(January 17, 2025) Every year, the ubiquitous computing community, a global network of researchers and innovators dedicated to seamlessly integrating technology into everyday life, gathers to celebrate innovation and societal impact. This tradition honours the legacy of the late University of Washington Professor Gaetano Borriello, who pioneered mobile and sensor technologies to address global healthcare challenges. This year, the prestigious Gaetano Borriello Outstanding Student Award was presented to Anandghan Waghmare, an Allen School scholar from India, at the ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing in Melbourne, Australia.
Named after the late professor, the award recognizes Ph.D. students whose contributions embody Borriello’s values of academic excellence and societal impact. “I believe technology can be a powerful tool for improving people’s lives and well-being. For example, some of my projects focus on developing devices to enhance health and make everyday tasks easier. I’m driven by the idea of creating innovations that bring more happiness and ease to people’s lives,” Anandghan, shared in an interview with Global Indian. The innovator is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Washington.
Anandghan with Glucoscreen Strip | Photo Credit: Allen School
Professor Gaetano Borriello’s legacy
Gaetano Borriello, a distinguished computer scientist and innovator, was instrumental in shaping the field of ubiquitous computing. He was a professor at the University of Washington Allen School and a visionary researcher who combined technical expertise with a deep commitment to societal impact. Borriello’s groundbreaking work focused on developing mobile and sensor technologies to address pressing global challenges, particularly in healthcare and underserved communities. His projects emphasized how technology could bridge gaps in equity and justice, making a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized populations.
Beyond his technical contributions, Borriello was deeply respected as a mentor, educator, and advocate for using technology ethically and inclusively. The Gaetano Borriello Outstanding Student Award, named in his honour, emphasizes his enduring influence.
For Anandghan, the recognition was both humbling and inspiring. “This award means a lot to me,” said the innovator who has always looked up to past recipients and respected their work and contributions. The award recognizes the PhD scholar’s groundbreaking research, his dedication to creating socially meaningful technologies, and his active engagement in the academic community.
Transforming everyday devices for greater impact
Waghmare’s doctoral research at the University of Washington’s UbiComp Lab focuses on enhancing the functionality of everyday devices through ingenious modifications. One of his standout projects, GlucoScreen, transforms a smartphone into a prediabetes screening tool. Leveraging the computational and networking capabilities of smartphones, GlucoScreen introduces low-cost, disposable rapid tests for at-home blood glucose monitoring. This innovation addresses a critical gap, as more than one-third of U.S. adults have prediabetes, with over eighty percent unaware of their condition.
“A lot of technology is already built into these devices like smartphones—the computing power, the networking, the display. I try to leverage everything in existing devices and add what’s missing,” Anandghan explained. GlucoScreen’s potential to enable early detection and management of prediabetes represents a significant step forward in preventive healthcare, particularly in regions where access to traditional diagnostic tools is limited.
In addition to GlucoScreen, Anandghan has also developed WatchLink, a system that allows users to integrate additional sensors with smartwatches to measure UV exposure, body temperature, and alcohol levels. His work also includes creating wearable devices like the Z-Ring, which uses radio frequency sensing to enable intuitive, context-aware hand interactions. These innovations showcase his ability to blend engineering ingenuity with societal relevance.
Ananghan Waghmore during WatchLink demo | Photo Credit: Allen School
A commitment to community and mentorship
Beyond his research, Anandghan Waghmare’s contributions to the academic community are noteworthy. Since 2019, he has actively reviewed submissions for leading conferences such as IMWUT and CHI, and held various organizational roles, including video previews co-chair at UIST and web co-chair at the International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality. His upcoming roles in 2025 include serving as publications co-chair at CHI and registration co-chair at UbiComp.
Anandghan is also passionate about encouraging young students to pursue STEM careers. By hosting high school students, sharing his research experiences, and emphasizing the importance of early exposure to technology, he hopes to inspire the next generation of innovators.
From Nagpur to United States
Anandghan’s journey began in Nagpur, Maharashtra, where his family instilled in him a love for learning and innovation. His father, an engineer, sparked his interest in building and creating, while his mother, a former teacher, encouraged him to think big and pursue his dreams. “My family has always been a strong support system,” he remarked, mentioning his sister, a dentist, as another source of inspiration.
Before joining the Ph.D. program at Washington University, Anandghan earned a master’s degree in Interactive Intelligence from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a B. Tech from IIT Patna.
At IIT Patna, Waghmare’s curiosity and drive found fertile ground. “As a relatively new institution, IIT Patna offered unique opportunities to shape its culture. I co-founded the computer script club and participated in several student initiatives,” he recalled. These experiences laid the foundation for the scholar’s innovative mindset and collaborative spirit.
Moving to the United States further broadened Anandghan’s horizons. At Georgia Tech, where he earned his master’s degree in interactive intelligence, and later at the University of Washington, he embraced diverse perspectives and resources that enriched his research. “Interacting with people from different backgrounds has shaped my worldview and approach to problem-solving,” he said.
Anandghan Waghmare
Building a future of innovation and impact
Looking ahead, Anandghan Waghmare aspires to continue developing solutions that address real-world challenges. “I’m passionate about building things that have a positive impact,” he shared. Whether in academia or industry, his focus remains on creating technologies that enhance lives and promote well-being.
By enhancing existing technologies in innovative ways and inspiring others to explore STEM, he is not only honouring the legacy of Gaetano Borriello but also playing a role shaping a more equitable and connected world.
- Follow Anandghan Waghmare on LinkedIn
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