Luminovah: Revolutionizing Jaundice Detection and Saving Lives

The University of Washington’s (UW) Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge has once again showcased the power of student-led innovation, with Luminovah, a startup founded by three UW students, taking home the grand prize. The team—comprising Tejoram Vivekanandan, Lillian Tran, and Nana Wang—developed a groundbreaking, non-invasive technology to detect jaundice, a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications, including brain damage in newborns. Their device is uniquely designed to work effectively across all skin tones, addressing a critical gap in current medical technologies.

The Mission Behind Luminovah: Tackling a Pressing Health Issue

“The whole motivation is we are saving lives,” said Tejoram Vivekanandan, the tech lead for Luminovah. This sentiment encapsulates the team’s driving force as they aim to revolutionize the way jaundice is diagnosed. Jaundice, a common condition in newborns caused by high bilirubin levels, can be dangerous if not detected early. However, many existing diagnostic tools struggle to accurately identify jaundice in babies with darker skin tones due to melanin interference. “It’s really hard to get a model working on all skin colors,” Vivekanandan explained. Luminovah’s innovative solution is designed to overcome this challenge, ensuring equitable access to accurate diagnoses regardless of skin tone.

The team is in the final stages of testing their device on animal models and is collaborating with Seattle Children’s Hospital to conduct human studies. These efforts are part of their broader goal to secure Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and bring their technology to market. Neonatal healthcare providers have already expressed strong demand for Luminovah’s solution, highlighting the potential for widespread adoption. Additionally, the startup plans to offer rental options for parents of newborns with jaundice, making the device more accessible and affordable.

A Decade of Innovation: Building on UW’s Legacy

Luminovah’s success is the latest chapter in the UW’s legacy of innovation in jaundice detection. Over a decade ago, researchers from the university’s computer science department developed a smartphone app to screen for the condition. While that project laid the groundwork, Luminovah’s approach represents a significant leap forward in terms of inclusivity and effectiveness. Their device’s ability to work across all skin tones is a testament to the team’s commitment to addressing health disparities.

The Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge: A Platform for Change

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge, which has become a premier platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative solutions to pressing health care challenges. The competition, hosted by the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship in the Foster School of Business, attracted a record-breaking 69 applicants from across Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, Idaho, and Alaska. A panel of judges narrowed the field to 22 finalists, who pitched their ideas to a live audience.

Luminovah’s victory was well-deserved, as the team not only secured the $15,000 Hollomon Family Grand Prize but also won the $2,500 Naturacur Wound Healing Best Idea for a Medical Device prize. Their dual win underscores the potential of their technology to transform neonatal care.

Other Standout Winners: Pioneering Solutions Across Healthcare

While Luminovah stole the spotlight, other startups also made a strong impression at the competition. The $10,000 WRF Capital Second Place Prize was awarded jointly to two UW startups: General Molecular Electronics and VISTA. General Molecular Electronics is developing a genetic diagnostic tool to identify Lipoprotein(a), a lesser-known but significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Using proprietary nanopore sequencing technology, the startup aims to improve early detection and treatment of this condition.

VISTA, on the other hand, is leveraging computer vision technology to enhance image-guided surgery. Their innovative approach could make surgical procedures more precise and less invasive, benefiting both patients and surgeons. The VISTA team includes Nicole Gunderson, Pengcheng Chen, and Jeremy Ruthberg.

The $5,000 R1 Third Place Prize and the $2,500 Population Health Initiative Best Idea for Addressing Health Access and Disparities Prize were awarded to Revyn Medical Technologies, a startup from the University of Victoria. Revyn is developing a next-generation platform for gynecological exams, prioritizing both provider usability and patient comfort. Their goal is to reduce anxiety and improve outcomes for individuals undergoing these exams.

The Bigger Picture: From Competition to Commercial Success

The Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge has a track record of launching successful ventures. Many past winners have gone on to secure significant funding and commercialize their products. For instance, A-Alpha Bio, which won first place in 2018, raised $20 million in funding three years later. Similarly, Nanodropper, the 2019 winner, secured $1.4 million in funding to further develop its innovative eyedrop delivery system. Spira, which took third place in 2020, was acquired by Galileo, a New York-based health care company, for its groundbreaking patient screening software.

Luminovah and this year’s other winners are well-positioned to follow in these footsteps. Their innovative solutions have the potential to address critical gaps in healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and reduce disparities. As they move forward, the support of the UW entrepreneurial ecosystem, coupled with their own dedication and creativity, will be key to turning their visions into reality.

In summary, the 2023 Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge was a celebration of student ingenuity and its power to transform healthcare. From Luminovah’s groundbreaking jaundice detection technology to the pioneering work of other finalists, this year’s competition highlighted the exciting possibilities at the intersection of innovation and health care. As these startups continue to grow, they have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the lives of patients worldwide.