LOS ANGELES, Nov.11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Not Impossible, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, will host the first annual Not Impossible Awards at CES 2017, which takes place January 5-8, 2017 in Las Vegas. The Not Impossible Awards will recognize and celebrate the people, companies, technology and transformational inventions that are helping bring positive change to the greater global community.
"Our philosophy is 'help one, help many' and we created the Not Impossible Awards to do just that. Whether the issue is climate change, hunger, clean water, energy or infrastructure, the need for developing affordable, practical solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems exists worldwide," said Mick Ebeling, Founder and CEO of Not Impossible. "Our goal is to put the spotlight on the people and companies exemplifying thought leadership in these areas, while also developing viable technology solutions that positively impact the way we live. CES 2017's theme of 'Let's Go Humans' is the perfect springboard not only for the Not Impossible Awards, but also for the solutions we will be honoring."
The Not Impossible Awards focus on projects and solutions that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which represent progress towards a better planet and support social innovation in one or more of the following categories:
- Communication
- Education
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Mobility
- Transportation
"One thing we know for sure is that the world's new Sustainable Development Goals can only be met by 2030 if innovators are given the chance to bring forward solutions to change the world," said Kathy Calvin, President and CEO of the UN Foundation.
All submissions will be evaluated on their ability to address global issues through original, cutting-edge technologies. The criteria are:
- A clear definition of the issue / UN Sustainable Development Goal(s) the innovation addresses
- A powerful social impact message
- Uniqueness / Innovativeness
- Sustainability
- An expressive story proving their ability to "Help One, Help Many"
In addition to Ebeling, judges include:
- Kathy Calvin, President & CEO, UN Foundation
- Daniel Kraft, M.D., Founding Executive Director & Chair, Exponential Medicine
- Nicholas Negroponte, Founder & Chair, MIT Media Lab and One Laptop per Child Association
The winners within each category will be announced at CES 2017, where industry leaders, influencers and government officials will be able to learn about the projects firsthand. From these categorical winners, one overall 2017 winner will be selected and announced.
To access the Not Impossible Awards Submission form, and for more information on categories and submission guidelines, click here.
All submissions must be received by November 24, 2016.
About Not Impossible
Launched in 2009, Not Impossible Labs makes the impossible possible by creating accessible technology-based solutions primarily in the areas of health, mobility and communication. Not Impossible's first project The Eyewriter is an open source, low-cost, DIY device that enable individuals with paralysis to communicate and create using only the movement of their eyes. Time Magazine named the Eyewriter one of the "Top 50 Inventions of 2010" and the device is now part of MoMA's permanent collection. Project Daniel inspired the first 3D-printed prosthetic arm for those impacted by war in South Sudan. The Don's Voice project resulted in a digital communications interface for ALS patient Don Moir, allowing him to audibly communicate. Both projects were awarded SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Learn more at www.notimpossible.com.
Media Contacts:
Molly Wade
mwade@vocecomm.com
(508) 864-1404
Lori Neuman, GLA Communications
lori@glapr.com
(973) 564-8591 x105
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SOURCE Not Impossible Labs
