These are some of the many inventions that are improving conditions for people living in the poorest regions of the world.
Below are a handful of the many wonderful inventions that organizations and businesses are developing and utilizing to help the world’s poor. The Borgen Project works to raise public and political awareness of ways that life can be improved for people who are struggling to survive. We don’t make or distribute the products below.
Roughrider Wheelchairs
Over 20 million people in developing countries are in need of wheelchairs. With 15 different seat settings, Roughrider wheelchairs are an inexpensive solution that can handle myriad terrains, are portable, and are easy to repair.
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The Hippo Roller
With millions of people walking several miles a day to access clean water, the Hippo Roller helps impoverished people conserve energy and provide water for their families.
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Solar-Powered Irrigation
Innovations in solar pump design now make all kinds of irrigation to make agriculture possible in areas that previously could not be farmed.
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One Laptop Per Child
Low cost computer designed for children in developing countries. It has built-in wireless and screen that is readable under direct sunlight.
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HotPot Solar Ovens
Using the power of the sun, Hotpot ovens provide families with an inexpensive way to cook meals.
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Plumpy’nut
Plumpy’nut is a simple yet ground-breaking substance that in 2-4 weeks transforms a malnourished toddler from near death to healthy. Plumpy’nut contains 500 calories of peanut butter, milk, vitamins and minerals in a paste form.
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The Uhuru Ambulance
In many remote regions, lack of effective transportation to a hospital or clinic results in death. The Uhuru is a cost effective way for poor, rural communities to transport the sick.
LifeStraw
The LifeStraw filters water as people drink from lakes, puddles and any source of dirty water.
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KickStart Irrigation Pump
An innovative manual pump system, designed to cheaply and effectively irrigate 1 to 2 acres of land is finding customers, rich and poor, across East Africa.
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Lifesaver Water-Purification Bottle
The Lifesaver bottle can make the most revolting swamp water drinkable in seconds. A single long-lasting filter can clean 6,000 liters of water.
Kite Patch
Kite Patch is a small sticker that protects humans from mosquitoes for up to 48 hours.
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Jet Injector
Injections are no longer needed to provide vaccines. The new Jet Injector uses high pressure to deliver the substance, a safer and simpler method for children to get the vaccines they need.
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Uniject
The Uniject auto disable injection system (Uniject), born in PATH’s Seattle shop, is little more than a small bubble of plastic attached to a needle. Originally developed for use with vaccines, Uniject now promises to extend the reach of other lifesaving drugs as well as contraception.
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Life Sack
The Life Sack is an ingenious water purification device that does double duty as a container for shipping grains and other food staples. Once the food has been received, the sack can be used as a solar water purification kit through its UV-A-radiation and thermal treatments.
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Omni Processor
Innovative machine converts human waste into drinkable water.
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