When we talk about innovation, it’s often in the abstract. As new technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual reality arrive on the scene, the race is on to find transformative applications. Meanwhile, the world has very real problems that need to be addressed now. Meaningful innovation puts the problem first, surfacing inventions that can save lives sooner rather than later.

The Phase I winners of the U.S. Coast Guard Ready for Rescue Challenge, announced today, are novel examples of cost-effective, practical solutions with the potential to save lives.

The open innovation challenge, designed and produced by Luminary Labs on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center, is a prize competition seeking cost-effective boater safety solutions that will help make it easier to find people in danger in open waters.

A 32-person judging panel reviewed a wide range of submissions that harnessed technologies like smartwatches, LED lights, thermal heating devices, and fluorescent gels, as well as redesigned consumer products such as phone cases. Learn more about the winners.

Photo by Matthias Jordan on Unsplash