Under the broad theme of “Climate and Society”, the 2023 edition of Prototypes for Humanity presented an impressive group of impact innovation projects from 46 countries and 92 universities. The theme underscored the vital link between environmental sustainability and social well-being, which is especially significant as we marked the COP28 conference in the UAE. Every participating project offered a reminder that the challenges we face in climate change are also opportunities to foster a more resilient and equitable society, where the well-being of our planet is seen as integral to the well-being of its people.
Streamlined cathode material synthesis for superior lithium-ion batteries
Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon
Advancing urban sustainability and equality through digital tools
Revolutionising biomass production by turning noise into growth
Bio-based polyurethanes to replace harmful petrol-plastics
Mycelium blocks for temporary architecture solutions and prototyping
Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
Bioengineering solution to detect and degrade air pollution
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)
Leveraging micro-wind patterns to generate electricity from palm trees
Revolutionary vaccine carrier ensuring safe delivery in low-income regions
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
A system to extend lithium battery life and reduce e-waste
Transforming coffee farming waste into eco-products
Bio and Emerging Technology Institute(BETin)
Transforming potato chip waste into bioplastics and valuable chemicals
Advancing biological research through automated ML for biological sequences
National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences
AI tool for rapid segmentation in microscopic image analysis
Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Combined suture-gauge material to revolutionise wound healing
National Institute of Design, Andhra Pradesh
Smart irrigation monitoring, reducing water waste in rice cultivation
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Innovative, affordable Braille tablet enhancing digital accessibility for the visually impaired
Nanyang Technological University
AI-assisted CT scans for efficient detection of neurological conditions
Replacing harmful polystyrene with a new biodegradable foam
Sustainable fuels from plants, benefiting mining communities
Fast-tracking subsurface simulations for CO2 storage, advancing carbon reduction efforts
Eco-friendly cellulose microbeads for sustainable personal care products
Improving climate models to better predict extreme weather
Carbon capture technology applied to vehicle exhausts
Eco-friendly carbon removal using modified cyanobacteria and sunlight
Retrofitted household greywater treatment system for ageing water infrastructures
IoT solution to monitor and predict air pollution-related diseases
Using satellite monitoring to prevent tailings storage facility risks
Transforming food waste into sustainable aerosol disinfectants
Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar
Converting air humidity to electricity with innovative biomaterials
Smart badge enhancing nighttime security with integrated AI technology
University of California, Berkeley
Eco-friendly, accessible menstrual care in innovative roll format
Last year’s edition of Prototypes for Humanity was unprecedented in its depth when it came to climate-tech solutions. With more than half of the show dedicated to climate-related projects, we presented the latest evolving ideas, strategies, and tools in areas including climate data analysis, disaster response, sustainability in farming and construction, clean water access, plastic crisis resolution, air quality improvement, carbon capture, and clean energy production. Together, all the solutions presented aimed to address crucial environmental challenges and promote greater ecological balance.
Prototypes for Humanity continues to offer a platform to showcase the diversity of human ingenuity in several, key ‘impact’ fields. Solutions under the “Society” umbrella reflect the intricate relationship between technology, health, and societal well-being. Projects focused on a diverse range of topics, including improving access to education and finance, fostering transparency in administration, and promoting more equitable city planning and security. As in past editions, a large number of health-related projects were also included, presenting new diagnostic tools, therapeutic solutions, and life-enhancing technologies.
