Source: Prototypes For Humanity
Location: Dubai, UAE
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100 Ideas To Change The World
Eco-friendly packaging created from banana waste; A lifesaving flotation chair for flood hit areas; A device to detect cancer cells in 15 seconds; An app that records carbon emissions, A pregnancy test for the visually impaired; A river barrier preventing plastic waste entering the oceans; SMART glasses helping visually impaired children to communicate and learn; Wearable fall detection system for at-risk construction workers; An interactive mirror to promote body positivity and Ginger as a complementary medicine for food allergies…
Prototypes for Humanity presents 100 ideas that have the potential to change the way we live.
Story: Some of the brightest young academic minds across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania are presenting 100 potentially world changing ideas at Prototypes for Humanity 2022.
The event not only has a new name but also a new home, at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with broadcasters invited to be onsite from November 15-17 as solutions are proposed to problems faced by local communities, humanity as a whole and the entire planet.
This is the first edition of the global event, with the environment being one of the key issues tackled this year. Ideas include ways to reduce food waste, harnessing renewable energy, using environmentally friendly elements in construction, a floating barrier to prevent plastic waste in rivers entering the oceans and using AI to deploy beneficial micro-organisms to protect coral reefs or satellite data to reduce deforestation.
One team in Burundi has come up with a way of transforming banana waste into eco-friendly packaging, taking on the fight against pollution and climate change while also creating jobs for local unemployed young people, while another from Chile has found natural antimicrobial compounds can extend food’s shelf life, reducing the effect of packaging on the environment. This is a project from Germany, which is able to keep food fresher six times longer than a traditional refrigerator. There is even an app which records your carbon emissions while 3D printing could help to rid the world of waste plastic, and the team from Switzerland who have developed a smartwatch charged by body heat.
Health is another recurring theme, aimed at improving access to healthcare in vulnerable communities, with an implant for type 1 diabetes management able to provide optimal blood glucose control via sustainable insulin delivery, reducing the need for toxic immunosuppressants, and a team from the UK developing a wearable robotic device to help stroke rehabilitation, using VR and musical instruments. Smart glasses can help visually impaired kids communicate while a multi-sensor device aims to monitor and improve indoor air quality and wearable tech can reduce driver distraction and improve road safety.
An attachable handle for knee osteoarthritis patients could reduce wear and tear and improve quality of life while an at-home early-detection kit allows you to monitor your kidney health, a nanostructure probe is able to detect cancer cells and a 3D-printed tourniquet could immediately stem the flow of blood and be the difference between life and death while a pregnancy test for the visually impaired, using vibration technology, out of the US, offers greater privacy and independence.
Society is also important this year with a team in Sierra Leone empowering rural communities through rural electrification and farm irrigation via hybrid wind and solar means, while one in India have devised a low-cost device helping to prevent suicide given cases of farmers poisoning themselves and a group in Italy has developed a date-rape drug detector nail polish which is produced sustainably and changes colour on contact with drugs.
A forest fire warning system with smart helium balloons, visible at night, is being worked on in Turkey while a device to improve colleague relationships among home-based co-workers aims to bring teams working remotely closer together while there is an app to harmonise relationships in divorced families.
An esteemed jury considered entries coming in from science, technology and design students from 450 universities across more than 100 countries, including a record number of universities from 25 African nations, and large emerging economies such as India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and Turkey in addition to Stanford, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, Tsinghua, and NUS, all proposing solutions for a better world.
At the first ‘Prototypes for Humanity Awards’, a total of $100,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top four projects in each of the four categories - environment (ideas supporting natural ecosystems and sustainable development), health (projects focusing specifically on people’s physical, mental, and emotional health), society (solutions producing more harmonious, just, and developed societies) and corporate solutions (inspiring and enabling companies to contribute to a better future) - will be announced on Thursday 17th November with each winning $25,000 for their academic excellence.
Shows: Prototypes For Humanity - 100 Ideas To Change The World - B-Roll, Monday 14th November 2022
- GVs and soundbites: Graduates projects to change the world
1. Customised body-fitting orthoses with embedded sensors - China (Zhejinang University)
2. Raft chair on houses for flood plains - Philippines (De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde)
3. Smart helmet that helps to prvent road accidents - (South Korea (Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)
4. A floating barrier to prevent plastic waste entering the oceans - Germany (Bergische Universitat Wuppertal)
5. Pregnancy test for visually impaired - USA (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
6. Interactive installation questioning AI’s subservience to humans - UK (Royal College of Art)
7. In-situ suicide prevention for rural communities - India (National Institute of Design, Haryana)
8. Solar powered cold storage solution reducing post harvest crop loss - Ghana (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
9. Self-sufficient vending machine for the future that produces fermented foods - Japan (Keio University Graduate School)
10. Smart-delivery of microorganisms that save coral reefs - Saudi Arabia (KAUST)
11. Device assisting patients with osteoarthritis - Canada (Carleton University)
- Soundbites: Tadeu Baldani, Director, Prototypes For Humanity
- Soundbites: Kristoffer Grandrup-Marino, UNICEF’s Chief of Innovation and Board Member at African Network for Diagnostics Innovation, Prototypes For Humanity
- Contact Details
Other: Background Information
The 100 featured submissions being showcased include:
- Transforming banana waste into eco-friendly packaging. Award winning solution fighting pollution and climate change through a circular economy by adding value to banana plantations whilst creating jobs for unemployed youth in Burundi - NUSSAD, Burundi
- Date rape nail polish detector. Sustainably produced transparent nail polish changes colour instantly on contact with date-rape drugs - NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Italy
- Solar powered IoT based food dehydration machine Efficient and cost-effective farm-based device producing premium dried food products, thus reducing post-harvest waste, University of Melbourne, Australia
- Harnessing renewable energy on container ships Smart containers harnessing solar power and storing energy for port operations, FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences, Austria
- Smartwatch that use TEG technology to convert body heat into power supply. Wearable that uses thermoelectric technology to use body heat to achieve an autonomous power supply, reducing energy burdens while maintaining a quality display - École cantonale d'art de Lausanne, Switzerland
- Smart helium filled balloons for early forest fire detection. A mechanical and reusable smoke-sensitive helium tank, sending warnings through balloons also visible at night - Middle East Technical University, Turkey
- Wearable robotic device to help stroke rehabilitation. Validated by physiotherapists, Omnihuman uses immersive VR to motivate patients to engage in upper limb exercises through playing musical instruments providing stimulating remote therapy - Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Accessible Pregnancy Test for the Visually Impaired. FDA approved test kit utilising vibration technology, offering visually impaired women greater privacy and independence = Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States of America
- High-performance environmentally friendly bamboo based construction materials. Lighter than steel or concrete but as strong, bamboo is also a good insulator, structural elements with targeted its adjustable flexibility provides properties onto clothing to define the versatile quick applications - University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Integrated solution to monitor and improve indoor air quality. Multi-sensor device delivering greater energy efficiency and monitoring hazards in air-conditioning systems - University of Toronto, Canada
- Biodegradable and compostable packaging for storing fresh food. Minimising the negative impact of packaging on the environment and containing natural antimicrobial compounds to extend food's shelf-life - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- SMART glasses helping visually impaired children to communicate and learn. Facilitating tactile simulations, auditory reproduction and shared communication with others to enhance cognitive perception of the world - Zhejiang University, China
- Solar powered cold storage solution reducing post-harvest loss. Technology addressing the current estimated 30-50% pre-market food wastage, creating value for farmers - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Patented cancer cell detection system. Using electrochemical signalling, this nanostructured probe can detect cancerous cells left in the cavity during surgery, alerting surgeons of suspicious areas within 15 seconds - Tehran University of Art, Iran
- Tackling Nigeria's disproportionally high infant and maternal mortality rate. Affordable mobile technology facilitating education, treatment and care for pregnant women and medical staff - Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria
- 3D-printed tourniquet that cuts 1 blood flow to an injured limb. Easy to assemble 3D-printed product, designed to immediately stem blood flow from a wound or injury and significantly reduce the risk of death in emergency situations - Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland
- Hybrid wind and solar power system for communities with no access to electricity. Empowering rural communities through rural electrification and farm irrigation solutions whilst eliminating greenhouse gas production - Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
- Patented implant for type 1 diabetes management. Device providing optimal blood glucose control via sustainable insulin delivery, reducing the need for toxic immunosuppressants - Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
UAE:
DIDI - Ed-tech device that enhances learning experience for low-vision learners
An aid for children with low vision, this device aims to facilitate engaging and active visual therapy for the child, while assisting teachers and therapists to incentivise the process
AUS - Centre for preserving the culture and education of Palestine
With an emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity, this idea aims to create a greater sense of community amongst Palestinian expats living in the city of Dubai
DIDI - Modular learning system for cerebral palsy patients
Designed in consultation with physio- and vocational therapists, the design allows the user's hand to be trained to be more accurate by using a custom-made pressure stylus and tablet.
AUS Architectural system that extracts salt from brine that has been dumped in the ocean Brine waste in the ocean causes harm to the ecosystem and contaminates fresh water, this project aims to harvest desalination salt waste
UK:
University of Cambridge – Carbon Capture
Battery technology making carbon capture profitable solution to generate energy whilst capturing carbon thus compensating for the cost of reducing emissions
University of Oxford - CURIAL - Rapid Screening for COVID-19 in Emergency Departments
Low-cost ultra-accurate Covid-19 test clinically trialled, AI-enabled screening test to reduce Covid-19 misdiagnosis to less than 1%, producing results 10x faster than PCR
Royal College of Art + Imperial College London – Float
Robotic device for measuring water quality built from recycled and accessible materials, Float assists the community to manage threatened wetland ecosystems safely and quickly
London South Bank University – GoRolloe
Bicycle wheel attachments that filter the air using rider's motion and energy, these wheel attachments can drastically reduce air pollution at city level, with net-negative impact
Royal College of Art - inC2 - Tackling hidden supply chain emissions
Carbon pricing tool incentivising decarbonisation practices software service platform for procurement teams and their suppliers to build collective intelligence and reduce carbon footprint along the full supply chain
Imperial College London – Omnihuman
Wearable robotic device to help stroke rehabilitation validated by physiotherapists, Omnihuman uses immersive VR to motivate patients to engage in upper limb exercises through playing musical instruments providing stimulating remote therapy
Aston University – PHARMILI
Award-winning AI solution reducing drug abuse in Africa technology connecting licensed pharmacies to promote accountability in the supply chain of controlled medications which are responsible for 34 deaths every minute due to misuse
University of the Arts London - Repurposing and Re-valuing the pre-consumer textile waste for micro-small apparel manufactures through an Innovative Local Circular Recycling Framework
Turn-key textile recycling for micro manufacturers new recycling framework tackling pre-consumer textile waste, successfully trialled on 1600 tons of material, creating new jobs and generating value
Royal College of Art & Imperial College - Resting Reef
Eco-burial system restoring nature for the next generation 3D printed reef structures built from crushed oyster shells and human ash can help save endangered marine habitats, increase marine biodiversity, prevent coastal erosion, and capture CO2
Loughborough University - SAFEX - Your easy-to-use personal fire safety device
Device to help people escape fires in high-rise buildings easy-to-use equipment for immediate escape providing up to 2 hours of filtered air. Tested and endorsed by firefighters in training
University College London - Welbie (formerly called "Heka")
Health management tool for â–¡ patients with autoimmunity, a symptom tracking app giving patients access to personalised care and improved treatment outcomes. The clinician receives the data required to make any necessary changes to the treatment.
University College London - With Without
Game-based AR platform for housing design, game pieces representing house components selected by the designer are assembled by an Al negotiator to produce a functioning building
USA:
University of Cincinnati - Airy scoliosis brace
Comfortable self-assembly scoliosis brace empowering teenagers with an Al customisable brace which can be adjusted as they grow, allowing communication between patient and doctor to enable instant treatment modification
Case Western Reserve University – Anabaena
Plant-based therapeutics for vaccine production and drug development, traditional vaccine production and distribution has faced challenges due to availability of lipid nanoparticles and cold storage, whereas plant material can be freeze dried for long-term storage at low cost
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Apt: Accessible Pregnancy Test
Accessible Pregnancy Test for the Visually Impaired FDA approved test kit utilising vibration technology, offering visually impaired women greater privacy and independence
University of California, Santa Cruz - Averto Labs
Wearable fall detection system for at-risk construction workers, sturdy and compact device connected wirelessly to site manager, who can oversee workers and react fast to accidents
Pratt Institute - Emergency Housing
Accelerated housing solution for communities devastated by natural disasters, reusable materials are shipped to communities affected by disaster, assembled in one week, giving users access to emergency housing for up to 30 months
Harvard University – HEARD
An ear-tag/app combination to help farmers manage cattle rotation, solution allowing farmers to improve pasture health whilst simultaneously monitoring cattle grazing habits and health
Pratt Institute - Jemi Nje
Translation app to facilitate communication for immigrants, intuitive system whereby the user speaks into the device then flips the stand to cue translation, mimicking the physical nature of communication rather than focusing on a screen
University of Pennsylvania – Maeve
Interactive mirror to promote body positivity, working in conjunction with cognitive behaviour therapy via an app, the mirror, previously a trigger, becomes a healing tool
Cornell University - Novel starch modification: Fabrication and application of self-assembling patchy particles
A modified type of starch to use in food, self-assembling patchy particles to produce the same viscosity, reduce calories and improve nutritional value, while saving costs for the industry
Georgia Institute of Technology - PITAS
Award winning shape-changing soft robotic systems, easily produced, adaptable and reactive smart material that can locally or remotely convey physical information
Africa:
(South Africa) Cape Peninsula University of Technology - (SAS) The Integrated Sustainability Awareness System
An online platform for collecting data related to household energy consumption, an integrated system that uses data to educate users on their energy consumption and behaviours, while encouraging people to become more active about sustainability
(Ghana) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi – AkoFresh
Solar powered cold storage solution reducing post-harvest loss technology addressing the current estimated 30-50% pre-market food wastage, creating value for farmers
(Tanzania) The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology - Automatic Escaped Animal Detection and Monitoring System
Automated monitoring system for the welfare and protection of wild animals Using ultrasonic sensors to detect wild animals and intruders, this monitoring system works to reduce crop raiding, pain and animal deaths caused by existing manual forms of habitat protection
(Cameroon) The University of Bamenda - Doro health service
Mobile app that improves access to healthcare in vulnerable communities, an app offering underserved communities access to medical consultations. medications, medical procedures and urgent care
(Cameroon) University of yaounde I - Making Science the Star
Using film as a medium to make science accessible, a campaign engaging the film industry to promote scientific knowledge and expand opportunities for technological development and economic progress
(Morocco) Mohammed V University In Rabat – MEDBARCOD
A digital herbarium of medicinal plants, protecting biodiversity in the face of climate change is crucial for the future of human health. Medbarcod responds to this need by assigning molecular DNA barcodes to medicinal plants.
(Nigeria) Federal University of Technology Akure - NATAL CARES
Tackling Nigeria's disproportionally high infant and maternal mortality rate affordable mobile technology facilitating education, treatment and care for pregnant women and medical staff
(Lesotho) National University of Lesotho – Pocket Power
Financial services platform for students from developing countries, matching students with lenders and donors to enable them to access overseas higher education
(Zambia) Copperbelt University – Pollen
Data-based financial system for rural smallholders without bank accounts enabling farmers to carry out financial transactions by providing an ecosystem for payments and affordable micro-loans on a blockchain system
(South Africa) CSIR/University of the Witwatersrand - Research and development into therapeutic properties of Siphonochilus aethiopicus in the management and treatment of allergic and infectious diseases
Testing the properties of African ginger as a complementary medicine for allergies, verifying the therapeutic effects of Siphonochilus aethiopicus through clinical studies and establishing a community driven cultivation programme
(Ethiopia) Addis Ababa University - Safe Agro-Biopesticides Model Company
Safe agro bio-pesticides Introducing safer bio-pesticides in small farms
(Morocco) Hassan II university of Casablanca – Spartech
Membrane for separating hydrocarbons from water patented water repellent, self-cleaning fabric for removing toxins from the aquatic environment, mitigating the immense damage caused by industrial processes
(Sierra Leone) Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone –
Using Recycling Materials to Design & Fabricate Hybrid Solution of Windmill and Solar system to Tackle Rural Electrification & Farm Irrigation Challenges in Sierra Leone
Hybrid wind and solar power system for communities with no access to electricity, empowering rural communities through rural electrification and farm irrigation solutions whilst eliminating greenhouse gas production
(Burundi) INUSSAD – WEGE Company
Transforming banana waste into eco-friendly packaging, award winning solution fighting pollution and climate change through a circular economy by adding value to banana plantations whilst creating jobs for unemployed youth in Burundi
Germany:
Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design - Zero Emission: Circular Steam
Steam cooking appliance that stores energy for later use, a smart cooking system that recycles energy from otherwise wasted steam and hot air
Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design - Second Harvest: from fresh to fresh
Storage solution for preserving nutrients in fresh food, a food container with integral CO2 saturated filter to keep food fresh for 6x longer than a traditional refrigerator
Bergische Universität Wuppertal – TrashBoom
A floating barrier to prevent plastic waste in rivers entering the oceans, low-cost and easily made from locally sourced materials, this floating barrier will dramatically reduce the 8 -12m tons of plastic that are currently entering the world's oceans every year
France:
ENSCi - Les Ateliers - THE OASIEN.NE.S
Rainwater recovery system for community areas, making the collection of rainwater a pretext for bringing people together to forge human connections with a common goal; the universal human need for water
Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL) – BlueNose
Aerodynamic, fuel-saving bow attachment for container ships, device targeting air-drag without the need to modify original ship design. that could help save 8 million tons of CO2 annually
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14 November 2022
