LocationsWe're excited to announce the Impact Winners from the third round of judging in the COVID-19 Detect and Protect Challenge!
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Hackster.io, an Avnet company and the largest online open-source technology hardware community, launched #COVID19DetectProtect this April to create open-source technology that developing countries can leverage in the fight against this global pandemic.
The new design challenge is a call to action for all hardware and software developers, product designers, scientists, hackers, makers, innovators and inventors to come up with innovative ideas to cost-efficiently support COVID-19 response efforts in developing countries.
Autonomous Infrared Contactless Thermometer
This autonomous infrared contact-less thermometer can check the body temperature of people entering a building from a distance and upload the results to a cloud storage platform. This device can be mounted on common surfaces like doors, apartment gates or community halls and eliminates the need of having staff to physically stand and monitor temperature.
Health Monitoring Bracelet
This Heath Monitoring Bracelet and Data Collection System monitors health metrics such as body temperature and heart rate. It also employs Bluetooth Transmitters and Receivers to track an individual's exposure to areas with higher density of infected individuals. This data can also be uploaded to aid contact tracing efforts as well.
The Pocket LAMP (Low-cost COVID-19 Detection)
RNA detection is the best option for early detection of the COVID-19 virus, but it is costly. Through a method called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), coupled with reverse transcription, which converts the RNA to DNA, healthcare staff can estimate how much initial viral RNA was present in the sample, and so will be able to estimate the progress of the disease. It costs less than $30 to make.
Anti-COVID19 Active Mask
Wearing face masks is a precaution advised by global health authorities to help stem the spread of COVID-19. However, common filter masks tend to gradually lose the ability to filter viruses and bacteria. This reusable Anti-COVID19 Active Mask deactivates and destroys bacteria and viruses using a combination of UV-rays and electrostatic charge.
Hands-Free Soap, Water and Paper Towel Dispenser
Maintaining good hygiene, especially regular hand washing is crucial to combatting the spread of the COVID19 virus. However, people often still need to touch the tap when hand washing in public spaces. This device by a Ghana-based inventor is a solar-powered, self-sustaining, touch-less soap and water dispenser.
Automatic Hand Sanitiser Dispenser
This device is low-tech, automatic and contact-less alcohol rub dispenser which allows users to safely sanitise their hands. Using an ultrasonic sensor, the dispenser is able to detect motion and accordingly dispense an alcohol sanitizer. There is also an accompanying audio file informing users the importance of cleaning their hand as well as an OLED screen thanking the users.
The UNDP Global Centre Singapore will work with Country Offices and partner tech companies to meet the needs of countries and regions with lack of resources where COVID-19 could have the greatest impact. UNDP will work with governments to help ensure regulations, procurement procedures, and policies to catalyse and make use of innovations.
We will be announcing rounds of winners every week until the end of the challenge. There will be 20 winners in total.
