Invention: Creates technical innovations (such as auto parts) from renewable natural resources, such as coconut husks. US market (materials sourced from developing markets). Read more
Invention: Solar-charged, battery-powered LED lanterns that are healthier, more economical, less dangerous, and less polluting then petroleum lanterns. Emerging markets. Read more
Invention: School-based initiative that provides classes and lessons for children, and also teaches children to produce fuel briquettes as a business opportunity. Read more
Invention: Delivers low-cost healthcare to women in remote locations, using a variety of custom markers pre-filled with reagents for screening tests. Piloted in Nepal. Read more
Invention: Cell phone system that enables validation of pharmaceutical drugs by customers, preventing the sale and use of counterfeit medicines. Nigeria and emerging markets. Read more
NCIIA grantees describe ground breaking ideas on TED:
Great innovations
NCIIA funds projects with the potential to change the world:
Polytorx | Developed Helix, a new steel fiber additive for concrete reinforcement. US market.
Ecovative Design | Developed Ecocradle, a biodegradable alternative to polystyrene/Styrofoam packaging. US market.
Whole Tree | Creates technical innovations (such as auto parts) from renewable natural resources, such as coconut husks. US market (materials sourced from developing markets).
I-Conserve | Wireless sensor that monitors and adjusts household energy use to maximize efficiency. US market.
Greenlight Planet | Solar-charged, battery-powered LED lanterns that are healthier, more economical, less dangerous, and less polluting then petroleum lanterns. Emerging markets.
Solar Ivy | Solar panel array for use on building fascades. US market.
Twig Light (Daylight Solutions) | Uses existing waste energy to produce clean electric light inside homes. Emerging markets.
Afghan briquettes project (Afghans for Tomorrow) | School-based initiative that provides classes and lessons for children, and also teaches children to produce fuel briquettes as a business opportunity.
Sproxil | Cell phone system that enables validation of pharmaceutical drugs by customers, preventing the sale and use of counterfeit medicines. Nigeria and emerging markets. Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design | Program at Johns Hopkins University
Antenatal screening kit | Delivers low-cost healthcare to women in remote locations, using a variety of custom markers pre-filled with reagents for screening tests. Piloted in Nepal.
Global Healthare Technologies Program | Course at Northwestern University where students work with front-line healthcare workers to design medical devices specifically for the developing world.
Intelliject | Convenient epinephrine auto-injector that can be carried in a wallet. US market.
Marrowminer | Innovative device and method for rapidly harvesting bone marrow and the stem cells bone marrow contains.
Onebreath | Low-cost ventilator for use in developing nations and disaster relief efforts.
PneumoniaCheck | Effective and inexpensive device for obtaining samples to test for pneumonia. Emerging markets.
In the US, nearly fifty-seven million tons of traditional steel reinforcement bar (rebar) are used every year in the manufacturing of concrete. Torex International (now Polytorx LLC) developed a new steel fiber additive for concrete reinforcement, dubbed Helix. Originally designed for blast and earthquake resistant structures, Helix is toothpick sized, coated metallic wire that has been twisted into a helix shape. When millions of the small wires are dispersed into concrete, they lock into place, forming a strong matrix that increases the concrete's blast and impact resistance up to five times over traditional concrete.
As of 2007, Polytorx is growing rapidly, having exceeded $2 million in sales. In the process, the company has garnered major entrepreneurial awards, including the Michigan Technology Tricorridor Award, a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Grant, and the prestigious Carrot Capital Business Plan Competition. Visit the company's website at helixfiber.com.
