Team Samsong developed WristAssured, a smartwatch app that can support students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in mainstream schools by helping to detect early signs of distress. Using built-in sensors on the Samsung Galaxy Watch, the solution monitors indicators including heart rate, heart rate variability, sweat activity, skin temperature and movement against each user’s individual baseline and the context of the activity they are involved in at the time. When possible signs of stress are detected, WristAssured checks in on the user’s feelings and provides gentle vibrations and visual calming prompts. If signs of distress persist, Special Educational Needs Officers or teachers will be alerted to provide appropriate support. The solution ultimately aims to promote independence, inclusivity and social harmony, while adapting technology to the needs of each student.

Team EcoLogic developed EcoLogic, a smart waste sorting solution that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help students make better recycling decisions before disposal. Designed to help to reduce contamination at source, the system uses a camera and a Python/TensorFlow AI model to classify waste as plastic, paper, metal, glass or general waste, before providing immediate preparation guidance and directing it to the appropriate compartment. Its EcoLogic Assist feature guides users to remove, prepare and rescan recyclables to prevent contamination, while the Confidence-Aware Sorting feature prevents automatic sorting when AI confidence falls below 80%, prompting users to remove and check recyclables. By combining AI-powered classification with real-time guidance and automated sorting, EcoLogic aims to make recycling easier for students.

Team SafeSignals aims to help non-verbal autistic children receive help during emergencies with ACRN SafeSignal, a smart wearable safety system. The solution combines a smart wearable, GPS and Geofencing functions, a caregiver application, and an Anonymous Community Rescue Network (ACRN) to provide early danger detection, pick up non-verbal communication and coordinate community assistance. By identifying potential emergencies based on existing data, the solution enables caregivers to receive safety notifications, locate the child and request support from verified nearby helpers. Designed with privacy and individual sensory needs in mind after feedback given by experts, Team SafeSignals connects children with caregivers and verified helpers to enable a reliable, fast, and safe response.