ICW Alumna Launches Patented Mobility Innovation
Four years ago, Meera Ramaswami stood on stage as Invention Convention Michigan's Grand Prize winner. Today, she's launching a patented product company. Meera, an Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW) and Invention Convention Michigan (ICM) alumna from Ann Arbor, first earned top honors in Michigan for Cargility, an invention designed to help people with mobility challenges enter and exit vehicles more safely and independently. She later advanced to RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, where she received a Patent Application Award, presented by Cooley, which helped transform a student project into a patented innovation with real-world potential.
Earlier this week, members of The Henry Ford's ICW and ICM teams had the opportunity to celebrate a major milestone in Meera's journey: the public launch of Cargility, an award-winning invention project that has evolved into a commercial venture poised to improve accessibility and independence for users across the country.
After receiving her patent in 2025, Meera continued refining Cargility while pursuing a civil engineering degree at the University of Alberta. Working alongside her mother, she transformed the invention into a startup venture, securing support from Ann Arbor SPARK as well as state and community grant programs. The company officially unveiled Cargility during an Ann Arbor SPARK Startup Spotlight event on August 18, marking the product's public debut.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when Ann Arbor's Mayor-Elect asked Meera how her entrepreneurial journey began. Meera’s answer traced directly back to a high school classroom and her experience with invention education, culminating in national recognition through The Henry Ford's Invention Convention program. It was a powerful reminder of how hands-on learning can spark ideas that grow far beyond the classroom.
For the ICW and ICM teams in attendance, the launch served as tangible proof of the long-term impact invention education can have on students. Guests viewed early prototypes of Cargility alongside displays featuring Meera's U.S. Nationals award from 2022, illustrating the progression from student project to market-ready product. Team members also had the opportunity to test the device firsthand and were impressed by its thoughtful design and practical application.
What makes Meera's story especially meaningful to the ICW community is that her involvement did not end when she graduated. A dedicated ICW and ICM alumna, she has continued to give back by volunteering at events, mentoring and encouraging younger inventors, and serving as an ambassador for invention education. This past summer, she returned as the keynote speaker for Invention Convention Michigan, sharing her story and demonstrating what is possible when a student inventor continues to pursue an idea beyond the classroom. Meera also attended U.S. Nationals to serve on the Youth Patent Panel and the Alumni Panel where she shared her journey with participants and provided mentorship and encouragement to this year’s finalists.
The launch is also a testament to the power of invention education. By providing hands-on, real-world learning opportunities, we are cultivating and supporting youth inventors like Meera in their journeys to develop the durable skills needed in the workplace. One attendee remarked how valuable it is for students to have access to programs like these in their schools.
Cargility is due to become available for purchase later this year, with pre-orders already underway. Meera's success story demonstrates both the lasting impact of invention education and the power of an engaged alumni community. From student inventor and Grand Prize winner to patent holder, entrepreneur, volunteer and mentor, she continues to embody the spirit of innovation that drives the Invention Convention community forward.
Congratulations, Meera, on this exciting achievement. We can't wait to see what's next.