Filipino Inventor Jeremy De Leon Wins James Dyson Award for Keychain Microscope
Filipino inventor Jeremy De Leon has been awarded the prestigious James Dyson Award for his innovative keychain microscope. This groundbreaking gadget allows users to view microscopic specimens by attaching it to their smartphones. In addition to the award, De Leon also received a cash prize of ₱330,000, which will be used to fund further research and development of his projects. This achievement showcases the Philippines’ potential to drive technological innovation and highlights the impact of De Leon’s keychain microscope in revolutionizing science education.
The Make-roscope, as De Leon calls it, was born out of his desire to make microbiology more accessible to students and teachers. In traditional school laboratories, microscopes are shared among multiple students, limiting their access to practical learning. With the Make-roscope, each student can have their own portable microscope, empowering them to study samples at any time. This convenient and user-friendly device has the potential to enhance science education worldwide.
So, how does the Make-roscope work? It’s quite simple. First, collect a sample using the dropper included in the package. For instance, you can collect a few drops of water. Then, carefully place the sample in the center of a microscope slide and cover it with a cover slip. To attach the Make-roscope to your smartphone, use the built-in clip and align its lens with the phone’s front camera. Open your Camera app to confirm that the microscope lens is functioning correctly. Finally, position the sample slide on the microscope with the specimen directly on top of the camera lens, and you can now view microorganisms in the liquid. The Make-roscope can magnify samples by 125 to 400 times their actual size, providing a fascinating and educational experience.
De Leon’s journey as an inventor started with his prototype of the keychain microscope, which he created using lenses from a laser pointer, a hairclip, and his mobile phone. This initial model only cost approximately ₱35. In fact, his innovation gained recognition even before winning the James Dyson Award. In 2021, De Leon won first place in the TikTok Hashtag Challenge, showcasing his keychain microscope. This achievement earned him a cash prize of ₱20,000. Additionally, he secured fourth place with his flashlight microscope-projector, which also utilized mobile phones. Altogether, the TikTok competition awarded him ₱25,000, further acknowledging his exceptional talent and creativity.
Jeremy De Leon’s accomplishments have been widely praised, with the DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit commending his ideas and inventions. The Filipino TikTok challenge has highlighted the immense talent in science and technology among Filipino creators, inspiring future innovators to make extraordinary discoveries and achieve significant milestones. This recognition and support from the scientific community and social media platforms like TikTok demonstrate the importance of nurturing and celebrating Filipino talent in the field of innovation.
The James Dyson Award win has catapulted De Leon’s keychain microscope into the international spotlight, providing him with the opportunity to make an even greater impact. De Leon expressed his gratitude for the award, stating, “Because of the James Dyson Award, we will expand our goal of reaching not just Filipino students but every student in the world…and we will have more researchers, scientists, engineers, innovators, and especially change-makers.”
Jeremy De Leon’s revolutionary keychain microscope is a testament to the power of science and technology in shaping the future. To stay updated on the latest digital trends and advancements, visit Inquirer Tech and explore how you can be a part of transforming the world through innovation.
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