MIT startup wins Tech Museum Award

Design that Matters, a non-profit MIT startup organization that used SolidWorks software to design a microfilm projector to combat global illiteracy has won the Tech Museum Award.

A non-profit MIT startup organization that used SolidWorks software to design a microfilm projector to combat global illiteracy has won the Tech Museum Award recognizing those who use technology to benefit humanity.

Design that Matters (DtM) worked with Mali-based volunteer organization World Education to develop the Kinkajou projector, which helps adults and children in impoverished regions around the world have a chance at better lives by learning how to read everything from medicine labels to voting ballots.

The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, Calif., launched the Tech Museum Awards in 2001 to recognize people, companies, or organizations that develop or use technology in creative ways to address global challenges.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) assists with the outreach of the awards, identifying nominees within its network of 166 countries.

Presented by Applied Materials Inc., and judged by experts from around the world, the awards honor innovators in five categories, including education, equality, environment, economic development, and health.

This year, the panel chose the Kinkajou as one of five Tech Laureates (award winners) in the education category to win the Microsoft Education Award.

The panel chose DtM, which builds technologies for the rural poor in developing countries, for its work on the Kinkajou.

The projector is transforming how illiterate adults in nighttime classes in rural Mali learn to read and write.

"SolidWorks software's intuitive interface and powerful design tools helped us quickly develop a projector that would be easy to manufacture and use, and a snap to fix locally, which is crucial in rural communities", said Design that Matters Co-Founder Neil Cantor.

"We're mid-way through a two-year pilot test of the Kinkajou with our partner World Education in 45 very remote and poor communities in Sub-Saharan Mali, where the illiteracy rates are staggering." Before the Kinkajou, the learning opportunities for an adult attending a two-hour nighttime class were limited to when the teacher illuminated their workbooks or invited them to the blackboard.

Now, students learn throughout the class as Kinkajou projects images large enough for everyone to read using inexpensive light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an optics system inspired by ViewMaster toys.

Design that Matters is now working to better define the global market opportunity for mass producing and distributing the Kinkajou to impoverished regions where illiteracy is rampant.

As one of 25 Tech Laureates chosen among the five categories this year, it is eligible for a grand prize of $50,000 to be awarded in November.

"We are proud of Design that Matters and its ambitious goals and achievements thus far", said SolidWorks Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Rainer Gawlick.

"The Kinkajou is a striking example of how technology can help solve some of the most fundamental global problems.

It is our responsibility as corporate citizens to help ensure projects like the Kinkajou become a real benefit to those in need, wherever they are".

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