Manila, Philippines – A groundbreaking innovation from Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) students has captured international attention after winning four awards at the Philippines’ International Exposition of Technologies (PHILIPPINExT) 2025, held on July 14–17 in Manila.
The innovation, called MANIES (Measurement Analysis NIR-Spectroscopy) to Reduce Medical Waste, was celebrated for its potential to transform healthcare. Designed as a non-invasive device to measure blood glucose levels without the need for drawing blood, MANIES offers a faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly approach to diabetes monitoring.
During the international exposition, the Unpad team was honored with four accolades: the International Conference and Exposition on Innovation (ICE on I) Award, the Murata Choice Award, the People’s Choice Award, and a Recognition Certificate from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). These acknowledgments highlighted both the technical excellence and social impact of the student-led project.
The device was showcased before policymakers, investors, and intellectual property stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region, garnering widespread appreciation for addressing one of the pressing challenges in healthcare monitoring while simultaneously reducing medical waste from conventional testing methods.
Rizky Ramadhan Sayyid Zenyda, a medical student and one of the team members, expressed optimism about the innovation’s future. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, negotiation, and perseverance for young innovators who aim to create meaningful change. “I hope this tool can soon be commercialized so its benefits reach society at large,” he said.
The recognition of MANIES reflects not only the capability of Unpad students to develop impactful innovations but also their commitment to global health challenges. The achievement has become a source of pride for Universitas Padjadjaran and an inspiration for its academic community to continue pursuing research with tangible benefits for society.
The student team consisted of Rizky Ramadhan Sayyid Zenyda (Faculty of Medicine), Yeni Setiyowati (Vocational School of Public Financial Administration), Muhammad Arrasyid Firdaus Riyadi (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Statistics), Najwa Amalia Mansoor (Faculty of Economics and Business, Management), and Muhammad Riza Vikar Akbar Alhayat (Faculty of Medicine). Their collective effort stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of healthcare innovation.
This milestone marks not only an international recognition but also a meaningful step toward realizing Unpad’s vision of contributing knowledge and innovation that benefits communities worldwide.
