SmartDetectAI is a low-cost, portable, AI-powered water-quality monitoring system designed for rapid detection of mercury (Hg²⁺) and cadmium (Cd²⁺) contamination. The system combines plant-extract-derived silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), colorimetric sensing, a smartphone camera, a dedicated imaging chamber, and an AI-powered web application. When heavy-metal ions interact with the AgNP-based sensing system, a visible color change occurs, which is captured using a smartphone and analyzed by AI to estimate the contaminant concentration. The project aims to provide a practical alternative for preliminary field-level water monitoring where conventional laboratory instruments are expensive and less accessible. The underlying research was published in Advanced Intelligent Systems, with SmartDetectAI demonstrating real-sample validation against AAS measurements.
SmartDetectAI was shortlisted among the Top 50 innovations at Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026, representing the University of Dhaka in the climate, environment and natural resources category. This project is also shown in front of honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026 was organized around the theme “Innovate to Market,” with an emphasis on connecting research and prototypes with practical applications, industry, investment, and commercialization.