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Aplikasi Karya Peserta Apple Developer Academy Indonesia : HerLens Tembus Final Lomba Internasional Hult Prize
September 4, 2024
HerLens, a pioneering Indonesian startup, has made history by becoming the first from the nation to reach the Global Finals of the Hult Prize Global Accelerator Program 2024. This achievement places HerLens among the top six startups worldwide competing for the $1 million prize in London.
HerLens, supported by the Directorate of Innovation and Science Techno Park (DISTP) at Universitas Indonesia (UI) and the Apple Developer Academy @ BINUS, previously advanced through the Hult Prize Global Summit 2024 in Mumbai. Out of thousands of global contenders, HerLens emerged as one of the 16 semifinalists, securing their place in the finals.
Representing Indonesia at this prestigious stage, HerLens is led by two distinguished graduates of UI’s Faculty of Computer Science (Fasilkom), Andini Putri Pramudya and Salsabila Zahra Chinanti. With a strong belief in their mission, they are determined to bring home the grand prize, which would provide critical seed funding for HerLens’ next phase of growth.
HerLens and Its Impact on Indonesia’s Healthcare
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Indonesia, yet the screening rate remains alarmingly low, at only 7% in 2023. HerLens aims to revolutionize this scenario by offering an AI-powered solution for early detection of cervical cancer, with a target accuracy of 95%. This technology, available through an app on both iOS, empowers doctors and midwives to perform accurate early screenings, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare.
The development of HerLens has been a collaborative effort involving students from Fasilkom UI and UI’s Biomedical Engineering program, under the guidance of esteemed medical professionals such as Prof. Laila Nuranna, Sp.OG, Subsp.Onk, and Dr. dr. Gatot Purwoto, Sp.OG, Subsp.Onk, MPH. The involvement of experts from the Oncology and Gynecology Department of RSCM-FKUI has ensured that HerLens’ technology is grounded in solid scientific research and tailored to the specific needs of the Indonesian population, especially in underserved areas.
Prof. Laila Nuranna, Sp.OG, Subsp.Onk, emphasized the importance of early detection: “Early detection of cervical cancer is crucial. One of the simplest and most affordable methods is the visual inspection with acetic acid (IVA) test, which can be conducted by all healthcare providers. The HerLens app is expected to greatly support the widespread implementation of IVA-DoIVA across Indonesia.”
A Journey of Innovation and Global Recognition
HerLens’ journey to the finals has been marked by rigorous competition and extensive mentorship. After advancing from the Hult Prize Global Summit elimination round, where they were selected among the top 16 teams, HerLens participated in the Hult Prize Global Accelerator at Ashridge House, UK. During this three-week program, which began in mid-August 2024, the team received intensive training and mentoring to refine their business project.
On September 2, 2024, HerLens was announced as one of the six finalists advancing to the Global Finals in London, set to take place on September 6, 2024. The finalists will compete for the $1 million prize, which will enable the winning team to bring their innovative solution to life.
“The Hult Prize has been a catalyst for student innovation for fifteen years,” said Lori van Dam, CEO of the Hult Prize Foundation. “We are proud to support HerLens as they work towards creating positive, sustainable change through their entrepreneurial efforts.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of HerLens in Indonesia
HerLens’ success in the Hult Prize Global Accelerator is not just a milestone for the startup but a significant achievement for Indonesia’s tech and healthcare sectors. By harnessing AI to tackle one of the country’s most pressing health challenges, HerLens is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of Indonesian women.
For more information about HerLens, visit herlens.id or follow their official Instagram account @herlens.id.
About Hult Prize
The Hult Prize is a global competition that inspires student entrepreneurs to solve the world’s most pressing issues through social entrepreneurship. Running for a year, the competition engages around 180,000 youth from 110 countries, all striving to create socially impactful ventures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The finalists present their business ideas to a panel of judges, with the winner receiving $1 million USD to turn their concept into reality.
For more details about the Hult Prize, visit hultprize.org.
