Saying No to Jugaad

In India, people often rely on a quick-fix approach to manage the daily challenges of taking insulin shots. But a Gen-Z innovator has other ideas

- Harshita Dudeja

It is an invention that will not only benefit Komal Panda’s father but millions of others. The 22-year-old National Institute of Design Haryana student has designed Novocarry—a portable cooling carrier for medicines. This will come as huge relief for those who rely on medicines—such as insulin, certain antibiotics and vaccines—that require refrigeration.

Panda’s design has won global accolade. She was given the James Dyson Award 2024 award, which carries a prize money of £5,000. It is an international student award in the fields of product design and engineering.

The size of a power pack, Novocarry can carry two vials at a time. The cooling system is powered by two batteries. The device can store insulin vials at around 5°C for at least eight hours—perfect for an overnight trip.

Learning Through Stories

The inspiration for this cool box is from her father and her experience of seeing patients struggling to cope with faulty design of medical equipment.

Panda’s father, who works in a steel factory, is diabetic. Every afternoon, he comes home during his lunch break just to take his insulin shots as the factory does not have a refrigerator. And, carrying ice packs on a daily basis is not practical. It’s a problem millions face daily. Many fall back on jugaad to survive.

In 2023, a study published in the