Big Ideas

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 facades. 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.