Unicef has launched a challenge to encourage companies to create new wearable technology to solve health problems for new mothers and young children.
The ‘Wearables for Good’ design challenge is the first part of the part of a broader programme to encourage the use of technology for social change that Unicef has begun with technology company ARM.
It also involves a strategy and design firm called frog. It challenges developers and designers to come up with a cost-effective wearable device that would be a sustainable solution for to pressing maternal, newborn or child health problems, such as pneumonia, malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Another technology, ARM, which builds energy efficient processors and servers that are fitted in devices like smartphones and tablets, will work alongside Unicef’s innovation labs and country offices to scale up pilot projects which could have a wider benefit.
Unicef and ARM will also carry out research to evaluate and promote market opportunities in developing countries, which they use to outline the business case for investing in solutions for mobile financial services, identity, transportation, learning and wearable/sensor technology with the ultimate aim of attracting commercial investment.
Erica Kochi, co-lead of Unicef innovation, said: “We need to innovate with social purpose in order to overcome the barriers of time, distance and lack of information that prevent millions of children from surviving and realizing their potential.
“By working together with ARM we improve our ability to develop new technologies that impact children and help them grow up healthy, educated and able to positively contribute to their families, communities and wider economies.”
Simon Segars, chief executive of ARM, said: “Technology should be used to create opportunity for all; improving child health, education and prospects, and access to it should not be governed by economic status or geography.We have spent 25 years enabling life-changing technologies and together with UNICEF’s innovation experts we believe this partnership can deliver a positive social impact for children all-around the world.”
‘Wearables for good’ competition
Unicef has produced a handbook to help companies who wish to enter the competition understand the need. It will last six months and two winners will be awarded $15,000 (almost £10,000) as well as support from ARM and frog to develop their projects.
Denise Gershbein, executive creative director at frog, said: “Today, wearable technologies are primarily focused on applications such as fitness and the quantified self. However, there are countless opportunities for wearable and sensor technology to make more of an impact in emerging markets, particularly in the next wave of social impact development. With the ‘Wearables for Good’ challenge we hope to foster dialogue among new partners and increase cross-discipline innovation.”
