Meet Akshath Anand, 14, Who Built an IV Safety Wearable That Won National Gold

A 14-year-old student has demonstrated that groundbreaking healthcare innovation does not always come from research laboratories. Akshath Anand, a Grade 9 student at Surrey Academy of Innovative Learning in Canada, has developed a wearable medical device designed to detect intravenous (IV) leaks before they become dangerous.

His invention, Veino – IV Safety Monitoring System, has already earned national recognition, winning multiple awards at the prestigious Canada-Wide Science Fair. The device aims to improve patient safety by helping healthcare professionals identify IV complications at an early stage, potentially preventing pain, swelling and tissue damage.

What Is Veino and How Does It Work?

Veino is a smart wearable that continuously monitors intravenous (IV) lines using advanced pressure sensors. The system detects abnormal pressure changes that may indicate IV infiltration, leakage or displacement.

Instead of relying on visible symptoms such as bruising or swelling, the wearable alerts healthcare workers as soon as irregular pressure patterns are detected. This allows nurses and doctors to intervene quickly, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient care.

The technology could prove especially valuable for patients who cannot communicate discomfort, including young children, elderly patients and individuals under sedation.

Why Early IV Leak Detection Matters

Intravenous therapy is among the most common medical procedures performed worldwide. However, IV infiltration remains a frequent complication that can cause:

• Pain and swelling
• Tissue irritation
• Bruising
• Delayed treatment
• Potential long-term tissue damage if left unnoticed

By identifying problems before visible symptoms appear, devices like Veino could help hospitals improve safety standards while reducing patient discomfort.

The innovation may also have applications beyond routine IV therapy, including procedures such as endoscopy where pressure monitoring can assist clinicians during treatment.

National Recognition at Canada's Largest Science Fair

Akshath first earned qualification for the Canada-Wide Science Fair through the South Fraser Regional Science Fair before competing nationally in Edmonton against some of Canada's top young innovators.

His project received several prestigious honours, including:

• Gold Excellence Award (Junior Category)
• Challenge Award in Health & Wellness
• Youth Can Innovate Award
• Scholarships from the University of Alberta
• Scholarship from Western University

The recognition marked an impressive national debut for the young inventor.

Surrey Students Shine in Scientific Innovation

Akshath's success was part of a strong performance by students from Surrey.

Another student, Sreya Kurup of Frank Hurt Secondary School, also received national recognition for her research into staph infections and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the growing emphasis on student-led scientific research in the region.

Young Innovators Driving Healthcare Solutions

Akshath Anand's invention highlights how young innovators are increasingly contributing to practical solutions for real-world healthcare challenges.

Rather than creating a theoretical concept, he focused on solving an everyday problem faced by hospitals and healthcare professionals. His wearable demonstrates how engineering, healthcare and technology can come together to improve patient outcomes.

As hospitals continue exploring smart medical technologies, innovations like Veino could eventually play an important role in making IV therapy safer and more efficient.

Key Highlights

• 14-year-old Akshath Anand created Veino, a wearable IV monitoring device.
• The device detects IV leaks before visible symptoms develop.
• It uses pressure sensors to monitor IV lines continuously.
• Akshath won multiple awards at the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
• The technology could significantly improve patient safety in hospitals.