Stellar is an easy-to-navigate app that provides timely and affordable Paediatric Occupational Therapy services.
Saanvi Kaushik from Cork City developed the Stellar app under the mentorship of Irish Teen. The Stellar app is one of only six chosen to go forward to the Technovation Finals out of 1,700 mobile apps developed by 5,900 girls from 60 countries.
Stellar was developed by Saanvi Kaushik from Cork City under the mentorship of Irish Teen. Saanvi is 13 years old and attends Christ King Secondary School.
The Stellar app is one of only six chosen to go forward to the Technovation Finals out of 1,700 mobile apps developed by 5,900 girls from 60 countries.
Developer Saanvi and the other finalists will pitch to judges in August for the World Title. Pre-Covid, Saanvi would have travelled to California for the pitch event, but this year it is online.
Teen-Turn, mentor of Technovation, is a charity that works to tackle the low number of women from under-served areas and under-represented communities who are getting third level qualifications in STEM. Saanvi worked with a Teen-Turn mentor to develop the Stellar app, which provides a safe platform to Occupational Therapists so they can deliver remote appointments, monitor progress, and develop individualised programmes for children. This means that some of the 30,000 children awaiting Occupational Therapy support in Ireland can access the highest quality services regardless of where they live.
Saanvi’s mother is an Occupational Therapist. During the lockdown, Saanvi observed first-hand her parent’s struggle to deliver care – which inspired her to provide a solution.
Reacting to the news that her app had been selected as one of the first six in the world, Saanvi said:
“Unfortunately, there are currently 30,000 children waiting for Occupational Therapy in Ireland and these waiting times are only getting worse due to COVID-19. As the lists get longer, more children are suffering. I thought there must be a way to use technology to tackle this.”
“I hope that Stellar will support families by hosting evidence-based high-quality content developed by experienced Occupational Therapists and allowing them to search for these services in their localities. Every child, no matter where they live, should have access to the highest quality services.”
“I can’t believe that my app has been selected alongside others from Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Canada, Spain and Brazil as a finalist in Technovation. This competition and my involvement with Teen-Turn has really shown me what I can do and it has made me ambitious for the future.”
Saanvi’s teacher, Denise Quilter said:
“Saanvi is a very hard working and determined person, she approaches every task with enthusiasm, positivity and a can-do attitude. Saanvi is a wonderful example to her peers of what can be achieved with time, dedication, and commitment. We at Christ King Secondary School Cork are all very proud of her achievements.”
SOURCE: Materials provided by Teen-Turn
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