TU Dublin Product Design Graduate Ella Flanagan Reaches Global Top 20 in James Dyson Award 2026
TU Dublin is delighted to celebrate Product Design graduate Ella Flanagan, who has achieved international recognition by securing a place in the global Top 20 of the James Dyson Award 2026 for Noli, her innovative emergency wristband designed to improve the safety of mental health nurses.
Having graduated from TU Dublin’s Product Design programme last week, Ella has demonstrated the creativity, innovation and practical problem-solving skills developed during her studies.
“My time studying Product Design at TU Dublin gave me the opportunity to turn an idea into something tangible. The hands-on approach to learning encouraged me to explore problems, experiment with solutions and develop my skills as a designer. I'm incredibly grateful for the experience and support I received throughout my studies,” said Ella.
Ella developed Noli to help nurses discreetly call for assistance in potentially dangerous situations. The wristband triggers an emergency alert when the wearer pulls and holds the strap for three seconds.
Using Bluetooth Low Energy technology, Noli identifies the three nearest staff members, helping direct assistance where it is needed without alerting everyone in the building.
Inspired by her family’s connections to mental health nursing, Ella developed the prototype while studying Product Design at TU Dublin. The project has also received recognition through the HSE Spark Innovation programme and the HSE Design on the Frontline competition.
Reflecting on the development of Noli and her collaboration with TU Dublin, Ella said:
“I have been working closely with TU Dublin’s Enterprise Engagement team to further develop Noli, ensuring that the concept is both feasible and innovative. It was important to me that the final design was not only practical but also offered a unique solution to the challenges faced by mental health nurses.”
Noli has progressed to the final stage of judging, where inventor Sir James Dyson will review the shortlisted projects for the chance to win €35,000.
Ella plans to continue developing and testing the technology with healthcare innovators, with the ambition of introducing Noli into mental health settings to create safer environments for staff and patients.
“Being named among the global Top 20 in the James Dyson Award is an incredible achievement and something I'm very proud of. It's exciting to see Noli recognised internationally, and I'm looking forward to continuing to develop and test the technology with healthcare professionals,” said Ella.
The global winners of the James Dyson Award 2026 will be announced this Wednesday, 04 November 2026.
TU Dublin congratulates Ella on this outstanding achievement and wishes her every success in her future career and in the continued development of Noli.
The Product Design programme is delivered in partnership with the School of Mechanical Engineering, School of Art and Design and the School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Find out more here.