We all know that technology has changed our lives, and as the innovators who produce it, you are used to its wonders. If you are like me, you are often blinded by the camouflage of familiarity and dismiss what has been accomplished when the next node comes along with its new array of small and big miracles. Old (or as it is often euphemistically referred to, "mature") technology is demoted to "low tech" and the fact that it is making a tremendous difference in the life of millions tends to be ignored.
Well, I’ve just seen what "low tech" can do.
I attended the eight annual Tech Awards held here, in Silicon Valley, more out of obligation than desire—it was one of those invitations you just cannot avoid accepting. As it turned out, I am glad I went; it opened my eyes not only to the magnitude of the effect of what we do as an industry, but also to the fact that its availability (or lack) can often become a matter of life or death to so many of our fellow humans.
The idea of an award that recognizes nonprofit and for-profit entrepreneurs whose work directly benefits those most in need and humanity at large, originated in Jim Morgan’s mind. Morgan, Applied Materials’ chairman of the board of directors, joined with the Tech Museum and created the machinery with which to recognize these workers in the field, who they call “Tech Laureates.” While Applied is still the event’s principal sponsor, the project is also supported by Accenture, Intel, and Microsoft, the Fogarty Institute for Innovation, and Genentech’s Robert Swanson’s Swanson Foundation.
This year’s event, attended by some 1500 persons, honored 25 new Tech Laureates that were selected out of more than 650 nominees representing almost 70 countries. Five of them were additionally awarded prizes of $50,000.
A member of the Dunkassa women's groups cleans the new PV panels. One kW of
power increases household income by 50%. Source: Solar Electric Light Fund.
What do these people do that deserves such recognition? You name it, everything from creating safe, clean earthquake-resistant houses in China made out of local materials and using local skill, to using photovoltaics (PV) to pump water to irrigate much-needed crops in Africa, to providing portable LED lights charged by PVs to enable families in areas of Asia and South America where there is no electricity to stretch their days and for kids to do their homework.
Solar micro-irrigation project in the Kalale District of the Republic of Benin, West
Africa. Source: Solar Electric Fund.
There is also strong emphasis on programs and developments that empower women in places like parts of India, were they do not enjoy the same rights and are not considered as "valuable" as men. It is amazing how having a modest bakery business based on the use of a small solar oven—which brings in some extra money—can fundamentally change somebody’s status within her society.
It should be quite obvious by now that the Tech Museum Award winners are not looking to amassing fortunes or struggling to push their way into the Fortune 500 list. Their goal is to use technology—whether "high" or "low" tech—to improve the lot of a very large portion of humanity that is lacking in even the most basic resources and opportunities.
Satellite photo showing nighttime in Africa. Note the difference
in electrification between it and Europe.
Before receiving their awards in the formal black-tie ceremony, the 25 laureates went through four intense days of workshops, which also provided them with the opportunity to meet and network with potential partners and those who might fund additional projects.
Take a good look at the pictures to see technology that many of us might have had a hand in developing, which could now be considered as passé and low tech, helping people who just need a small break to enable them to attain a better life by their own efforts.
We do make a difference, folks…
