RSU students win silver in European i-Days finals with idea for medical device

At the end of November, the VitaEase student team from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) represented Latvia in the European final of the Innovation Days (i-Days), organised by the European Innovation and Technology Institute (EIT). The Latvian team achieved the highest result for the country so far, securing second place among 23 teams. At the i-Days finals, the VitaEase team presented their concept for a sensor equipped with a microneedle that connects to patients’ smart devices, enabling real-time monitoring of heart rate and key health indicators after cardiac surgery or health complications.

The VitaEase team consists of three medical students from RSU – Eshaan Skidar, Keerthi Tanniru, and Hiba Agata Alhaj. Their innovation journey began at the EIT Health i-Days hackathon in Latvia, where they placed first among more than ten competing teams, earning a cash prize from hackathon supporter Roche and a ticket to the i-Days final in Paris.

The VitaEase team emphasises that although various health-monitoring smart devices are already available on the market, none of the existing technologies currently offer continuous monitoring of biomarkers in the blood. The team plans to incorporate artificial intelligence into the development of their solution, enabling early warning of potential inflammation, infection, or other health risks.

The i-Days final in the French capital, Paris, brought together 23 winning teams from national i-Days hackathons across Europe. The jury evaluated the teams according to several criteria, including their understanding of healthcare challenges, the level of innovation in their solutions, and the quality of their design and presentation. VitaEase was awarded the silver medal, while first place went to a team from Spain.

‘In preparation for the final, we refined our idea, examined its scientific basis, and critically assessed how feasible it truly is.

It was a challenge for which I am grateful, and a valuable lesson in responsibility and meaningful work. I am only at the beginning of my medical career, so it is a great honour that our team has been recognised at the European level,’

said VitaEase representative Eshaan Skidar.

The i-Days final annually brings together the winners of national i-Days events, alumni of EIT programmes, innovation camp teams, and future innovators from across Europe. The aim of the event is to inspire young specialists, celebrate their achievements, and provide practical support for their future careers in healthcare innovation. Over the course of two days, participants take part in masterclasses, lectures, and seminars designed to strengthen their skills and foster new collaborations, helping them to move closer to solutions that could improve healthcare in Europe.

About EIT Health

EIT Health is a European public-private partnership in the field of healthcare, established by more than 150 partners, including leading European companies, universities, research and development centres, hospitals, and institutes. The network’s mission is to enable European citizens to live longer, healthier lives in the future. The EIT Health RIS Hub in Latvia has been hosted by RSU since 2019.

About i-Days

i-Days offers students, residents, and young professionals the opportunity to develop innovative healthcare ideas through various EIT Health events across Europe. During these events, participants gain in-depth insight into healthcare challenges, learn about the latest innovations in the sector, and work in teams to solve real-world problems. The winning team from each country’s i-Days competition receives the grand prize – a ticket to the i-Days European final, which this year took place in the French capital, Paris.

Students create health care innovations during i-Days hackathon (13 October 10 2025)