Mayo student with groundbreaking app wins top prize at national event

Mayo student Aadila Lyamah, from St. Patrick’s College in Lacken Cross, Killala, has earned a top prize at the Technovation Ireland Regional Pitch Event (RPE), held at AMD’s headquarters in Dublin, for developing an innovative mobile app designed to assist people with speech disabilities. The project was completed over 3 months with support from the Teen-Turn after-school program.

Inspired by a close friend and family members living with aphasia, Aadila set out to create an accessible, free tool for people who struggle with speech. “Communication is a basic human right,” she said. “Speech technology is incredibly expensive. I wanted to build something efficient and free that helps people be understood.”

Her solution was a multi-feature app with powerful assistive technologies. The North Mayo student came up with a flex sensor glove which translates hand gestures from sign language into text or a speech which can then be displayed or played through the app. A camera translator that offers real-time sign translation using a mobile camera is also featured while a blink detection keyboard that allows users with limited mobility to form words using eye movements, offering three versions tailed to different literary levels. 

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Aadila worked on the project through Teen-Turn’s weekly online sessions, which helped her troubleshoot issues, refine her ideas, and gain confidence in both the tech and her voice. “The Friday meetings were incredibly helpful,” she said. “Anytime I had questions, I could ask and get support right away. It made a huge difference.”

Participating in the Technovation program and presenting at the RPE marked a first for Aadila. “I was extremely nervous pitching at first, but once I started, I just trusted everything I’d worked on,” she said. “I actually enjoyed answering the judges’ questions — it felt great to see people genuinely interested in my project.” 

The event wasn’t just about competition. Aadila enjoyed connecting with like-minded students and exploring robotics demos. “Meeting other girls passionate about STEM was one of my favorite parts,” she added.

Looking ahead, Aadila plans to enter her project in the Young Scientist and Technology exhibition and continue participating in Teen-Turn initiatives. “These experiences have made me even more determined to pursue a career in STEM, especially engineering,” she said. “I love building things, solving problems, and helping people.”

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Her achievement highlights not only her technical creativity and perseverance but also the importance of inclusive, supportive spaces for young innovators. As a proud participant of Teen-Turn, Aadila is part of a growing movement to reshape who gets to lead in tech.