Technology for Tomorrow
2011Overview
Technology for Tomorrow has successfully developed numerous technologies that have gained international attention including: MakaPads – a low cost sanitary napkin made sustainably from papyrus; MAK IV Incinerators ignited by waste paper and a match used for burning medical waste; and the ISSB compressed mud bricks. The group has also designed the Bicycle Energy Generator (BEG), an on-demand, human-powered electricity generator. Engineering and SNRE dual degree student intern Chelsea Ransom provided technical assistance in assessing the potential energy output of the BEG. She also tested the transferability of this technology to the urban and rural Ugandan markets. She trained technicians in rural Uganda, evaluated the feasibility of spreading this technology, assessed energy needs and market niches for this product, and looked to link with microfinance organizations in the area that could provide seed funding to the entrepreneurs.