Olivia Humphreys, a University of Limerick alumna and creator of "Athena," a scalp-cooling gadget for cancer patients, will now contend for the €38,000 grand prize.

For patients receiving chemotherapy, Athena is a portable, thermoelectric battery-powered scalp cooling device.

By applying cold temperatures to the scalp during chemotherapy treatment, scalp-cooling can help prevent hair loss by contracting the blood vessels.

Compared to hospital versions, Athena is intended to be more economical and time-efficient without sacrificing quality.

When Ms. Humphreys' mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, she saw directly the devastating effects that chemotherapy-induced hair loss can have on a person.

Spending time with her mother during her treatment, Ms. Humphreys observed how few scalp-cooling machines her mother was receiving at the hospital and how restricted the options were.




Utilising inexpensive thermoelectric semiconductors, Athena circulates water around the head via a headpiece after cooling a tank of water.

"Being recognised by the James Dyson Award has been an incredibly fulfilling experience," said Ms Humphreys.

"I sincerely appreciate my initiative being recognised on such a significant platform. Knowing that the work I've done has the potential to have a significant impact excites me, and it motivates me to keep moving forward," she continued.

James Dyson will choose the global winners, who will be revealed on November 13.

The inventors that come up with the best ideas will get €38,000 to help with development and marketing.