The tenth annual "Create the Future" Design Contest, sponsored by COMSOL, Nordson EFD, and Tech Briefs Media Group, has begun and runs through June 30, 2012. The contest is an opportunity to receive global recognition and a cash prize of $20,000 for an innovative new product idea.
For more information go to www.createthefuture2012.com.
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Ancient Scientific Instruments
David Flores is an amateur scientist from Spain and he like building ancient scientific instruments. He has been building more than 100 instruments and all are working models.
Self Cleaning Plumbing Drain System
The self cleaning drain system provides the features of conventional P-traps used with sinks and lavatories, but creates flow turbulence to break down and propel debris away. The system provides a permanent way to eliminate drain clogs, eliminating the need for chemical drain cleaners, plungers, expensive pipe repairs and environmental concerns.
The Yachachiqs
The tradition of innovation in Peru can be traced back to the very beginnings of civilization on the continent, (the sacred city of Caral dates back some 5,000 years). Peruvians have since developed forms of large-scale agriculture, water and soil management, building technologies, metallurgy, textile manufacturing, astronomy, medicine and so forth. We see evidence of how those innovations have developed in archaeological sites and museums. What makes that so extraordinary, however, is that system used to create and disseminate knowledge is one that exists today. This is the Yachachiq system. The Yachachiqs have not only managed keep that system intact but have succeeded in incorporating modern technology to solve their problems. There are currently 2,000 Yachachiqs living in the Andes involved in the creation of new technology and business ventures with the potential to reduce poverty.
In traditional Andean culture, arts and (technics) are one in the same — a Yachachiq could be a master artisan just as he could be a local mechanic. The term Yachachiq is not a name but the title a community confers on an individual who possesses extraordinary abilities and leadership skills. They already have such incredible technical abilities and creativity. They can even decide whether some information, knowledge or tools would be useful if they could adapt it to serve their needs. When provided with that they can achieve wonders without any outside interference or advice. Yachachiqs are do-it-yourself people; they don’t buy technology and they make their own things from available local materials.
The Yachachiqs are representative of how innovation can take hold in rural settings, but in Peru, as is the case with other developing countries, innovation is found more often in urban environments.
In traditional Andean culture, arts and (technics) are one in the same — a Yachachiq could be a master artisan just as he could be a local mechanic. The term Yachachiq is not a name but the title a community confers on an individual who possesses extraordinary abilities and leadership skills. They already have such incredible technical abilities and creativity. They can even decide whether some information, knowledge or tools would be useful if they could adapt it to serve their needs. When provided with that they can achieve wonders without any outside interference or advice. Yachachiqs are do-it-yourself people; they don’t buy technology and they make their own things from available local materials.
The Yachachiqs are representative of how innovation can take hold in rural settings, but in Peru, as is the case with other developing countries, innovation is found more often in urban environments.
Yachachiqs, Inventors and Innovators
My article published in the Citizen Science Quarterly V 02
Table of Contents:
Contents:
Welcome Letter from the Editor by Jacob Shiach (05)
Open Wide by Steven Miron, MD (06)
Grassroot Innovation in the Developing World by Luis Gustavo Lira (09)
The Bio Board by Rikke Rasmussen (13)
Blue Green Project by Michael Reed (23)
DIYbio Code of Ethics by Jacob Shiach (27)
DIY Biosynthesis by Cathal Garvey (32)
GenSpace Editorial by Ellen Jorgensen (37)
Alexander Fleming Portrait by Leticia Mazariegos (41)
ExploraBox Article by Ricky Opaterny (42
Floating in Thin Air by Anupam Pathak (44)
Table of Contents:
Contents:
Welcome Letter from the Editor by Jacob Shiach (05)
Open Wide by Steven Miron, MD (06)
Grassroot Innovation in the Developing World by Luis Gustavo Lira (09)
The Bio Board by Rikke Rasmussen (13)
Blue Green Project by Michael Reed (23)
DIYbio Code of Ethics by Jacob Shiach (27)
DIY Biosynthesis by Cathal Garvey (32)
GenSpace Editorial by Ellen Jorgensen (37)
Alexander Fleming Portrait by Leticia Mazariegos (41)
ExploraBox Article by Ricky Opaterny (42
Floating in Thin Air by Anupam Pathak (44)
IndieGoGo
IndieGoGo offers anyone with an idea - creative, cause-related, or entrepreneurial - the tools to effectively build a campaign and raise money.
Designed to meet your funding needs, anyone can start raising money immediately on IndieGoGo. Offer unique perks or tax deductions to your contributors in lieu of offering profit, but always keep 100% ownership. Each campaign has the opportunity to be featured on our homepage, placed in the press, or exposed via social media.
Who can use IndieGoGo?
IndieGoGo is open for anyone to use, with any type of campaign - creative, cause-related, or entrepreneurial.
Where is IndieGoGo located?
IndieGoGo is based in the United States, but we have members in 189 countries and counting. You can post and fund a campaign from any country as long as you have a valid bank account or credit card.
Designed to meet your funding needs, anyone can start raising money immediately on IndieGoGo. Offer unique perks or tax deductions to your contributors in lieu of offering profit, but always keep 100% ownership. Each campaign has the opportunity to be featured on our homepage, placed in the press, or exposed via social media.
Who can use IndieGoGo?
IndieGoGo is open for anyone to use, with any type of campaign - creative, cause-related, or entrepreneurial.
Where is IndieGoGo located?
IndieGoGo is based in the United States, but we have members in 189 countries and counting. You can post and fund a campaign from any country as long as you have a valid bank account or credit card.
The Uncertain Future of the OLPC in Peru
My article (in Spanish) for OLPCNews
The Uncertain Future of the OLPC in Peru
Peru is characterized by a discontinuity in their public policies on education. For 30 years every government has made reforms in the education system but all have failed and the results can be verified on indicators such as PISA 2009. Peru has a score of 370 compared with 426 in Uruguay. But Peru has been the star of the region in economic growth over the past 10 years however this is not reflected in improved quality of the education system...
The Uncertain Future of the OLPC in Peru
Peru is characterized by a discontinuity in their public policies on education. For 30 years every government has made reforms in the education system but all have failed and the results can be verified on indicators such as PISA 2009. Peru has a score of 370 compared with 426 in Uruguay. But Peru has been the star of the region in economic growth over the past 10 years however this is not reflected in improved quality of the education system...
Grassroot Innovation in Peru
Currently changes happen quite fast and a new innovation appears almost every day for example "D.light Design" with his LED solar lamp oriented to poor families in developing countries and "Embrace" with the design of a low-cost infant warmer for the base of the pyramid. All the above-mentioned innovations have been created in the developed world but there are many examples of innovations created in the developing world. However they are not world-known and invisible for international media. Maybe the most known case is: William Kamkwamba. A grassroot inventor from Africa, he built a windmill to power electrical appliances in his house from materials collected in a local scrapyard. His case is not the only one. There are many William's in the developing world.
In this article, I will share with you, the case of grassroot innovators from Peru. The barriers and problems that they face are world-wide spread and specifically often in developing countries. But problems have also solutions and thank to a network of international NGOs, which are supporting these initiatives, positive changes are happening. I would like to mention the story of the Yachachiqs (Yachachiq is the quechua name for people who pass on knowledge). It is based on the fusion of native knowledge and modern knowledge in order to develop appropriate technologies. Finally, I would like to propose some alternatives to motivate the creation of self- sustainable communities and ecosystems for grassroot innovation in developing countries.
In this article, I will share with you, the case of grassroot innovators from Peru. The barriers and problems that they face are world-wide spread and specifically often in developing countries. But problems have also solutions and thank to a network of international NGOs, which are supporting these initiatives, positive changes are happening. I would like to mention the story of the Yachachiqs (Yachachiq is the quechua name for people who pass on knowledge). It is based on the fusion of native knowledge and modern knowledge in order to develop appropriate technologies. Finally, I would like to propose some alternatives to motivate the creation of self- sustainable communities and ecosystems for grassroot innovation in developing countries.
Yachachiq Voices
In rural areas, 7 of 10 individuals are poor. The majority of the rural poor are active in agriculture, mainly as producers and often with limited access to health, education and markets. The Sierra region consistently has the worst indicators for access to health, water and sanitation services, education, poverty and extreme poverty.
The target groups for the proposed media project are the Yachachiqs. "Yachachiq" is the quechua name for people who pass on knowledge.
We propose to develop Yachachiq´s Voices in the 8 poorest regions of Peru, around 5 million people.
The project will be conducted in two phases: (A) pilot phase in 2 regions (3 months) (B) scale-up phase in 8 regions (6 months). The first phase will be implemented with the Rising Voices funding.
The Yachachiqs, their knowledge and their communities are underrepresented in global world.
The content will be generated by Yachachiqs from rural communities and we wish them to create their own discussion platforms. They can translate it into native languages and add relevant localized content.
Technology alone will fail and our project provides support with a comprehensive approach and including: technical support, change management, training, coaching and cultural sensitivity.
In Peru social problems do not solely rest on the access to services but the problems are also embedded in behavioral and cultural practices. Cultural practices are particularly influential in matters of technology adoption and use.
New initiatives would be developed specifically to meet the needs of the rural communities and professionals, Yachachiqs and community promoters should be trained to deliver those messages appropriately.
The target groups for the proposed media project are the Yachachiqs. "Yachachiq" is the quechua name for people who pass on knowledge.
We propose to develop Yachachiq´s Voices in the 8 poorest regions of Peru, around 5 million people.
The project will be conducted in two phases: (A) pilot phase in 2 regions (3 months) (B) scale-up phase in 8 regions (6 months). The first phase will be implemented with the Rising Voices funding.
The Yachachiqs, their knowledge and their communities are underrepresented in global world.
The content will be generated by Yachachiqs from rural communities and we wish them to create their own discussion platforms. They can translate it into native languages and add relevant localized content.
Technology alone will fail and our project provides support with a comprehensive approach and including: technical support, change management, training, coaching and cultural sensitivity.
In Peru social problems do not solely rest on the access to services but the problems are also embedded in behavioral and cultural practices. Cultural practices are particularly influential in matters of technology adoption and use.
New initiatives would be developed specifically to meet the needs of the rural communities and professionals, Yachachiqs and community promoters should be trained to deliver those messages appropriately.
Point of use household water treatment system
Point of use household water treatment system: The system is a practical and effective solution for providing sustained access to safe water in Peru. The system use biosand filters, chlorination and safe storage which are identified as the most effective according to our research and having the greatest potential to become widely used in Peru. The goal of our system is to empower people without access to clean water to improve water quality by treating it and storing it in the home. The key features of our system are as follows:
- Produce sufficient quantities of clean water to meet daily needs
- Effective for treating different water sources and quality levels
- Low cost, accessible and affordable replacement units and parts
Lack of access to safe water contributes significantly to disease and death resulting from infectious diarrhea and other debilitating illnesses. When poor families cannot afford adequate access to safe water, they buying water from cheaper sources that may have higher levels of contamination, or they may use less water, which could reduce their defenses against diseases. Household water technologies offer valuable treatment of drinking water. Priority could be placed on areas with the most highly contaminated water or those that collect water directly from surface waters without any treatment. Could be placed in schools and hospitals for a wide-spread effect on some of the most vulnerable populations.
- Produce sufficient quantities of clean water to meet daily needs
- Effective for treating different water sources and quality levels
- Low cost, accessible and affordable replacement units and parts
Lack of access to safe water contributes significantly to disease and death resulting from infectious diarrhea and other debilitating illnesses. When poor families cannot afford adequate access to safe water, they buying water from cheaper sources that may have higher levels of contamination, or they may use less water, which could reduce their defenses against diseases. Household water technologies offer valuable treatment of drinking water. Priority could be placed on areas with the most highly contaminated water or those that collect water directly from surface waters without any treatment. Could be placed in schools and hospitals for a wide-spread effect on some of the most vulnerable populations.
Collegiate Inventors Competition
The Collegiate Inventors Competition is designed to recognize and honor student innovators at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Since 1990, the Competition has honored numerous individuals and teams for their outstanding inventive contributions and innovative research. This year, nearly $80,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winning undergraduate and graduate students and advisers at a special awards ceremony in Washington , D.C. in the fall. The Competition is sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Abbott Fund.
The deadline for entering this year's Competition is June 25, 2010. Entries are judged on originality of the idea, process or technology, and their potential value and usefulness to society.
Entry forms and more information on the program are available at www.invent.org/collegiate.
The deadline for entering this year's Competition is June 25, 2010. Entries are judged on originality of the idea, process or technology, and their potential value and usefulness to society.
Entry forms and more information on the program are available at www.invent.org/collegiate.
The MoonBots competition
The X PRIZE Foundation, Google Inc., LEGO Systems, National Instruments, and Wired’s GeekDad will announce “MoonBots: A Google Lunar X PRIZE LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Challenge” today at the FIRST WORLD Championships. The new contest will challenge small teams comprised of children and adults to design, program, and construct robots that perform simulated lunar missions similar to those required to win the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE, a private race to the Moon designed to enable commercial exploration of space while engaging the global public. To further this purpose, the X PRIZE Foundation and Google have now joined forces with three other well known technology companies to offer a competition that will stimulate learning of robotics and team building while exciting students and their families about their potential roles in the new Moon race.
To learn more about the MoonBots competition and to find out upcoming information when to register to compete, please visit http://www.moonbots.org.
To learn more about the MoonBots competition and to find out upcoming information when to register to compete, please visit http://www.moonbots.org.
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