When working from home, a desktop companion can launch a focus timer to help you stay productive. When you need comfort, a portable companion robot provides emotional and sensory support. Want to know the weather? A quick glance at a smart weather lamp on your desk provides the answer.

Smart hardware for future living took the spotlight from March 14 to 16 at the Lester School and Henry Lester Institute of Technical Education, a century-old building originally founded as a foreign engineering college. Over the three days, 15 teams of more than 60 young entrepreneurs raced against time to develop groundbreaking solutions in just 48 hours.

The challenge encouraged creativity in AI-powered devices, with a focus on supporting minorities and other vulnerable groups.

Among the standout projects was an AI companion developed by Tongji University graduate students Guo Xingjian and Wang Yining. Their AI companion interacts with elderly users, recording their life stories to foster meaningful communication. The device helps Alzheimer's patients relive positive memories, enhancing their well-being.

Guo said that before the event, he and his partner had only worked on artistic installations. "But my grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's. After talking with our mentor, we were inspired to use smart hardware to help people with this disease. It feels meaningful."

The competition attracted talent from leading institutions, including Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tongji University, Stanford University, University College London, and New York University. It also invited judges and mentors from the fields of design, technology, investment, and supply chain, providing practical guidance to help projects reach the market faster.

On the final day, all 15 teams presented their smart hardware prototypes, which were evaluated based on real-world demand, technological innovation, and business potential.

The winners will advance to the semifinal of the 5th Shanghai Global Talents Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition and gain access to the D.Transformer incubator at the Lester School and Henry Lester Institute of Technical Education.

Source: Hongkou district government