A cane, made clever
Inspired by their grandfather's needs, students invent a smart walking stick to win Young Entrepreneur Academy competition
A Baton Rouge brother-sister duo won the 2026 Young Entrepreneur Academy Baton Rouge Pitch Championship last week with an idea inspired by their grandfather's needs.
What happened: Hasan Abbas of Baton Rouge Magnet High and Aisha Abbasov of Woodlawn High won $5,000 for developing a smart cane for visually impaired people.
How it works: The device, named Abbasaid, uses cameras and sensor to read the environment in real time. It can spot obstacles at different heights, and detect moving hazards, such as cars. Abbasaid can also recognize faces, helping users identify people they know. All the information is relayed in a simple manner to guide the user.
The bigger picture: YEA BR is incubating entrepreneurs. Over a year, students develop an idea, meet with partners and customers, work with mentors, and learn how to keep their nerves while pitching in public.
By the numbers: Since 2018, YEA BR has launched 118 student businesses, provided 700-plus hours of one-on-one mentorship and distributed nearly $200,000 in pitch funding. Students also earn college credit through LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business.
