Two student teams from Changbin Junior High School and Fengtian Junior High School—both located in Taitung’s rural areas—shined at the 77th iENA International Invention Fair in Nuremberg, Germany. Competing among thousands of entries from more than 30 countries, they won a Gold Medal, a Silver Medal, and a Special Award for Creativity with their inventions “Zero-Contact Health Guardian” and “Smart Water Dispenser.” Their achievements highlight how innovation and compassion can coexist, while allowing the world to see the brilliance of Taitung’s youth.
Taitung County Magistrate April Yao praised the students, noting that these inventions embody the creativity and empathetic perspectives of rural students—“a model of thinking with care and acting with love.” She encouraged more students to pursue their dreams and let creativity become a force for change.
According to the Taitung County Department of Education, students Yang Tian-Ming, Tian Jhuo-Ching, and Li Meng-En from Changbin Junior High School created the “Zero-Contact Health Guardian,” inspired by their personal experiences. The device uses millimeter-wave radar to remotely detect breathing and heart rate, and includes voice-activated emergency calls and remote video functions, combining safety with convenience. Its integration of technology and humanity moved the judges and earned the Gold Medal.
Fengtian Junior High School students Jhou Jia-Cyun, Ba Ching-Han, and Ju Lo-Ke designed the “Smart Water Dispenser,” addressing the difficulty of lifting heavy water bottles. Using ultrasonic sensors to measure water levels, the invention enables scheduled and automatic water dispensing—saving water and improving daily and medical convenience. It received the Silver Medal and the Special Award for Creativity.
The iENA International Invention Fair is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious invention exhibitions, attracting top innovators every year. For students from rural areas, being recognized on this international stage is not only an honor but also a tremendous affirmation. Principal Huang Shao-e of Changbin Junior High School remarked that the students demonstrated not only innovative thinking but also teamwork and empathy. Principal Hung Wen-Cheng of Fengtian Junior High School said that the students began with small everyday inconveniences and turned them into dreams of making the world a better place.
Education Department Director Tsai Mei-Yao added that the county will continue promoting innovative education, STEAM programs, and invention incubation plans—empowering Taitung’s youth to step onto the global stage and let creativity become a bridge to the world.
