There are four South African finalists in the 2015 Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) awards, and ten finalists in total.

The IPA awards will be awarded tomorrow in Morocco, where a US$150 000 cash prize will be shared between three winners. The most outstanding innovation will receive US$100,000, the innovation with the highest social impact will receive US$25,000, and the innovation with the best business potential will receive US$25,000.

This year the IPA awards received a record 925 applications from 41 countries.

Let’s take a look at the four shortlisted South African innovations

1. Lumkani fire detection by David Gluckman

Suitable for informal dwellings, Lumkani fire detection is an off-the-shelf fire detector and alert service that makes use of radio frequency transmission technology. In the event of a fire, the device triggers an alarm to alert the household.

Within 20 seconds, the device transmits a signal that sets off heat detectors in a 60 meter radius to elicit a community-wide response to the fire. This device prevents fires from destroying high population density communities and boosting community mobilisation efforts.

See what it’s all about:



2. Scientific engineering educational box: ‘Seebox’ by Johann Pierre Kok

This scientific engineering educational box (‘Seebox’) allows children to enjoy a practical and experimental way of learning the sciences and electronics, and measuring almost anything electronic or scientific.

‘Seebox’ offers short videos explaining exactly what is being measured. This tool provides children with the opportunity to learn first-hand the principles of science and electronics by building, measuring and experimenting, while simultaneously addressing the shortage of electronic and scientific professionals.

See what it’s all about:



3. Smartspot TBcheck by Lesley Erica Scott

Today TB is second only to HIV and AIDS as a leading cause of death in the continent.

TBcheck examines the accuracy of machines used to detect TB diagnosis. Smartspot’s flagship product, TBCheck is designed to assess whether these machines are functioning optimally.

Unlike other products, TBcheck is easy and safe to use and can be delivered to laboratories safely and economically. This will make diagnosing TB far easier and might go a long way in curbing the TB epidemic in Africa.

4. Mellowcabs by Neil Du Preez

Mellowcabs are fully electric minicabs designed to provide an efficient on-demand taxi service in urban areas.

This is a suite of technologies that includes recovering the kinetic energy that is typically lost in the braking process, converting it into electricity and storing it. Other associated innovations include hydrogen fueled Mellowcabs, adaptable, renewable body shells and an app to book cab rides that can be paid for with cash or credit.

Its user-friendly services include tracking the cab’s location, wifi access and mobile charging during the ride. The minicab service fills the gap for commuters who need organized, safe and affordable micro transport within a three mile radius. This environmentally-friendly taxi service also eases traffic congestion in cities without causing pollution.

See what it’s all about:

The other finalists in the 2015 Innovation Prize for Africa

Adnane Remmal, Morocco : A patented alternative to livestock antibiotics

: A patented alternative to livestock antibiotics Alex Mwaura Muriu, Kenya : Farm Capital Africa

: Farm Capital Africa Jean Bosco Kazirukanyo, Burundi : New type of cement “OSP” that protects waters against carcinogenic lubrication oil spills

: New type of cement “OSP” that protects waters against carcinogenic lubrication oil spills Kyai Mullei, Kenya : M-changa, also known as E-harambee

: M-changa, also known as E-harambee Marc Arthur Zang, Cameroon : The cardio-pad

: The cardio-pad Samuel O. Otukol, Uganda: Water distillation system and process (dsp)

Find out more about these awesome innovations here.

Top photo by Shutterstock.com