
In a world where early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death, one Nigerian innovator is transforming the fight against breast cancer with ground-breaking wearable technology. Empress Kemisola Bolarinwa, a robotics and embedded systems engineer, has developed a smart bra capable of detecting early signs of breast cancer—an innovation born from personal tragedy and a determination to save lives.
A Personal Mission Turned Pioneering Solution
In 2017, Bolarinwa lost her mother to advanced breast cancer, a devastating experience that fuelled her resolve to tackle the challenges of late diagnosis. Determined to prevent others from suffering the same fate, she founded Nextwear Technologies, Nigeria’s first wearable technology startup, with a bold vision: to make early breast cancer detection accessible to all.
How the Smart Bra Works
Bolarinwa’s cutting-edge smart bra uses ultrasound technology to scan breast tissue, identifying potential tumours in just 30 minutes. Unlike traditional methods that require hospital visits, this device is designed for at-home use, empowering women to monitor their health discreetly and comfortably.
Once the scan is complete, the results are sent directly to a mobile app, where users can easily share them with healthcare professionals for further analysis. This seamless integration of technology and healthcare not only saves time but also helps bridge the gap for women in underserved rural and low-income communities, where access to medical facilities is often limited.
A Lifesaving Breakthrough for Women Everywhere
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Bolarinwa’s invention has the potential to revolutionise early detection, offering a non-invasive, affordable, and user-friendly alternative to conventional screening methods.
By combining innovation with compassion, Empress Kemisola Bolarinwa is not just honouring her mother’s memory—she’s paving the way for a future where technology saves lives, one smart bra at a time.
Would you try a smart bra for early cancer detection? Share your thoughts in the comments!