Two Philippine inventions have made history by advancing to the Global Top 20 of the James Dyson Award 2026. This marks the first time the country has secured two entries in the international design competition’s final shortlist.
The semi-automated dialysis machine BiDaKidney and the structural sensor Sentinel will advance to the final judging phase, where Sir James Dyson will evaluate them for a potential ₱2.39 million prize.
Addressing Healthcare and Infrastructure Challenges
Both inventions aim to tackle critical issues in healthcare and infrastructure. BiDaKidney, developed by University of the Philippines Diliman graduates Andrew Jacob Buensalido and Allyson Cabrestante, seeks to simplify peritoneal dialysis. This treatment allows patients with kidney failure to manage dialysis at home but requires careful fluid exchanges, monitoring, and record-keeping.
Sentinel, developed by De La Salle University’s Aldrei Ong, tackles the difficulty of assessing buildings post-earthquake by converting an ordinary concrete spacer block into a damage-detection sensor for engineers.
Innovative Solutions for Real-World Problems
The global shortlist of 20 entries was chosen by a panel of 12 Dyson engineers from the UK, US, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, judged on functionality, design approach, originality, and market potential.
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BiDaKidney automates key steps in dialysis using standard supplies, featuring a controlled pump to circulate fluid through tubing, built-in weight sensors to track transferred volume, and a dual-tube clamp to prevent leaks and backflow.
The number of Filipinos receiving dialysis treatment rose by 22% to 64,845 in 2024 from 53,296 in 2023. For patients and caregivers, repeated tube exchanges and fluid monitoring can be physically demanding and increase the risk of contamination.
Sentinel uses self-sensing concrete, which employs conductive materials to create electrical pathways within the block. When the material is damaged, changes in its electrical signals can indicate a potential structural problem. Embedded electrodes connect the block to a compact device that compares readings and sends significant changes to an online dashboard.
Impact and Recognition
The inventors of BiDaKidney said the international recognition could help them connect with people and organizations that could support the project’s further development. “Beyond the award itself, we are grateful for what this recognition brings: the opportunity to spotlight the difficult realities patients and families face in managing dialysis,” they said.
Mr. Ong, the creator of Sentinel, believes the project could help communities respond more quickly to structural risks and recover more confidently following disasters. “Living in an earthquake-prone country means structural safety cannot be something we think about only after disaster strikes,” he said.
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A major Metro Manila earthquake could cause ~34,000 deaths, 100,000 injuries, and 170,000 collapsed homes, per cited data. Current inspection methods taking days or more may miss hidden risks, showing the need for faster, cost-effective assessment tools.
The Global Top 20 will advance to the final stage of judging, with winners selected by Sir James Dyson and announced on November 4. Each global winner will receive ₱2.39 million to support further development and commercialization, while international runners-up will receive ₱398,280.
Development and Testing of the Inventions
BiDaKidney’s creation was inspired by Mr. Buensalido’s sister, a healthcare provider, who shared the challenges of dialysis patients. Over two semesters, the team refined the prototype, improving its pump, sensors, clamp, and control system through repeated testing.
Sentinel’s self-sensing spacer blocks are being field-tested in a building at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, with an estimated manufacturing cost of ₱10 per block, demonstrating its potential for real-world applications.
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