Nigerian Researcher at MIT Breaks Guinness World Record with Tiny GPS Tracker

Nigerian-born Oluwatobi Oyinlola, a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by developing the world’s smallest GPS tracking device. Recognised by the Guinness World Records, the prototype measures just 22.93 mm by 11.92 mm and is capable of receiving GPS signals, logging location data, and transmitting it via Bluetooth.

The invention is a leap forward for micro-technology and holds promise for use in wearables, medical equipment, personal safety tools, and wildlife tracking.

Oyinlola’s innovation was driven by the need to overcome limitations in size and power consumption common in traditional GPS devices. Developed in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the compact device features a custom-printed circuit board and embedded antenna, proving that high-performance tracking can now exist at micro scale.

The achievement has sparked national pride, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu describing it as evidence that Nigerian youth are making significant contributions to global innovation. “You have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can,” Tinubu said in a congratulatory message. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also lauded the development, stating that it reflects what’s possible when young talent is nurtured and supported.

Oyinlola’s journey began in Nigeria, where exposure to early computing infrastructure in his secondary school laid the foundation for a career in engineering and innovation. His recognition is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of inspiration for the Nigerian diaspora and aspiring innovators across the continent.