5 Innovative ideas from developing countries

By Abhishek Narula

 

1. The Shoe That Grows

 

The Shoe that grows. is a simple, adjustable shoe that children can wear for years, capable of expanding five sizes through a series of notches and snaps. The shoe generally fits a child's foot from age 5 to 9, helping to curb foot injuries and cases of soil-transmitted diseases and parasites.

 

2. Safari Seat 

 

Safari Seat is a wheelchair designed for people in developing countries. It’s low cost, all-terrain and open source. Safari Seat can be made in basic workshops using bicycle parts, which makes it easy to repair. Where sand replaces pavement, Safari Seat helps people with disabilities lead independent lives.

3. ECO- Cooler

It is made of used plastic bottles and does not require electricity: it’s the Eco-cooler, an eco-friendly and economical air conditioner. Do-it-yourself home-made air conditioning.

The first air conditioning system that does not require electricity has been developed in Bangladesh, one of the world’s poorest countries which is particularly affected by global warming. The Grey Dhaka agency achieved this feat by using used plastic bottles, fill two needs with one deed: a second life for the bottles, and an eco-friendly air conditioner: the Eco-Cooler, accessible to all.

 

4. XO- Laptop

 

A small machine with a big mission. The XO is a potent learning tool designed and built especially for children in developing countries, living in some of the most remote environments. It’s about the size of a small textbook. It has built-in wireless and a unique screen that is readable under direct sunlight for children who go to school outdoors. It’s extremely durable, brilliantly functional, energy-efficient, and fun.

 

5. Jet Injectors

 

Jet injectors (JIs) are needle-free devices that drive liquid medication through a nozzle orifice, creating a narrow stream under high pressure that penetrates skin to deliver a drug or vaccine into intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular tissues.Jet injectors have the potential to reduce the frequency of needle-stick injuries to healthcare providers and to overcome the improper reuse and other drawbacks of needles and syringes in economically developing countries.