Winning Solutions Nairobi, 30 October 2013 - Siemens Stiftung
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Winning Solutions
Nairobi, 30 October 2013
www.empowering-people-award.org
1
Contents Foreword
Promoting technical solutions for human needs
Foreword 3 Mobile Charging Kiosk 21 Millions of people in developing countries face urgent challenges The competition received acclaim all over the world and indeed
in their daily lives such as a lack of basic services, health issues uncovered great potential. Over 800 submissions from over
Partners and Jury 4 OpenIR – Democratizing Infrared Satellite Data 22 and scarcity of food, energy or clean water. However, sustained 90 countries reached us and were evaluated in detail by experts.
social and economic growth can often be reached with the Over the next few pages, we are delighted to present the
Milestones of the “empowering people. Award“ 6 Pee Poo – Single-use Toilet 23 help of innovative technologies. These provide the chance to winners of the “empowering people. Award“ – solutions that are
level out acute deficits and offer diverse opportunities for inde- impressive due to their brilliant simplicity and practicability.
Permafunnel: Internal Funnel for Hand Pumps 24 pendent economic activities and income generation. This applies These solutions are representative of the extraordinary creativity
Top Three Winners: just as much to high-tech solutions as to simple and intelligent and power of innovation that can be found in the numerous
ReMotion Knee 25 technologies, which can often be easily implemented in a time- other entries which did not make it onto the shortlist.
1st Place: OneDollarGlasses 8 and cost-effective manner.
River Ice – Cooling System 26 Congratulations to the 23 winners of the “empowering people.
2nd Place: Makapads Sanitary Pads 10 Empowering people to improve basic supply for themselves and Award”!
ROTOR – Swimming Power Plant 27 for their families in an independent way is the main objective of
3rd Place: Jompy Water Boiler 12 the Siemens Stiftung. To achieve this, we aspire to initiate and
Score Stove™ 2 28 to promote social entrepreneurship models which use simple
and appropriate technological solutions to reach improvements
Twenty Runners-Up: SimGas GesiShamba rural biogas digester 29 in infrastructure and income generation.
BioGas Backpack 14 SMSGYAN – Information & Communication 30 By launching the “empowering people. Award“ we initiated a
worldwide competition for practical inventions, which are
ElectroChemical Arsenic Remediation 15 SOLARKIOSK 31 designed to help improve the living conditions of people in
developing countries and to further social development.
Eliodomestico 16 Solar reflectors 32 Although dedicated inventors all over the world have already
developed and tested numerous such solutions, these mostly
Embrace Nest 17 SunSaluter 33 do not reach those who need them most. Even experienced
practitioners working in development cooperation often come
The Fish Farm 18 Perspectives of Siemens Stiftung 34 across the right solution for a specific problem only by pure
chance. As a consequence, costs are incurred where they could
Leveraged Freedom Chair 19 Credits/Imprint 35 have been avoided and valuable synergy effects are lost.
Rolf Huber
Mapeo de Napas con Georadar – Soil Research 20 This is where the “empowering people. Award“ intervenes. Managing Director of the Siemens Stiftung
The competition aims to identify and promote urgently needed
appropriate technologies. By collecting best-practice solutions
and making them accessible to all players in the development
context, we want to foster their implementation on a global
scale. We are convinced that transparency, the transfer of know-
ledge and cooperative partnerships are essential prerequisites
for the targeted improvement of daily life in impoverished regions.
2 3
The Partners The Jury
The “empowering people. Award” is supported by selected organizations. An international and interdisciplinary jury offered its support in selecting the winners of the "empowering people. Award".
The Siemens Stiftung would like to thank the following partners for their support:
Prof. Daniel Fletcher Stephan Opitz
Lloyd Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering and Biophysics Director General for Policy and Latin American Region
University of California Berkeley KfW Development Bank
Dr. Christoph W. Frei Dr. Dorothea Ringe
Secretary General Head of Strategy and Finance
World Energy Council (WEC) Oxford Entrepreneurship Centre
KfW Helmholtz Association AT-Verband Tanja Gönner Gerry Salole
KfW (business area development bank) The Helmholtz Association is a community AT-Verband (AT-Association) is an associa- Chair of the Management Board Chief Executive
finances investments and consultancy of 18 scientific-technical and biological- tion that stands for advanced socially Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) European Foundation Centre
services in over 100 countries, in particular medical research centres. The Association and environmentally sound technology
on behalf of the Federal Government. has been commissioned with pursuing practice. AT-Verband has been registered Prof. Dr. Peter Gruss Mirjam Schöning
Reducing poverty, peace-keeping, the pro- basic research on behalf of the state, the in Germany as a non-profit organisation President Senior Researcher at the Skoll Center
tection of the climate and environment economy and society. It strives to gain since 1988. The 30 members are indepen- Max Planck Society Said Business School, Oxford University
as well as shaping the globalisation agenda insights and knowledge so that it can help dent consultants, researchers, trainers,
are at the forefront of its work. For this to preserve and improve the foundations institutes and consultancy companies. AT Wolfgang Hafenmayer Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Georg Teutsch
purpose, the KfW promotes reforms, infra- of human life. It does this by identifying stands for a qualified technology practice Managing Partner Scientific Managing Director
structure and financial systems for social and working on the grand challenges faced that enhances conscious choice by the LGT Venture Philanthropy Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
and eco-compatible economic growth in its by society, science and industry. Helm- users and enables them to develop or apply
partner countries. As part of KfW Banken- holtz Centres perform top-class research technical solutions that are in their own Manuela Kasper-Claridge Prof. Dr. Klaus Toepfer
gruppe, the development bank business in strategic programmes in six core fields: genuine interest. Head of Economics Department Executive Director
area uses own funds for development Aeronautics, Space and Transport, Earth Deutsche Welle-TV Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS)
projects. and Environment, Energy, Health, Key
Technologies and Structure of Matter. Thomas Loster Simon Trace
Chairman Chief Executive
Munich Re Foundation Practical Action
Dr. Peter Muchiri Ngatia Jean-Luc Vincent
Director of Capacity Building Founding President
African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF) International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva
Felix Oldenburg Gavin Lindsay Wall
Europe Leader and Director Germany Director
Ashoka Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division (AGS) of the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
4 5
Milestones of the “empowering people. Award”
30 October 2013
Award Ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya
16 June 2012 Prize Money
Launch of the ”empowering 1st Prize €50,000
people. Award” at the 2nd Prize €30,000
United Nations Summit for 3rd Prize €20,000
Sustainable Development in and 20 x €5,000
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
16 September 2013
Shortlist is published,
“empowering people.
Award” website is
relaunched, Community
31 January 2013
Voting starts
Close of competition with
800 entries
from 90 countries
February – June 2013 July – August 2013 from November 2013
Expert panel evaluates all entries and finalizes shortlist Jury selects the top three winners Creation of “empowering people. Platform“
2012 2013
mber January February March April May June July August September October
6 7
1st
1st Place
OneDollarGlasses
The Solution
The OneDollarGlasses are manufactured on bending and milling gainful employment. The attractive design also helps to give
machines specially designed for this purpose. The spectacle people the confidence to wear the glasses in public – often
frames consist of a lightweight and flexible frame made of being the first in their village to do so. The production can be
extremely robust, rustproof and hypoallergenic spring steel wire done locally by spectacle manufacturers who have to attend
(1mm). The frames are manufactured by hand on a bending a 14-day intensive training course on the equipment. These
device which does not need a power supply. Different physiog craftsmen work independently and on their own responsibility.
nomies can be taken into account individually when bending The production of the glasses can take place at home, so that
the frame. The elliptical polished, unbreakable lenses are given especially women can work and take care of their children at
the notches and steps for fastening in the spectacle frames on the same time.
the milling attachment and can be inserted in no time. This milling A production unit includes all equipment and tools necessary
machine can be operated via a decentralized power supply for the production of the glasses. It can be awarded in the form
thanks to the low power consumption (generator or solar station). of a loan to a group of 4 or 5 persons, who in addition to funding
Heat-shrinkable sleeves made of hypoallergenic plastic on the the ongoing costs for materials can also repay the loan from
ear piece ends increase the wearing comfort of the glasses. As the production and the sale of the glasses. After two to three years,
the glasses have very little weight, they do not require nose- the production unit becomes the property of the group. The
bridges. Two coloured glass pearls give each pair of glasses its area covered by a production unit can be increased considerably
own personal design. if mobile opticians use motorbikes to regularly visit the people
in the villages.
Background Information
Figures from the WHO show that around 150 million people in www.onedollarglasses.org
the world suffer from defective eyesight which could be rectified
with a simple seeing aid. However, many of these of these
people live on a very small budget which prevents them from
buying a conventional pair of glasses. This has serious conse- Facts & Figures
quences for them: Their poor vision prohibits people from working Material: Spring steel wire (1 mm), plastic lenses, heat-shrinkable
or pursuing vocational training – the resulting loss to national sleeves, pearls
income worldwide is estimated to be around 120 billion dollars Required training: 2 weeks
per year. Time required for the production of 1 pair of glasses: 15 minutes
Until now, people in developing and emerging countries have Production capacity of a unit (with trained workers): Approx. 100
mainly helped themselves by recycling old glasses – but these glasses per day
Energy requirement: The milling machine requires electricity, but is
are difficult to recondition and adjust. Additionally, there is often
tolerant towards voltage fluctuations. For example, the 12-V version
a lack of local knowledge and technical equipment. Another can also be operated via a solar-charged car battery
economic alternative could be glasses from China. However, these Maintenance: Not necessary
have not reached a sufficient distribution so far, because costs
Used by Countries
are still too high (due to shipping in regions off the major trade
Africa: Rwanda, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania
routes) and appropriate distribution structures are missing.
Category
Healthcare
Social Impact
The glasses are also affordable for very poor people due to low
production costs. The correction of defective eyesight is an
important prerequisite in order to, for example, be able to pursue
8 9
2nd
2nd Place
MakaPads Sanitary Pads
The Solution
MakaPads are sanitary pads made from papyrus and paper waste. camp in Uganda for the production of MakaPads and provides
The naturally absorbent material has a high capacity (one pad them with a source of income. Being produced from local materials,
can be used for 8 to 10 hours). Contrary to most other sanitary the producers are independent from imports or contributions to
pads on the market, there is no additional absorption enhance- establish their own businesses. The use of natural raw materials
ment required. They are assembled with a moisture barrier ensures that no disposal problems arise. Alternative business
and mesh covering and can be purchased with or without an models would also be conceivable, according to which smaller
adhesive. groups of women could manufacture and distribute MakaPads
The dried and pulverised papyrus fibres are processed into a thick themselves. The concept is easily transferable.
paste with paper and water. This is dried in the sun, smoothed,
pressed and cut to size into absorbent inserts with mechanically www.t4tafrica.co
operated machines. The pads are sealed in packs of ten and are
then exposed to ultra violet light to kill off all bacteria or germs.
Because the sanitary napkins are made of natural material and
do not contain any chemical additives, they are almost 100% Facts & Figures
biodegradable and do not cause any intolerances. The mostly Material: Papyrus, (waste) paper,
manual production process needs very little electrical energy Characteristics: 100% biodegradable, chemical-free
and can be generated via solar panels of total wattage 350 W. Energy consumption: Solar panels (of total wattage 350 W), direct
sunshinerice
Thus, Makapads are produced with minimum carbon footprints.
Used by Countries
Background Information Africa: Sierra Leone, Uganda
In the west of Uganda, the average income of the population is Category
less than 1.25 USD per day. A packet of normal sanitary pads Healthcare
costs twice as much – a luxury that only very few women can
afford there. What applies for Uganda, applies to females in
many other developing and emerging countries. Usually, women
substitute sanitary pads with simple cloth rags, waste paper or
banana leaves. Not only is this largely ineffective, the hygiene is
also questionable. Such solutions constitute risks for the women’s
health. Due to a sense of shame, many young girls no longer go
to school with the onset of puberty and women are no longer
seen in public. The supply of disposable pads, e.g. by aid agencies,
is a considerable cost factor and raises garbage disposal problems.
Social Impact
MakaPads protect women from health problems and discrimination
and can help to reduce the high rate of early school leavers
among girls. As the production of MakaPads does not require any
special knowledge, they can be manufactured by people without
training. This creates jobs for those who would otherwise have
no chance of getting gainful employment. For example, Tech-
nology for Tomorrow Limited employs mainly women of a refugee
10 11
3rd Place
Jompy Water Boiler
The Solution
The Jompy Water Boiler is a lightweight and inexpensive fire top energy and CO2 reduction, which results in time and money savings
device which sits between cooking pots on an open flame. It enables combined with improved quality of drinking water and hygiene,
households to cook a meal while at the same time heating water leading to better health conditions. An added benefit recorded
to temperatures high enough to kill 98% of waterborne bacteria by the families was the reduction in coughs and eye problems,
(according to entrants). As a result, the water is safe to drink and previously caused by indoor air pollution.Families reported that
can be used for cooking or bathing. Gravity pushes the water they saved 3kg of firewood per day and more than 3 hours a day
through the Jompy Water Boiler, which then delivers near boiling due to a shorter cooking period. They also needed less time to
hot water within seconds and at a rate of one litre per minute. It source firewood. Financial savings amounted to 1,800 UGX
works equally efficient on stoves or simple three stone fires, ma- ($0.78 USD) per day, thus 657,000 UGX ($284 USD) annually.
king it suitable for the use in both rural areas and urban dwellings. This represents between 30-60% of the annual household
Through a more efficient use of the cooking fire, the Jompy Water ncome of families it benefits, and could make the difference for
Boiler also dramatically reduces fuel costs for poor families. children being able to attend school or not. The financial benefits
of the Jompy use are even higher when counting in savings on
Background Information medicine, time taken off work, looking after sick children or time
It is estimated that over a billion people worldwide are without taken to collect fire wood.
access to clean drinking water. As a result, water-borne diseases
such as diarrhoea kill 1.8 million people annually. Access to clean www.jompy.co.uk
water alone could reduce deaths caused by diarrhoea by up to
25%. In 2011, AMREF concluded that water-borne diseases like
diarrhoea, cholera or typhoid fever, are mainly caused by the lack
Facts & Figures
of access to safe drinking water, to water used to wash hands,
food or utensils before eating and also, by a lack of adequate Material: A micro-bored aluminum tube, coiled to a flat disc with a
sanitary facilities. large heat conductive surface area 1 litre of water per minute can
be heated to about 86 degrees
Characteristics: Suited for all types of cookers, even for 3 stone fire
Social Impact Weight: 700g
The Jompy Water Boiler reduces waterborne diseases by providing
social, economic and environmental benefits. It pasteurizes Used by Countries
Asia: India
water stemming from the commonly used, poor water sources,
Africa: Kenya, Uganda
making it safe to drink and thereby reducing death rates and
illnesses caused by diarrheal diseases. Clean water instantaneously Category
Water & Waste Water
improves hygiene and sanitation, and leads to better health
Energy
conditions. Economically, users also benefit from the more efficient
fuel use. Not only is the same fuel which is used for cooking also
3rd
the source for water pasteurization, this heating process is also
quicker than with conventional methods consumes less fuel and
reduces CO2 emissions. Jompy was used in Uganda during a
4-month field project and as part of this research the water quality
was tested before and after using the water boiler. Alongside
energy savings and water quality, health and social impacts were
evaluated and in particular the benefits of savings in fuel, time
and money were investigated. The results provided evidence of
12 13
BioGas Backpack ElectroChemical Arsenic Remediation it with groundwater, which was contaminated with about 250 µg/l
of arsenic. The prototype consistently reduced arsenic levels
The Solution The Solution below the WHO recommended maximum contaminant level (MCL)
The Biogas Backpack is a pillow shaped balloon from flexible, gas ECAR is a highly effective ultra low-cost water treatment technology of 10 µg/l over several weeks of operation by a trained com
tight material, plastic sheet and fabric. The two inner layers are designed to bring locally affordable and sustainable arsenic-safe munity member. Educating young generations about the importance
made of gas tight PE-sheet, welded at the two open ends and water to rural communities. In ECAR, or ElectroChemical Arsenic of water safety will give them the tools to make better choices
equipped with a welded, threaded flange, holding a mini ball Remediation, ordinary steel plates use low voltage electricity to for their communities in the future. Schools are therefore the
valve. The backpack is filled with biogas from the biogas plant produce iron oxide (e.g. rust) particles in water that adsorb and natural choice to introduce the new water technology and were
by simple pressure equalization instead of by pump or compressor. trap arsenic. During the process, arsenite (which is more toxic selected to test and operate ECAR 100l and 600l prototypes.
Therefore, it does not need to be equipped with a security valve and difficult to remove) is converted into arsenate, allowing the Arsenic-safe water could also easily be included in the existing
to release gas in the case of over pressure.To use the Biogas process to be highly effective under robust conditions. Treated government sponsored midday-meal programs, opening up
Backpack efficiently, it would make sense to produce the biogas water exceeds international WHO standards for arsenic and iron opportunities for subsidies to reduce the initial capital cost of a
in one central, technically advanced biogas plant. This way, across many groundwater sources. The electrodes are cleaned by treatment center.
farmers in the surrounding areas could contribute to the biogas reversing the current, making operation and maintenance simple
production by selling substrate to the plant owner in exchange and non-hazardous. The technology was designed to work within gadgillab.berkeley.edu
for biogas and fertilizer. Because of the limited amount of biogas, a sustainable service delivery model that can cover the cost of
the high content (30-60%) of non-flammable CO2 in biogas and an electricity source and still sell arsenic-safe water at a locally
the non-pressurized status of the gas, there is no risk of an explosion. affordable price while simultaneously covering all costs. The
Even if in contact with open fire, the backpack does not explode, requirements for maintenance are low and electrode passivation
but rather burns down in a controlled manner. To avoid accidents can be limited by reversing voltage regularly. Operating ECAR is
with leaking gas, the backpack is designed to be stored outside simple and non-hazardous: voltage is very low (about 3 V DC)
the house. and no corrosive chemicals are needed. ECAR can be operated by
trained local community members. Operating costs are extremely
Background Information low (~ 0.04 USD/l), making it possible to sell the arsenic-safe water
Combustible materials which are used for cooking, such as fire- at a locally affordable price while simultaneously covering the
wood and charcoal, are associated with a range of problems in expenses.
many countries. Gathering these materials is time-consuming
and difficult, especially because they are often in short supply. Background Information
In addition, cooking with these materials can cause significant An estimated 60 million people in low-income countries like South
health problems. Replacing wood fuels, biogas can alleviate Asia are exposed to naturally occuring toxic arsenic, every time Facts & Figures
such problems while simultaneously reducing deforestation and they drink from their local well. The arsenic crisis in the Bengal Material: Mild steel plates and an aluminium sulfate coagulant –
soil erosion. However, once produced in biogas digesters it is Basin has been described as the largest mass poisoning in human both available in the region.
very difficult to transport the gas to the respective households. Facts & Figures history. Arsenic is tasteless, colorless, odorless and its chronic
Assuming per capita consumption of 10l/day, this amounts to 1.46
Capacity: 1.2 m³ of biogas
ingestion leads to health problems, such as painful lesions or cancers, USD per capita/year, or 10.22 USD per family/year, assuming 7
Social Impact Weight: 4.4 kg (in a fully inflated state) only in the long-run. Therefore, education is needed to raise people per family. As comparison, it is estimated that an average
The Biogas Backpack aims to provide poor rural households with awareness of the risks and to ensure the consumption of arsenic- family in West Bengal incurs a cost of 84 USD per year to consume
Used by Countries
an affordable source of energy for lighting or cooking, thereby safe water. Most solutions fail because their maintenance is water with more than 50 μg/l arsenic. This includes the cost of
Europe: Germany, Portugal, Switzerland,
improving living conditions. Helping to avoid the time consuming being neglected. partially-effective preventative measures, medical expenditures,
Asia: India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal,
task of collecting fuel wood, the biogas backpack helps to ease the and loss of working hours due to illness, which can be attributed
Africa: Tanzania, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya,
to arsenic poisoning.
daily work of women in developing countries. In addition, health risks North America: Mexico Social Impact
can be minimized as burning biogas is nearly smokeless. This solution Category
In the preliminary testing at Jadavpur University (Kolkata), the Used by Countries
was developed in order to facilitate the sale of biogas in developing prototype was placed in Dhopdhopi High School near Kolkata Asia: India
Energy
countries and therefore makes it possible to start a business. Food & Agriculture for a three-month field trial starting in October 2012. This village Category
Waste Management & Recycling school received pipe water for approximately 1 hour per day Water & Waste Water
https://troz.uni-hohenheim.de (inadequate to meet the needs of 2600 students) and supplemented
14 15
Eliodomestico Lastly, the traditional forms and materials make the Eliodomestico Embrace Nest: The Embrace Infant Warmer them the flexibility and freedom to work, to tend to family
highly recognizable and very easy to understand. needs, and to perform other critical daily tasks.
The Solution The Solution
Eliodomestico is an innovative solar distiller for households, designed www.gabrielediamanti.com Embrace developed a low-cost and energy-efficient infant www.embraceglobal.org
to function without filters or electricity. The device is made from warmer, which addresses the key challenge of preventing
readily available materials, such as burnt clay and tin metal, and hypothermia for infants with low birth weight in developing
can be entirely produced by local craftsmen. The body is made of countries. The design looks like a miniature sleeping bag and
two earthenware parts. The evaporator (black boiler) and the incorporates phase change material, which maintains a constant,
condenser consist of tin-welded metal sheets. The freshwater clinically ideal temperature for up to 6 hours. Unlike traditional
bowl is made of clay. Its design takes into account the habit of incubators, it allows physical contact between mother and child,
transporting objects on the head. The choice of materials, shape promoting the development of a strong maternal bond. It is an
and colors is also based on technical reasons, such as the thermal intuitive device that can be reused, sterilized and repaired locally.
insulation, ventilation, heat resistance, absorption or exchange. The design of the device incorporates a wax-like phase change
In the morning, the dirty or salty water is filled in a water tank, material (PCM) which, when heated for 25 minutes using an
and in the evening, clean water can be collected. The water evap electric heater, ensures that the infant remains in a clinically
orates and re-condenses in a portable recipient placed under- approved temperature for up to 6 hours. The device was engi-
neath the tank. The prototype model which has a diameter of neered to minimize the heat loss from the PCM to its surroundings.
60 cm and a surface area of 0.28 m², produces 3 liters of fresh- The electric heater requires intermittent access to an AC power
water per day. This results in the production of 10 liters per day source; however, it can also run off a generator or any alternate
per square meter of surface. AC power source. A new version of the infant warmer, which is
heated by boiling water and would therefore be suitable for
Background Information more remote and resource-poor areas, is currently under pilot
According to figures estimated by the WHO, over a billion people testing.
worldwide do not have access to fresh drinking water. Immediate
help can be provided by desalinating and/or sterilizing seawater Background Information
or brackish water before drinking. Desalination plants are, however, Approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely every
very energy and maintenance intensive, making their usage in year, not completing the 37 weeks of gestation, with numbers
remote areas without connections to power grids impossible. rising (WHO). According to a study conducted by the US
The areas with the most severe water shortages are the warm, organization March of Dimes, over one million of these premature
arid countries in Northern and Southern Africa and West and babies die each year before completing their first month. Over
Southern Asia. As these are also the regions with the most intense 85% of all premature births take place in developing countries.
solar radiation, using solar energy for the desalination and 75% of these children could be saved if the simplest methods
sterilization of contaminated or salt water can create a realistic were employed, such as keeping the infants warm the first few Facts & Figures
opportunity for a new source of clean drinking water. days after their birth. Material: Wax-like phase change material (PCM)
Energy Demand: Electric heater requires access to an AC power
Social Impact Social Impact source for 25 minutes
Eliodomestico is a simple device which delivers a basic quantity The infant warmer is a very useful and much needed device, as Lifecycle: Can be repaired locally, sterilized and reused (estimated)
Facts & Figures
of clean drinking water in areas where salt or brackish water even the big hospitals in developing countries are often not 50 times
is prevalent as ground and/or surface water. The system can Water filtration: 10 liters per day per square meter of surface adequatly equipped with efficiently working incubators. The device Used by Countries
Material: Burnt clay and tin metal
induce positive outcomes for local economies. It is designed to is made of a durable, hypoallergenic, bio-compatible, medical Asia: Afghanistan, India, China
be entirely produced on site and can thus create small businesses Used by Countries grade material that can be repaired easily in rural, resource poor Africa: Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique
and generate income for local people. The device is self-ex- Europe: Italy areas. The infant warmer is designed to complement Kangaroo North America: Mexico, Guatemala
planatory and requires no maintenance except cleaning. Its size Category Mother Care (practice of providing warmth with skin-to-skin Category
can be adapted to the respective water demand, an output of Water & Waste Water contact), because it enables physical contact between mother Healthcare
5 to 10 liters per day meets the needs of an average household. and child. Notably, it allows mothers to breastfeed and gives
16 17
The Fish Farm Leveraged Freedom Chair
The Solution The Solution
The Fish Farm is a patented, micro-intensive fish farm designed The Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC) was designed by the devel
within the confines of a 12-metre shipping container, delivering opment team at MIT to help people with physical disabilities
2-4 tons of tilapia (or other species) annually. By placing a series in developing countries and has been in operation since 2008.
of tanks, filters and pumps inside a container, the product im- It has been tested in East Africa, Central America and India.
mediately delivers a profitable, affordable, transportable and The LFC uses a unique lever drivetrain which makes it faster than
replicable aquaculture business into poor urban or rural commu- conventional wheelchairs and enables it to travel over extremely
nities.The Prototype comprises 6 tanks (in a row) of 1,500 liters rough terrain. Instead of using gears and derailleurs which are
each, a 200 liters solids filter (to deal with the solid waste) and likely to break under the rough conditions in developing countries,
a 5,000 liters bio-filter (to deal with the chemical waste), a circula- the user can change gears and achieves a 3:1 change in mechan
tion pump and an aerator. The Fish Farm dumps 1% of its volume ical advantage by simply moving his hands up and down a set
per day to maintain water quality and it would be able to supply of levers that are connected to the drivetrain. Grabbing high on
this fertilized water to the vegetable farmers. The Fish Farm only re- the levers provides more torque to get over obstacles, while
quires minimal space and the energy for its operation can be provi- grabbing low on the levers increases angular velocity for fast
ded by solar power. The Fish Farm is a simple and environmentally travel on smooth ground. By using common bicycle parts in
compatible way of ensuring food security, creating jobs and ma- the production of the LFC, the costs are kept low and users, even
king profits. in rural villages, can easily repair and maintain the product
themselves.
Background Information
With marine fish stocks depleting, the demand for sustainably Background Information
produced and community based fish continues to rise. Globally, Over 65 million people, an estimated 1% of the world's population,
aquaculture is characterized by high investment, low employ- need a wheelchair. Providing wheelchairs which are applicable,
ment and high technical skills and installations. “Advances in well-designed, fitted and affordable, enhances mobility and also
these areas can pay huge dividends in reducing hunger and poverty opens up a world of education, work and social life for those in
because fish and other aquatic organisms are a major source need of such support (WHO). Donor-funded non-profit organisa-
of food and income for poor people in developing countries. tions have tried to aid by mass-producing and distributing hospital-
Millions more can benefit from increased investment in fisheries style wheelchairs in develo ping countries. However, these
and sustainable aquaculture to make this sector a more powerful have proven to be unfit for the terrain as they cannot cope with
engine for poverty reduction.” (WorldFishCenter.org) rough terrain and spare parts are difficult to procure.
Facts & Figures
Social Impact Social Impact
Materials: Mild steel and bicycle parts, ensuring that spare parts are
The solution supports sustainable aquaculture, which creates The Leveraged Freedom Chairs enable mobility across long and always available, even in the most rural village
benefits by saving resources. Furthermore, the Fish Farm can difficult terrain. Therefore, they not only enhance a sense Benefit: Comparative testing shows that the LFC is 80% faster than a
contribute to a balanced diet due to the high quality protein in of independence, but also provide the opportunity to access conventional wheelchair on the road and that users can produce 50%
fish. Due to the moderate price of the fish, it is an affordable Facts & Figures education, employment and participation in community life. more torque at the wheels, enabling them to overcome obstacles 0n
alternative and healthy protein supply for the people. Generating the road.
income, the fish can be sold to restaurants and/or directly to the A minimum supply of reasonably clean water of 250 litres per day http://goGRIT.org Used by Countries
A level ground area for the placement of the container(s)
population at retail prices. Also, communities can play a part in North America: Guatemala, Haiti
the production of food for the fish (e.g. maggot farms, snail farms, Used by Countries Africa: Kenya, Uganda
algae farms), as well as, in the filleting and packaging services. Africa: South Africa Asia: India, Philippines, Vietnam
Each Fish Farm can bring 1-5 people into economic productivity. Category Category
Food & Agriculture Healthcare
www.tbp-philippi.org.za/
18 19Mapeo de Napas con Georadar – Soil Research water from the water table zone. Such improvement of ground Mobile Charging Kiosk
water use will help farmers to make their operation more stable.
The Solution This knowledge could also give useful information for soil prepa- The Solution
Georadar technology can be used to map and to determine the ration, e.g. quantifying supply of soil conditioner in form of The Mobile Charging Kiosk (MCK) is a mobile charging point,
depth of water tables. Even without rain water, water can be provided compost, adapted fertilizer utilization etc. Due to the relatively which can be attached to bicycles and mopeds. It offers a micro
for crops, if the roots come into contact with the water table zone. high purchase costs, the service should be provided on the regional solution to quickly charge cell phones for people on the go,
Georadar (GPR, Ground Penetrating Radar) is used as a non-destruc- or local (village, cooperatives) levels, or by big farms. using renewable energy technology. The Quick Charge has two
tive technique for low-depth subsoil investigation, which produces retractable solar panels with 40 watts each at the top, a lock
excellent results in terms of soil profile mapping. It consists of an www.estudiogyd.com.ar system to keep the cell phone system and the solar panels secured
electromagnetic waves unit and a second digital recording system at night, as well as, a lithium battery to store electricity for night
unit. Wave reflection time delays and wave speed in the material charging. A manual charging mechanism can be used when the
containing the antennae, are used to deduce the depth at which device is in a stationary position and in the case of bad weather.
the reflector unit (pipe) is located. The georadar generates a subsoil Since the whole system is on wheels, MCK can go where the
image with high lateral and vertical resolution which not only customers are or where they gather, such as at market places,
identifies specific objects, but also characterizes the area. churches or bus stops. The whole unit is fitted onto a plastic
The depth of penetration and the resolution depend on which type body, which can also offer space for advertisement. However,
of antenna is used. In high-resolution urban areas shielded antennas the kiosk does not only offer charging services but is also a
are used because they are better equipped to control noise and air one-stop micro shop selling phones, renewable lights and airtime
reflections with high-quality imaging and a depth range of up to 10m. electronically.
Estudio G&D uses existing technology in a new context. The innovation
is a compact, small-scale technology, which makes it easy to trans- Background Information
port. Thus big areas can be analyzed without costly and labor-intensive It is an undisputed fact that mobile phones can drive progress
drillings. Deeper soil and ground water levels can also be detected. in developing and emerging markets. Due to technological
advancements in mobile services, the prices for mobile phones
Background Information have become so low that access to mobiles is widespread.
The problem of water shortage in developing regions does not only Charging these phones, however, is often a significant problem.
affect clean drinking water. Water consumption of households and In many countries, mobile penetration has far outpaced the
businesses only constitutes one fifth of the entire water use – the growth of the electricity grid, and even when it is available, the
lion’s share is used on the production of food. The usage of ground- connection is often unaffordable and/or unreliable. This means
water is frequently inefficient and a key question for food security that people often have to undertake long journeys to reach the
is therefore how efficiency can be increased. Due to climate change next power source and that there is a huge demand for affordable
processes, such as longer drought periods or heavy rains, it has backup options.
become increasingly important to know about the basics of farming. Facts & Figures
Components: 1 electromagnetic waves unit, 1 digital recording system
Social Impact
Social Impact unit Mobile phones do not only foster communication, they are also
The Georadar can boost crop yields at locations with underground Depth of penetration/ resolution: Up to10 metres using antenna with an important source of information and offer a constantly growing
water tables. When the location and distribution of water tables are frequencies between 10 MHz and 1,000MHz range of services, such as mobile payment systems or agricultural
Facts & Figures
known, hybrids and fertilizers can be selected according to the Result of investigation: Subsoil image with high lateral and vertical information. MCK allows people with limited access to electricity
amount of water which is available. Thereby, crop yields are maxi- resolution that characterizes the soil to solve their phone charging needs without having to walk Material: 2 retractable solar panels (40 watts), lithium battery, wheels,
aluminium frame, alternator 150W, sim card
mized and the water is used more efficiently. There is no need for Used by Countries miles to a charging station. These units can be deployed in a
a destructive technique for low-depth subsoil investigation. Crops South America: Argentina franchise system, creating sources of income for people in these Used by Countries
can be grown regardless of the climate situation and can secure an areas. Africa: Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda
Category
economically profitable output. Knowledge about water retention Water & Waste Water Category
capacities or groundwater can help to provide water for crops inde- Food & Agriculture www.a-r-e-d.com Energy
pendently of precipitation, because the roots of the crops can draw
20 21OpenIR – Democratizing Infrared Satellite Data crucial information. Maps are a powerful way for all kinds of Pee Poo – Single-use Toilet commercial fertilizer. Currently, the collection and processing
groups to protect their land and ecosystems. With this in mind, is performed by Peepoople with the aim of demonstrating
The Solution OpenIR can ultimately help developed and under-developed The Solution viable business models that later can be franchized.
OpenIR is an ICT (information communication technology) that economic regions, as well as ecologically vulnerable regions, to Peepoo is a personal, single-use toilet which sanitizes human
maps the environmental risks and features, which are revealed save millions of dollars. excreta shortly after defecation, thereby preventing faeces from www.peepoople.com
by infrared satellite data. This includes algorithms for flood risk contaminating and spreading lethal diseases such as cholera
map generations and a web map application. OpenIR’s initial http://openir.media.mit.edu and diarrhoea. After use, urea inside Peepoo inactivates harmful
validation case will take place in Indonesia. At the same time, pathogens in the faeces within 2-4 weeks. It is designed in
OpenIR collaborates with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management the form of a slim elongated outer bag with a wider inner funnel
Agency) to determine additional validation and use case scenarios. that expands the opening while using it. After use, Peepoo is
OpenIR also works towards interfacing flood risk maps with crowd sealed with a knot that makes it completely airtight. It works as
maps and allows global access to this data.OpenIR’s initial com- a micro-treatment plant: With the help of the enzyme urease
ponent is a geo-server system that serves visible and infrared present in human faeces, the urea in Peepoo breaks down to
spectrum data into web map layers. Currently, the team runs tests carbon dioxide and ammonia. Each Peepoo can contain up to
on processing and serving data in-house and/or using data from 800 ml of faeces and urine. To facilitate usage, Peepoo can be
Google’s Earth Engine that will soon be available.The team created fitted on any standard 1-3 liter container/bucket or the specially
a prototype of a Risk Map Builder, which automatically generates designed Peepoo seat/holder for sitting or squatting, called
a flood risk map for any given area. The goal is to expand the Peepoo Kiti. Peepoo remains odor-free for at least 12 hours after
resolution based on additional inputs. OpenIR exists as a prototype use and can be stored in the immediate environment.
that is currently undergoing user testing and data validation.
Background Information
Background Information The number of slum dwellers continues to grow. Fed by an
Since the tsunami in 2004, Indonesia has strengthened its crisis accelerating pace of urbanisation, 863 million people are now
response systems. However, as a recent Jakarta Globe article estimated to be living in slums compared to 760 million in 2000
points out, preparedness systems are still underdeveloped. At the according to statistics by UN Habitat 2012. In Asia and the
same time, increasingly severe weather phenomena worldwide Pacific, two out of five urban dwellers live in slums, compared
make access to standardized risk maps more important than ever. with three out of five in Africa. In percentage terms, sub-Saharan
Digital Maps using infrared satellite data are a powerful way to Africa has about 72% of city dwellers living in slums. Among
protect land, the ecosystem and its inhabitants. It is important a range of other problems, these slums are largely lacking sani-
for the software to be made available to users in developing tation which has a major impact on the health and lives of
countries, which are more environmentally and ecologically people living in these hazardous environments. Facts & Figures
vulnerable. This could contribute to an environmental visualization
Constituents: Aliphatic/aromatic co-polyesters (Ecoflex) and polylactic
system in even deeper and detailed ways. Social Impact
acid (PLA), with small additives of wax and lime
Peepoo is easy to use at home, which increases health and safety Initial substance: Urea (white crystalline substance with the chemical
Social Impact Facts & Figures especially for woman and children. This makes Peepoo a rele- formula (NH2)2CO, which contains 46% nitrogen)
OpenIR’s work with the Indonesian government, universities and vant solution for urban slums, schools, emergencies and refugee- Dimensions: 146x380 mm with a thickness of 20 microns
Setting: OpenIR is set up on an MIT Media Lab 300 GB virtual
NGOs through community partners, will help all parties to better camps. Peepoos can be collected in a specially developed Weight: 11 grams, of which 6 grams is the weight of the urea powder
machine, www.openir.media.mit.edu
understand how a standardized environmental mapping system collection system or utilized as fertilizer in household gardens Capacity: Up to 800 ml of faeces and urine
Initial component: Geo-server system, which feeds visible and
with easily comprehensible risk maps can be used for planning infrared spectrum data into web map layers after storing them for four weeks. Peepoo offers a variety of Used by Countries
and prevention. OpenIR's initial focus is on Indonesia, a country Data use for algorithm: Surface_reflectance, radiance, toa, opportunities for small local businesses. Women micro-entrepreneurs Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan
at the intersection of economic and environmental vulnerability. mcd43a4, USGS, SRTM product lines et al. and small kiosk retail outlets are the most important sales Africa: Kenya, South Africa
However, as OpenIR expands its production of risk maps to a global Requirements: Updated web browser, with Javascript activated channels in urban slums. The women sell Peepoos door-to-door, North America: Haiti
reach, more regions can benefit. OpenIR’s Flood Risk Map will Category or at plot parties which are organized like Tupperware parties. Category
function as a resource for goverments, universities and NGOs, but Information & Communication Technology When the volume increases, local businesses can also develop Healthcare
the web map format will also allow individual citizens to receive from the collection and the processing of used Peepoos into
22 23Permafunnel: Internal Funnel for Hand Pumps ReMotion Knee robustness of the ReMotion Knee joint and its ability to withstand
heavy usage in rugged environments. Above-knee amputees
The Solution The Solution fitted with the knee can now hold jobs that used to be too physically
Permafunnel is an internal funnel, which is easily installed in hand ReMotion Knee is an affordable, polycentric prosthetic knee designed demanding, such as standing for hours, peddling, or walking long
pumps in order to provide a straight water flow. It is machined for amputees in developing countries. Using durable, polymer-based distances. This means that amputees can return to work or school
from the food grade plastic UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight materials with proven polycentric mechanism, instead of the typical and will be able to lead independent, productive lives.
polyethylene) and is fully inserted into the spout of a hand pump. steel or titanium, the ReMotion Knee is designed to improve usability
The outer diameter is selected to ensure a slight interference and manufacturability. It has simple, universal attachments to inter- www.d-rev.org
which fits with the inside of the spout and can be installed by using face with standard prosthetic leg systems, is made up of five compo-
a hammer or alternatively, a hydraulic press. The inner diameter nents and four standard fasteners and weighs less than 0.5kg – one
is designed to prevent restriction of the water flow at the highest of the lightest knees on the market. The knee’s 165-degree range
possible pump rates. The funnel is cut at a 45 degree angle to of motion makes movements possible that are relevant to local
enable it to be fitted deep inside the outlet spout. The upper part cultures. Its lifespan has shown to exceed 3-5 years (3 million gait
is specifically shaped to calm and guide the water flow. The correct cycles), which is consistent with the benchmark set by prosthetics
size is selected to match the particular pump spout diameter and the available on Western markets.The solution also addresses sensitive
installation is quick and simple. It can be fitted following the manu user issues, such as smooth and quiet operation, critical quality
facture and prior to installation or also, into previously assembled and bandwidth problems with local manufacturing through injec-
hand pumps. It is not limited to a certain hand pump model. tion molding for mass production.
Background Information Background Information
Without a funnel, the chaotic water flow exiting from hand pumps In contrast to industrial countries, where health systems offer care
results in water waste of 30% or more. Hand pumps provide for amputees, the existence of those living in developing and
access to drinking water for many millions of people in rural and threshold countries is often threatened by their handicap. If the am-
developing areas. When water is pumped into containers with putee is also the breadwinner of the family, their survival is frequently
narrow openings (jerry cans etc.) a large percentage is spilled due put at risk. For children the handicap means not being able to go to
to the uncontrolled water flow exiting the pump spout. This waste school. Therefore the value of high-tech prosthesis is priceless.
contributes to unsanitary water points; longer pumping times and Prosthetic knee joints are the most expensive component in a pros-
hence queues. Sometimes external funnels are made from organic thetic leg system. Too often, the cheapest and most common designs,
Facts & Figures
materials such as leaves, but they are usually not handled properly such as single-axis knee joints (acts similarly to a door hinge), are
and fall into the muddy area around the pump, contributing to mechanically unstable and many amputees wear them in a locked Number of amputees fit: 5,000+
the contamination of water. (peg-leg) position. Polycentric and hydraulic mechanical joints have Material: Polymer-based materials with proven polycentric mechanism,
better performing gaits, but are very expensive with costs ranging composed of five components and four standard fasteners
Weight: Less than 0.5kg.
Social Impact from 1,400 to 50,000 USD. Left with limited options, many amputees
Lifecycle: At least 3–5 years (3 million gait cycles)
In regions where clean drinking water is a precious commodity, it is resort to improvised prosthetics made from wood and metal scraps, Characteristics: 165-degree range of motion, universal attachments
imperative to have easy-to-handle systems that can stem the chaotic donations of previously-worn components, or they use makeshift interface with standard prosthetic leg systems
flow of water. This leads to less water being wasted and the popu- Facts & Figures wooden staffs or crutches. Required conditions: Trained level 3 prosthetist, clinic that is able to
lation being able to save time and money on procuring water for Material: UHMWPE appropriately fit patients and provide necessary standard follow-up care
their needs. Additionally, an invisible funnel system will not be touched Diameter: Variety of external diameters to match the sizes found on Social Impact Used by Countries
by users, further reducing the rate of infection. Geographically, installed hand pumps The ReMotion Knee has remobilized over 5,000 amputees in twelve Asia: India, Indonesia, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Tools required: Hammer or hydraulic press
the funnel can have a huge impact in all areas where hand pumps countries, allowing them to start or to return to their jobs or to school. Africa: Liberia, Tanzania, Uganda
are a primary source of clean drinking water. Small local companies Used by Countries Unlike other prosthetic knees, ReMotion is optimized for the environ- South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala
could produce the funnel in order to retrofit previously installed hand Africa: Sudan ment (agricultural and outdoor exposure), physical activities Oceania: Fiji
pumps. Thus, jobs could be created by production and retrofitting. Category (kneeling and squatting), and it is adjusted to the price requirements Category
Water & Waste Water of low-resource users. Extensive testing, including fatigue, long-term Healthcare
www.nilecat.org wear, ultimate strength, and kinematic gait analysis, has proven the
24 25River Ice – Cooling System result produce absolutely clean and germ-free water for the ice ROTOR – Swimming Power Plant advantage of producing energy 24/7 without the need of expensive
blocks from the river water. battery storage. The distribution of a self-built Rotor or a pre-
The Solution The Solution fabricated construction kit could also offer opportunities for local
River Ice is a small-scale Garman river turbine directly connected www.aprotec.com.co Rotor is a small, hydro power plant, which provides an easy way businesses and create jobs.
to an open refrigeration compressor. Polyethylene bags which to generate electricity by using the current of a river. A vertical
contain filtered water produce ice blocks through the energy of axis water wheel is mounted in the center of a circular tube. www.heinsdorff.de
the currant. Garman river turbines (or the very similar Tyson- and Induced by the flow of a river, the wheel turns like a turbine.
VHL-turbines) are well known technologies. Their typical power The rotational energy is transferred by the axis to a wheel where
output is 300-500 W and they are mainly used for house light- several conventional bicycle dynamos – in the advanced version
ning, cellphone recharging, etc. In contrast to the conventional a specially designed generator – transform the kinetic energy into
turbines, the River Ice turbine is connected directly to a mechanical electricity. The rotor is fixed to the embankment, a bridge or
compressor, which cools down through polyethylene bags something similar by mooring ropes. The prototype rotor consists
containing water, thus producing ice blocks. For this system of a tractor tire tube, flat bar steel as frame construction, bicycle
to work, a river must have a minimum depth of 1.7m and a dynamos and blades made of sheet. All of the used materials are
flow rate of at least 0.6 m/sec. If the energy flow of a river sur- substitutable and are therefore available worldwide for little
passes 12 kWh/day, it is sufficient to produce more than 250kg/24h money. A flow speed of 1.5m/s can provide an output of up to
of ice in tropical areas with temperatures of 30ºC or higher. 150W. An online-Do-It-Yourself manual will be created, which
According to Aprotec, the River Ice plant allows a direct cost offers a variety of possible materials to be used. Moreover, an
saving of about 66%, compared to usual ice production affordable pre-fabricated construction kit which includes the
methods. important parts, i.e. tire tube, blade profiles, canvas cover and
a specific generator is being developed. The objective is to provide
Background Information a stable power output of approximately 100W.
According to WHO estimations, a great deal of food is spoiled
due to inadequate storage options in developing countries. This Background Information
amount rises in tropical regions. Particularly affected is fresh According to figures published by the International Energy
fish as an estimated 40% of the stock rots before it can be processed. Agency (IEA), 1.4 billion people do not have access to electrical
Cooling devices are not available and the hygiene is insufficient. energy. Over 2.5 billion people rely on traditional biomass for
Many rural communities in proximity to rivers e.g. the Amazon cooking. Access to electrical power plays a significant role in
River, the Orinoco River, the Zambezi, Congo and the Nile, live on improving living conditions. Among other things, it can be used
fishing and fish trade without the possibility of maintaining for the cold storage of food, for the use of electric pumps to gain
stocks. In these regions cooling is often as important as electricity. access to drinking water and also, to provide lighting in house
Facts & Figures holds. In accordance with the Millennium Goals, it is important
Social Impact to use ecologically sustainable technology to enable access to
Component: Garman river turbines (Typical power output: 300-500W )
River Ice is a cooling system which operates around the year, Conditions of floating mechanism: Rivers with minimum depth of
electricity.
independent of the supply of conventional fuels. It will improve Facts & Figures
1.7m and a flow rate of at least 0.6m/sec
the livelihood of villagers living near to tropical rivers.The social Energy production: 12 kWh/day (sufficient to produce more than Social Impact Material: Tractor tire tube, flat bar steel as frame construction, bicycle
impact is especially high with regard to the improvement of local 250kg/24h of ice in tropical areas with temperatures of 30ºC or The Rotor uses low-cost technology and can be constructed in dynamos, blades made of sheet
living conditions and a better commercial exploitation of local higher) an easy manner. Required materials are substitutable and Electric capacity: 150 W for the prototype dimensions at a flow speed
fishing. The possibility of keeping their fish cooled, will lead to available worldwide. A special focus is put on recycling materials. of 1.5 m/s (with an appropriate generator)
Used by Countries
greater job potential in the communities. Job creation can also South America: Colombia In many regions local generation is the only possible way to Used by Countries
be expected from distribution, installation and maintenance of Category
get access to power. For families in rural areas with rivers nearby Europe: Germany
the River Ice plants. Moreover, water current turbines are a reliable Water & Waste Water the Rotor means the availability of renewable energy with a Category
and ecologically friendly technology. Overall, the River Ice plant Energy permanent output (day and night). It can be used for lighting, Water & Waste Water
could pave the way for other technologies: The system could be Healthcare cooling or charging batteries and mobile phones. In comparison Energy
supplemented by a small PV-driven ultrafiltration plant and as a to small PV cells and wind turbines the stream turbine has the
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