Zapopan, Jalisco; September 12, 2025. Students studying Innovation and Design Engineering at the Universidad Panamericana the National Design Award: Diseña México 2025 in the Product Design category, thanks to their CitoSCAN project, a proposal that seeks to transform access to women's health through design and technology.
CitoSCAN: design and innovation for women's health
The team, made up of Paloma Ortiz, María Teresa Sahuí, and Andrés Salcedo, developed CitoSCAN, a vaginal self-diagnostic test designed to detect infections early, safely, and affordably.
In the first phase, the young designers created a functional prototype using 3D printing with materials such as polypropylene, ABS, and medical-grade silicone, ensuring comfort and protection during use.
The project aims to offer a practical alternative for women who face barriers to accessing gynecological services, especially in rural areas and marginalized communities in Mexico.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Franz Mayer Museum in Mexico City, where the students will receive their awards alongside the winners of other categories in the competition.
Innovation with a female perspective
Dr. Fabiola Cortés Chávez, researcher and professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the Universidad Panamericana, highlighted the importance of promoting gender-focused design and female participation in technological innovation.
“There is a huge gap in women's health that is not being addressed. (...) There is always something that can be done. The fact is that there is a very large gap. Historically, most positions have been led by men. Women's participation is minimal,"she said.
The Nawari Table
The Camilla Nawari, also developed by Innovation and Design Engineering students, was a finalist in the competition. It is currently in the process of being registered as a utility model and continues to undergo technical adjustments.
The proposal, a finalist in the competition, is designed for emergency situations during labor. It includes a basic obstetric kit, an adjustable backrest with three positions, and a perineal opening that facilitates labor. The project was created by Sara Daniela Alba, Nicole Espinosa, Natalia Quirarte, and Karla Andrea Rodríguez.
Innovating beyond the classroom
The recognition of the National Design Award reflects the Universidad Panamericana commitment Universidad Panamericana the comprehensive education of its students, promoting projects that transcend the classroom and generate social impact.
Participating in competitions of this magnitude allows students to put their knowledge into practice, strengthen their leadership skills, and contribute real solutions to the challenges facing the country.
With achievements such as this, the Universidad Panamericana its leadership in teaching design focused on innovation, sustainability, and social well-being.
