In 2019, Jorja Suga invented goggles with bluetooth technology which alerts a supervisor if a young swimmer has been under water for too long.
The 12 year old’s Safety Smart Goggles was one of just three winners from more than 1000 entries in the Origin Energy national littleBIGidea competition.
Now this clever cookie, a Year 9 student at Clancy Catholic College, is busy trying to get her second award winning invention patented.
The EpinJect, a needle free epinephrine injection to treat anaphylaxis, won the 2020 Aussie Student Inventions competition in the Lower Secondary Category.
Educational resources platform ClickView joined forces with producers of TV program Aussie Inventions That Changed The World to host the competition.
By administering a high pressure stream of adrenaline directly into the person which is effective within minutes, EpinJect has the potential to reduce thousands of needle related injuries that occur every year when treating anaphylaxis.
Jorja Suga says her needle free solution addresses the limitations of existing products in the market and is easy and safe to use, empowering anyone, young or old, to save a life.
As part of the prize package, this young inventor was awarded an exclusive mentorship opportunity, which she is currently undertaking, along with a $3000 cash prize, to help her bring her invention to life.
She says she draws inspiration from the work of young, innovative biomedical engineers like Macinley Butson.
“It is hard to come up with a unique idea for an invention,’’ Jorja said.
“However, I find the best way is to look within your own life or speak to your family and friends about what issues they face every day.
“One of my passions is swimming which helped me to develop the Safety Smart Goggles. I wanted everyone to be able to share in this passion, regardless of their swimming ability, without the risk of injuring or drowning themselves.”
While she wants to follow in the footsteps of McKinley Butson and become a biomedical engineer, right now Jorja hopes to empower other young inventors within her local community and through Liverpool Youth Council.
She has been on the youth council since July 2020.
“Through the youth council we can have a say in the issues that affect young people – not just adults,’’ says Jorja.
“It is a great way to get involved in your local community and connect with other people your own age.’’
