A Singaporean industrial design graduate has earned a place among the global finalists of the 2025 James Dyson Award with an invention aimed at improving daily life for people with diabetes. Zoey Chan Zheng Qi, 23, from the National University of Singapore (NUS), created “nido”, a compact and portable organiser designed to safely store, eject, and dispose of insulin needles. The device addresses common safety concerns, preserves user dignity, and reduces the emotional strain associated with daily diabetes management.
Nido is among 20 pioneering inventions shortlisted for the competition’s global stage, where Sir James Dyson will personally select the winners. Each winner will receive S$50,700 to further develop and commercialise their inventions, with the results to be announced on 5 November.
A student-led innovation inspired by lived experience
Chan, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 20, drew on her own experience of managing insulin injections in public spaces. These moments were often awkward and stressful, motivating her to channel those frustrations into a practical design solution. After developing more than 100 prototypes and conducting extensive user trials during her time at NUS, she created nido — short for “neat insulin daily organiser”.
The device’s clamp-like mechanism secures insulin needles, while a tapered front slot helps users remove protective caps without risking finger injuries. Used needles can be stored and ejected with a one-handed motion, making disposal simpler and safer, even in public. Chan’s goal is to make nido widely accessible, helping people with diabetes feel safer, more confident, and less burdened in their daily routines.
“It is an incredible feeling to be shortlisted in the Global Top 20 of the James Dyson Award. nido began as a personal solution to a daily frustration I faced with Type 1 diabetes – it’s surreal that my invention has resonated so widely not just in Singapore, but globally, and that I am now able to be a voice for people living with diabetes. This recognition affirms my belief in nido, and I’m excited to continue refining it and to bring it closer to the people who need it most,” Chan said.
Tackling everyday challenges faced by people with diabetes
Millions of people around the world live with diabetes and rely on daily insulin injections. In Singapore alone, more than 600,000 people manage the condition. These injections often happen on the go, sometimes in public spaces, where disposing of used needles safely can be difficult. Many users end up carrying used needles until they can dispose of them properly, increasing the risk of accidental pricks and adding to the psychological burden of managing a chronic illness.
Nido aims to solve these challenges by combining safe storage, disposal, and convenience in one pocket-sized device. It can hold up to four needles and is compatible with different brands and sizes, making it a versatile tool for everyday use. By addressing both practical and emotional aspects of insulin injection, nido reimagines what diabetes care can look like in daily life.
Recognition on the global stage
Nido was chosen as one of the Top 20 global finalists from hundreds of entries submitted by students and recent graduates worldwide. The finalists were selected by a panel of 15 Dyson engineers from Singapore, the UK, the US, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Each project was evaluated based on its functionality, originality, design process, and commercial potential.
James Evon Dsouza, Head of Technology and Systems Integration at Dyson and a member of the judging panel, praised the invention for its human-centred approach. “What made nido stand out was its deeply empathetic design rooted in lived experiences. It is not only a simple, elegant and well thought out solution, but a transformative tool that reimagines the daily routine of insulin injections with safety and dignity. It’s incredibly inspiring to see our students in Singapore tackle these prevalent and real-world challenges, and I’m very proud to see Zoey’s invention recognised on the global stage,” he said.
The James Dyson Award, run by the James Dyson Foundation, challenges young engineers and designers to develop solutions to real-world problems. Since its launch in 2002, the competition has supported more than 400 inventions with funding and global exposure, while allowing participants to retain full ownership of their intellectual property. Past winners have included devices for disaster response, sustainable building materials, and smart healthcare solutions, underscoring the award’s focus on solving real-world challenges through engineering and design.
