SOLAR BALLOON WINS AID INNOVATION CHALLENGE AT AIDEX 2017
The AidEx Aid Innovation Challenge has been won by a French start-up Zéphyr Solar on November 15 at AidEx 2017 in Brussels for their invention, the Zéphyr Solar Balloon – a solar powered balloon helping to bring renewable energy services quickly to isolated, disaster-stricken areas without any need for infrastructure.
The Challenge took place at AidEx - the leading event for innovation in humanitarian aid and development.
The winning innovation was pitched by Julie Dautel, the co-founder of Zéphyr Solar and was judged at a Live Final by four reputable entrepreneurs and received €2,000 to develop the product further, and a free exhibition stand for AidEx 2018.
About the winner
Zéphyr Solar is a French start-up developing solar balloons that help bring energy and services quickly to isolated sites.
After a disaster, providing access to electricity brings a tangible solution to powering a makeshift hospital, supplying water-pumps and creating telecommunication networks to synchronise rescue. There must be energy that is quick to install, easy to set up and reliable.
To do this, Zéphyr Solar developed lightweight solar panels - technology integrated on top of solar balloons. They produce enough energy to power ground activities and supply on-board equipment, such as communication antennas or cameras.
The electricity is transmitted through a cable to a technical box where it is transformed and stored to further power various equipment at all hours.
The Aid Innovation Challenge is one of the most exciting competitions at AidEx as it sets out to discover the most innovative, new design that will help improve the efficient delivery of aid and improve lives.
The three other shortlisted designs that were pitched on Thursday included:
Pump Aid who presented the Rainmaker - a low cost rope and washer irrigation pump for small scale farmers in Malawi which helps poor rural communities improve access to water.
billionBricks who presented the WeatherHYDE - the world’s only reversible, all-season family tent which is a dignified and life-saving humanitarian shelter system, designed specifically to protect the homeless and displaced from extreme weather.
E’CHLO, designed by Photalia - a solar-powered electro-chlorination tool which can treat water or be used as a disinfectant. It is a ready-to-use kit that does not require a battery or converter.
For further information, contact:
Anastasia Kyriacou
AidEx PR Officer
+44 (0)20 7886 3076
anastasia.kyriacou@montex.co.uk
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