A Perth College UHI student’s idea to help tackle domestic violence has been recognised with an award.
Aircraft engineering student Rebecca Wallace, who is also Highlands and Islands Students’ Association Perth vice president for education and engagement, was recognised in the UHI Business Competition.
The UHI Business Competition, run by CREATE, part of the centre for remote and sustainable communities, is now in its 16th year.
It encourages enterprise and innovation by supporting people in the Highlands and Islands, Moray, Perthshire and Argyll to take their first steps on the road to starting their own business.
Eight finalists shared in a prize pot of £8000 and Rebecca was awarded £1000 for winning the ‘Best Social Impact Award’ category, sponsored by Engineers in Business Fellowship.
Rebecca’s idea is for a ‘smart’ jumper to help tackle the domestic violence crisis. Any physical abuse directed towards a victim could be detected by the technology within the jumper and the data stored securely.
Rebecca (27) explained: “I have made a new product using a sensor called ‘velostat’. It can detect forces/pressure and due to its flexibility, thinness and light weight – it’s ideal for clothing.
“By placing it into a jumper, if anyone is subject to physical abuse or any non-consensual contact – the jumper can send data instantly through a tiny Bluetooth or WiFi module within the jumper.
“This can then be used as evidence where previously there may have been none. It would be targeted at domestic abuse victims who have made complaints, but no other evidence was available to take a case forward.”
She continued: “My mum started up a social enterprise, so I’ve been inspired by her work and success, but really wanted to do something to support the domestic violence crisis.
“Waiting for politicians to change something was taking too long. I wanted to help now.
“The UHI Business Competition challenged me to think about the product in detail and make a prototype.
“To be told I was a finalist injected confidence in my idea/product. The awards evening was fun and it was inspiring to hear from other finalists and those presenting. I was honoured.
“I now feel like I have the confidence and ambition to take the idea forward.”
