CUHK students win James Dyson Award for low-cost AI vein visualizer

Jarinyagon Chantawannakul and Wai Yan Phyo Oo, students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, have won the 2026 James Dyson Award Hong Kong regional championship for their invention, DUALVein.

DUALVein is a portable, low-cost intravenous (IV) insertion training system designed to address the global issue where nearly 40% of first-time IV attempts fail. The device utilizes artificial intelligence and 850-nanometer near-infrared (NIR) LED technology to project real-time vein images onto a patient's skin. This allows medical and nursing students to accurately identify veins across various skin tones, even without expert supervision.

While existing vein-finding devices often cost over HK$15,000, DUALVein is priced at approximately HK$3,000. The team achieved this cost reduction by using AI image segmentation technology to replace expensive optical hardware. The invention also includes a dedicated software platform to serve as a self-learning tool for students.

The winners will receive a HK$53,000 prize to support the commercialization of the device, including transitioning from 3D-printed materials to injection molding for mass production. The team will now progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award.