Albertian finalist in innovation awards

MAGS’ Boy Dux of 2007, Daniel Xu, is a finalist in the prestigious KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards for his skin cancer prevent app UV Lens.

Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) is a consortium of 16 universities, Crown Research Institutes and a Crown Entity established to boost commercial outcomes from publicly funded research. CEO James Hutchinson says, “We’ve uncovered another stellar group of innovation game changers from across New Zealand. These researchers are showing how innovative Kiwi science is driving prosperity, solving problems and taking our technology to the world.”

Mr Xu’s app provides a localised UV forecast for the day, when it’s safe to be outside and suncare advice. To gather weather data for the app, Mr Xu has installed a network of mini weather stations at schools all over New Zealand, including Mount Albert Grammar. Our station was installed on the side of the Observatory last November, and provides live data to a website. Click here to view

Mr Xu attended MAGS from 2003-2007, graduating as a Prefect and Dux, and in 2015 completed a PhD in Bio-Mechatronics at the University of Auckland. He returned to the school last year to speak at the annual Leadership Assembly, and is enjoying developing technology to help people live healthier outdoor lives.

The winners of the KiwiNet awards will be announced on 13 July.