Filipino Engineer Wins 2026 James Dyson Global Sustainability Award

Filipino structural engineer Aldrei Ong won the 2026 James Dyson Global Sustainability Award for developing Sentinel, an innovative sensor designed to identify hidden structural damage in buildings, particularly after earthquakes.

The award was announced on 4 November 2026. Ong, a graduate of De La Salle University in the Philippines, received £30,000 to support the further development of his invention.

Key Highlights

• Award winner: Aldrei Ong.

• Country: Philippines.

• Award: James Dyson Award 2026 – Global Sustainability Winner.

• Winning invention: Sentinel.

• Prize money: £30,000.

• Purpose: Detecting potentially dangerous damage in concrete structures.

• Educational institution: De La Salle University.

How Does Sentinel Work?

Sentinel converts a conventional concrete spacer block, normally used to position reinforcing steel during construction, into a structural monitoring sensor.

It uses self-sensing concrete containing electrically conductive materials. When cracks or internal damage develop, the material’s electrical resistance changes.

Electrodes and an electronic monitoring module measure these changes, helping engineers identify potential structural risks that may not be visible during ordinary inspections.

Why Is the Invention Important?

The technology could make structural monitoring more affordable and accessible, particularly in earthquake-prone countries.

By identifying damage earlier, it may help engineers prioritise inspections, improve building safety and reduce the risks associated with undetected structural deterioration.

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