(Image Credit: Supplied)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

bioflow oxygen patch

Westpark Middle students named regional winners in ExploraVision 2026

Mar 16, 2026 | 3:12 PM

Yet another group of Red Deer students are regional winners in the annual ExploraVision competition, which is put on by Toshiba and the U.S.-based National Science Teaching Association.

In the contest’s 34th year, the theme is Next Generation Science Standards.

The 24 regional winning teams include a concept called BioFlow, a fish-gill-inspired oxygen patch developed by Ayan Taha (Grade 8) and Viaan Tripathi (Grade 7), students at Westpark Middle School. Credit also to their coach Rabia Najmi.

Regional winners receive an award ceremony at their school, where they’ll receive Chromebooks to support the creation of a prototype, virtual posters, team websites, and short videos showcasing the team’s technology for the upcoming national judging phase.

From the regional winners, four first-place and four second-place teams will be selected as national winners. Those eight teams will win a USD cash prize ($10,000 or $5,000) as an EE Savings Bond, and they will be formally recognized at the ExploraVision awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on June 5.

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“ExploraVision demonstrates what’s possible when students are empowered to think boldly and apply science to real-world challenges,” said NSTA President Beverly DeVore-Wedding, Ph.D.

“These regional winners embody the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking that drive innovation forward. Their accomplishments reflect not only their talent and dedication, but also the impact of outstanding educators who inspire students to develop solutions that can improve lives and strengthen communities.”

BioFlow description, per ExploraVision:

“Project: BioFlow — Oxygen delivery is critical during medical emergencies such as asthma attacks, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. Current oxygen technologies rely on bulky equipment or invasive methods, limiting their use in emergency and remote settings. This project proposes the BioFlow Fish-Gill Inspired Oxygen Patch, a future, non-invasive oxygen delivery system inspired by fish gills and frog skin respiration. 

“BioFlow builds upon existing injectable oxygen foam technology by holding oxygen-rich foam inside a wearable silicone patch rather than injecting it into the bloodstream. The patch uses microchannels to increase surface area, allowing oxygen to diffuse through thin skin areas and into nearby capillaries. Made from medical-grade, 3D-printable silicone, the patch is portable, safe for skin contact, and easy to use by first responders. By combining proven scientific principles with nature-inspired design, BioFlow aims to provide rapid, accessible oxygen support when seconds matter most.”

ExploraVision also named honourable mention recipients, and they include:

• a team of K-3 students at Red Deer’s Don Campbell Elementary, who developed something called Pen Friend-Bridging Educational Equity Gaps for Every Learner!
• a team of Grade 4-6 students at Westpark Middle School, who developed something called ZenZoid-Your Mental Health Companion.

Last year, three girls from Don Campbell Elementary were named second-place national winners.

Learn more about ExploraVision and its regional winners here.