Health has always been a primary concern for societies, and with the rapid growth of the human population, the demand for expanding the healthcare industry has increased. As the industry begins to grow, so do the available medication options for patients. With more options, there is also an increased risk for patients, including misinformation about different drugs and potential medication interactions that they may be unaware of. These issues pose health risks to individuals, and to mitigate them, PharmaED proposes a handheld device that could deliver all this information directly to patients.
PharmaED
Innovation Fest 2025
About PharmaED
UN SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Empowered and Driven:
Delivering Solutions for Global Issues
“Good Health and Well-Being: By giving precise and correct information about the medicine to the customer, our device ensures a healthy life and it promotes well-being. Quality Education: By giving the customer more information about the products they are buying, we are giving them knowledge about the medicine they are buying and using.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: By creating this device, we are opening more opportunities for pharmacies and hospitals to develop and create a better environment for the costumer. Reduced Inequalities: This device helps reduce inequality for people with disabilities and older adults by giving them more independence in managing their health. With a camera and speaker, users can scan medications and receive instant information on drug interactions, dosage, and side effects, all without needing assistance.”
THE STORY BEGAN
DESIGN STORY
Challenges
1. Affordability of API Keys for large language models.
2. Lack of reliable information on the internet for building a solid database.
Use Case
In cases of which a customer is confused on what medication to choose in a pharmacy, the device could be used to take a picture of any medication and produce relevant information on the selected medicine for the user. This makes choosing medications much simpler.
Solution
1. Use free large language models for the prototype.
2. Requesting access to company databases.
TECHNOLOGIES
List of Essential Tools and Technologies
THE PROCESS
PROTOTYPE DESIGN
PharmaED educates users about medication as they shop. It provides information on how the medication works, potential drug interactions, and dosages. The product functions by taking a picture of the medicine box and using AI to identify the medication’s name from the image. It then checks our database for that medication’s name and displays the relevant information. Our product stands out from other market options, such as scan-as-you-shop devices, because it focuses on educating consumers rather than merely adding items to the basket for quicker checkout. Our device will help free up pharmacists’ time by reducing the number of medication-related questions they need to address, allowing them to concentrate on other services or check prescriptions more accurately. This will lead to less stress and a better workplace environment.
Key Product Features:
• AI-powered text extraction for medicine boxes
• LED display and audio output for enhanced accessibility.
• Portable and user-friendly interface.
• Accurate drug information, including dosage, interactions, and side effects.
• 2 Versions 1 for customers. 1 for staff and admin access.
Online Marketing
Creative agency
Web development
PLEDGE
Impact on the market
PharmaED offers a breakthrough in healthcare accessibility by providing real-time, voice-assisted medication guidance through a user-friendly handheld device. It empowers users—particularly the visually impaired and elderly—to make safer, more informed choices without relying on pharmacists or smartphones.
For pharmacies, the device decreases staff workload, enhances customer experience, and delivers valuable data on product trends. By addressing a key gap in medication education, PharmaED positions itself as a practical, scalable solution in the growing assistive health tech market.
RESULTS
FINAL PRODUCT
PharmaED’s process begins when a user points the handheld device at a medication package. The device captures an image using its built-in camera and utilizes AI-powered text recognition to identify the medicine. Once identified, it accesses a secure database to retrieve detailed drug information, including usage instructions, potential interactions, and side effects. This information is then presented to the user through both visual display and audio output, ensuring accessibility for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Pharmacies can use the device to assist customers while shopping or as a training tool for staff and students. In the background, the device also collects anonymized usage data to provide insights into customer behaviour and product trends, aiding pharmacies in improving their service and stock management. This seamless process enables safer medication choices, enhances operational efficiency, and improves accessibility in pharmacy environments.
