The Wall Street Journal’s 2011 Asian Innovation Awards: 12 Finalists

AsianScientist (Jun. 29, 2011) – The 12 finalists of the Wall Street Journal’s 2011 Asian Innovation Awards were announced today, and they include technologies that range from portable kidney dialysis machines to 3D television screens that do not require 3-D glasses.

Some nominees have made innovations geared towards helping countries vulnerable to earthquakes, such as the University of Hong Kong’s ‘Earthquake Cushion,’ which is a mix of shredded rubber tires and soil that can be used to support the foundation of a building to reduce shaking and damage from earthquakes.

China’s Hutchinson MediPharma Ltd. has engineered an oral drug for ulcerative colititis and Crohn’s disease (HMPL-004) using a traditional Chinese herb. It has completed Phase II trials and has achieved clinical endpoints of decreased rectal bleeding.

Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology is targeting infectious diseases with its IBN MicroKit, a portable device that is able to handle both tissues and body fluids for automated gene extraction and molecular diagnosis. Because the testing is done using disposable cartridges, it reduces cross-contamination and human error.

Japan’s Adlens has developed lenses that can change power using a patented liquid lens technology. By pumping into (or out of) the chamber that contains a clear, high refractive index fluid, the curvature – and hence the refractive index – of the lens can be changed.

Taiwan’s Miniwiz Sustainable Energy Development has created the Polli-Brick, a brick made out of recycled PET polymer. 1.5 million of these Polli-brick bottles, which look like a honeycomb when connected, were used to build a three-level exhibition hall at the Taipei International Floral Exposition in November 2010.

The 12 finalists were selected from more than 250 entries around Asia.

Adam Smith, Google Inc. director of product management APAC and head of the judges panel, said Asia has an environment in which innovators can flourish.

“Innovation is often inspired by unexpected events, and several Asian countries have unfortunately experienced significant turmoil,” he said in an email to the WSJ.

“It was inspiring to observe how innovative ideas that addressed food safety, emergency response, water quality, and earthquake safety could arise from adversity.”

The full list of 12 finalists:

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Source: Wall Street Journal.
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