Problem solvers from IdeaConnection, a global leader in open innovation, have created a series of groundbreaking solutions that will save millions of lives by providing access to clean drinking water.The growing drinking water crisis affects more than a billion people worldwide. One of the countries hardest hit is Bangladesh where arsenic contamination of groundwater is a public health emergency.
IdeaConnection teamed up with Chemists Without Borders, an organization focused on solving humanitarian problems to look for new ways to tackle this major world issue.
“Our problems solvers spent three months ideating and developing solutions,” said Paul Wagorn, President at IdeaConnection. “Their creativity and ingenuity are a powerful demonstration of the potential of open innovation to solve some of the biggest problems blighting our planet.”
Problem solvers relished the opportunity to use their skills and stretch their creative muscles for the common good. Tony Contento who worked on a team that devised an arsenic removal water filter, said: “Science is about helping other people improve their lives and the world around us. I tell my students all the time that science in a vacuum serves no one.”
Problem solver Tom Kruer added: “One of the other reasons I do this is that my personal mantra is that I am having fun saving the world.”
The Arsenic Penny-per-Test:
IdeaConnection's solvers devised cheap test paper strips that anyone can use and that change color according to the arsenic concentration in the water.
Arsenic Removal Water Filter:
Solution One - A water filter that can be built and sold locally. The novel tool not only removes arsenic from water but it can make a positive economic impact by creating a cottage industry.
Solution Two - A water filter made from a plastic coated with cysteine. The amino acid binds arsenic, thereby removing the heavy metal from the water.
The Contaminated Water Testing "Tool Kit":
A smartphone app that maps out where water is contaminated and how it’s contaminated. The program also provides individuals anywhere in the world with details of close at hand organizations that can help with water treatment issues.
Following receipt of these novel and life-saving solutions, Steve Chambreau, President and Director, Chemists Without Borders said: “Overall it was a great experience. We are really pleased with the work IdeaConnection has done and we look forward to moving ahead with these solutions.”
About IdeaConnection.com
IdeaConnection offers clients confidential access to a vast global marketplace of high-level technical expertise. As a leading provider of prize-based open innovation services, IdeaConnection performs Technology Scouting, R&D Problem Solving and Prior Art Citation Searches on a pay-for-success basis.
About Chemists Without Borders
Chemists Without Borders solves humanitarian problems by mobilizing the resources and expertise of the global chemistry community and its networks. Chemists Without Borders is a global support network of volunteers providing mentoring, information and advice to ensure every person, everywhere, has affordable, consistent and persistent access to essential medicines and vaccines, safe water, sustainable energy and emergency support.