January 2010

The Emcycle hybrid is a mode of transportation that allows you to cocoon yourself and pedal to your destination, or enlist the help of electrical assistance to get you there. Neither car, nor motorbike, nor bicycle, but a blend of all three. A bicycle at heart, with the stability of a tricycle, electrically powered assistance, and a stylish body, the Emcycle offers new measures for safety and visibility. With three drive options and a top speed of 40mph, the Emcycle is an innovative idea for the local commuter.

This new class of vehicle features headlights, break lights, seatbelt, airbag, a comfortable seat and you can carry up to 75 lbs of cargo. It is fully enclosed to protect you against the elements and has lockable side doors, electric front wheel drive, a windshield wiper, horn, disc brakes, and reverse gear.

Michael Scholey wanted to solve the transportation problem he faced when commuting in a car seemed less efficient than a bike. He realized that most people, including himself, would be unwilling to give up the comfort and safety of an SUV for the effort and exposure of a bicycle. So, he developed the Emcycle as a vehicle that he would ride and to which others could also enjoy.

Check out the video on IdeaConnection.com, and rate its innovation.

Korean designers, Ji-in Byun, Cho Jung Seok & Oh Seul Ki, designed portable and innovative trash bins to curb waste issues on the beach as every hour, 700 tonnes of waste are thrown into the sea. Stationary bins are placed few and far between, but Dustbin 4 Beach is a streamlined bin that can be pitched into the sand and is portable. The tapered base digs deep into the sand for stability. A cut-out niche at the base allows the user to stamp the bin down with the foot, and a cut-out handle at the top facilitates easy removal and shifting. Very cool.

In 2007, NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and Arts), sent out an open innovation challenge to the entire UK to reduce carbon emissions. A £1 million ($1.6 million USD) prize fund was set up which spurred community groups into action to tackle the problems of climate change.

By early 2008, 355 groups had suggested a variety of imaginative and practical ideas, but only 100 of the most promising were selected and given support to develop their ideas further. From this group, 10 finalists were selected who received funding and support to implement their plans over the course of a year. They were given until October 2009 to reduce CO2 emissions in their community. Three overall winners were chosen to share the prize money.

The open innovation challenge proved to NESTA that world-beating and ingenious environmental ideas are not just the preserve of scientists, politicians and international conferences, but can come from communities.

Read more about this Open Innovation Success Story or have your Innovation Problem Solved.