7th IDEAS International Invention & Design Competition Brings 200 Teams to Cheng Shiu University – Grand Prize Awarded to “Hemodialysis Fistula Protector”

The 7th IDEAS International Invention & Design Competition was held from August 1–2 at the Cheng Shiu University Activity Center, drawing more than 200 teams from nine countries, including Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia. A total of 197 innovative and practical inventions were showcased. The competition’s highest honor, the Grand Jury Prize, was awarded to the team led by Director of Nursing So-Chiu Hsiao from Chi Mei Medical Foundation Yuli Chimei Hospital, recognizing their invention, the Hemodialysis Fistula Protector.

Competition Highlights

This year’s event featured three categories: Design, Social Invention, and Youth Invention, encouraging broad participation across age groups and professional fields. The Grand Jury Prize came with a NT$100,000 award, while 25 Titanium Awards were also presented, each offering a NT$7,000 cash prize, motivating outstanding teams to continue contributing to green innovation.

In his remarks, CSU President Jui-Chang Kung highlighted that as technology advances, the competition serves as a platform for young innovators to address critical issues such as future energy, climate change, and environmental protection. He emphasized that beyond being a stage for creativity, the competition also connects academia, industry, and research, driving technological innovation and sustainable development.

President Ting-Hui Min of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) noted that since its inception in 2018, the IDEAS Competition has aimed to tackle pressing issues such as global warming and air pollution, while nurturing young inventors with problem-solving skills. He stressed that by integrating policy, academia, and industry, the event amplifies Taiwan’s contribution to global sustainability.

Award-Winning Invention: Enhancing Dialysis Safety

Speaking about her team’s award-winning innovation, Director Hsiao explained: “Hemodialysis patients face risks of arm numbness and blood leakage during the 3–4 hours of treatment. Our invention not only reduces these risks but also improves comfort, giving patients greater peace of mind.” She expressed gratitude to her team: “Thanks to their support, this idea could be turned into a practical solution for patients, helping healthcare workers provide safer care.”

Collaboration for Green Innovation

The competition was co-hosted by Cheng Shiu University and the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), with sponsorship from institutions and companies including National Formosa University, Lunghwa University of Science and Technology, Asia University, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan Fertilizer Co., Ltd., GreenECO Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Medical Foundation, and Yuan-Bo International Co., Ltd. Their participation underscores the commitment of academia and industry to advancing green innovation and sustainable development.