Aid Innovations Wanted!

The Aid Innovation Challenge is part of the annual AidEx event, a platform for humanitarian and development aid professionals to facilitate improvements in the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Aid Innovation Challenge is part of the annual AidEx event, a platform for humanitarian and development aid professionals to facilitate improvements in the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Nicholas Rutherford, AidEx Event Director: "We want to hear from people with cutting-edge inventions that will boost the delivery of aid in areas such as medical care, water, sanitation, food, security or shelter. This is an exceptional opportunity to pitch your invention to key buyers and procurers and get world-class feedback from the humanitarian aid community."

Design agencies, manufacturers and suppliers of aid products can enter under the "business" category, and have the opportunity to attain much-needed publicity and a free stand at the AidEx 2013 event.

The "individuals" category is open to inventors and students specialising in design or engineering. The individuals winner will receive a grant worth £2,000 (€2,460).

Last year, a young innovator won the individual category with a discrete portable medication dispenser and scheduler for people living with HIV in developing countries.

The business category was won by Leaf Supply with the LeafBed - a biodegradable bed which provides a sleeping alternative for disaster relief victims still living in evacuation camps months after an incident.

The four shortlisted candidates - two from each category - should create a short video discussing their ideas and strategy before a panel of judges consisting of leaders from NGOs, charities, designers, engineers and aid suppliers.

The deadline for entries is July 27, 2012 and the event and winner announcement will take place in Brussels, on 24-25 October 2012.

Notes for Editors:

About AIDEX

AidEx is a platform created under the patronage of major NGOs to address humanitarian aid and development issues, and facilitate expertise and knowledge sharing among partners from a practical, on-the-ground perspective.

AidEx 2011 brought almost 1,800 global aid experts to Brussels. Over 200 suppliers from a wide range of sectors also participated at the event.

AidEx is free to attend. To receive a free entry badge, please register at http://www.aid-expo.com/en/visitor-zone/registration.aspx

More information about the event programme: http://www.aid-expo.com/

More information about the Aid Innovation Challenge: http://www.aid-expo.com/en/visitor-zone/EventHighlights/AidInnovationChallenge.aspx

Twitter: @AidEx2012

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