Taking Action: Case studies and references.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge, and the company Eight19, are developing technology for a thin film solar platform based on organic semiconductors. The potential for low-cost production lies in low-temperature, high throughput processing and abundantly available materials. The ability to bring down the cost of off-grid solar installations with third generation solar cells would have enormous impact on poverty.
The Challenge
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Researchers at UC Berkeley engineered yeast to produce a precursor to artemisinin, the important anti-malerial drug. Both public and private partners played a critical role in the development of this semi-synthetic compound. UC Berkeley, One World Health, and Amyris, Inc. worked together toward more affordable and accessible sources of anti-malarial drugs for developing countries.
The Challenge
Photo credit: WHO/S Hollyman
Malaria kills more...
Harvard University and Diagnostics for All have developed a postage-stamp-sized paper diagnostic test based on paper-microfluidics. Place a drop of the sample (e.g. blood, urine, saliva) on the paper, and within minutes the color change on the paper allows for a diagnosis. The first product using this technology is targeted at HIV/AIDS and TB patients who are treated with strong drugs that are toxic to the liver. Many of these patients are at...
PATH has developed Ultra Rice®—a culturally appropriate and cost effective rice fortification technology. Vitamins and minerals are packed into reconstituted rice grains which are manufactured with pasta-making equipment. These grains are designed to withstand rinsing and soaking, common rice preparation practices in the developing world. When blended with milled rice, typically at a 1:100 ratio, the resulting fortified rice is identical to...
Epidemics of meningococcal A meningitis regularly sweep across 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, killing infants and young people within hours and leaving others with permanent disabilities. All the ingredients for a potent, long-lasting vaccine existed, but no manufacturer was willing to make one at a price affordable to African countries. A new model of vaccine development based on public-private partnership led to the creation of MenAfriVac...