fidelity prototypes. Five groups tackled the challenge of creating a portable handwashing station, while the other five worked on designing an improved traction system for patients with fractured femurs. This interactive approach not only challenged participants’ skills but also encouraged them to think outside the box and apply their knowledge in practical and innovative ways.

Additionally, the event featured pitch sessions where numerous innovators had registered and competed for different awards. These sessions provided a platform for creative minds to present their groundbreaking ideas and solutions, further highlighting the spirit of innovation that defined the week.

Participants left the event with a renewed sense of creativity and a wealth of knowledge to apply in their respective fields. The success of MLW Innovation Week underscored the importance of such gatherings in fostering a collaborative and innovative spirit within the community.