Joshua Obadin, a 12-year-old Nigerian innovator, has been named one of the ten winners of the prestigious IDEASforEARS Children’s Invention Contest, earning an all-expenses-paid trip to Austria.
The contest, organized by hearing implant company MED-EL, celebrates young inventors who create solutions for people with hearing challenges. Obadin, a Lagos-based innovator, designed a special sleepwear cover for his friend, Master Mikel, who uses a cochlear implant.
“Mikel can’t hear without his device, and when he removes it at bedtime, everything goes silent—even if there’s danger,” Obadin explained. “I wanted to create something to help keep him safe, and knowing my idea could help others too makes me happy.”
His invention was praised for its innovation, practicality, and potential impact in improving the lives of those with hearing impairments.
The 2025 edition of the contest saw 355 participants from 24 countries, showcasing solutions like wearable devices and solar-powered hearing aids. Head Judge Geoffrey Ball commended the young innovators, stating: “These kids don’t see limits—they see possibilities.”
As a winner, Obadin will travel to Innsbruck, Austria, in June with a parent to meet other young inventors, participate in innovation workshops, and explore new technologies.
Other winners of the contest include children from China, Brazil, the United States, Argentina, Colombia, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Poland.
Since its 2017 launch, IDEASforEARS has received over 1,700 submissions from 45+ countries, highlighting the creativity of young minds in addressing hearing-related challenges.
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