As a second year student studying Product Design and Technology, she designed an off-grid product, helping people with cochlear implants. Ear Boost+ is a compact, sustainable, portable case which dehumidifies cochlear implants and charges their batteries simultaneously, while being powered independently. 

Contestants were asked to design an off-grid product for independent living, aimed at either leisure or household markets, and to be made primarily of plastics. The panel of industry judges were incredibly impressed by the quality of the designs produced by this year’s finalists in what had been a very challenging brief. 

Gargi explained: “It means a lot to get this far in the competition to be able to make an impact for the cochlear implant community.  My frustration with existing products is what inspired me to come up with this idea.  Cochlear implant communities are on the same page when it comes to travel limitations to remote areas without electricity. Making a more sustainable hearing technology for the industry means a lot to me as there are growing numbers of deaf people in the world.” 

Chairman of judges for the DIP competition, Richard Brown, said: “Gargi was aware of the challenges faced by wearers of cochlear implants to live an active, off-grid life, camping and hiking.  Using this experience, she demonstrated the development journey, researching her project well and showing why she made specific material and technology decisions.”