A South Island contest that challenged inventors to come up with solutions to a variety of issues started with 69 entries -- and crowned 3 winners over the weekend. The "Smart South Island Open Innovation Challenge" chose a smart bike power pack, a way to waste less food, and an accessible overdose kit.
UVic engineering student Simon Park developed the "Caboost" to provide a portable source of power for cyclists at a far cheaper cost than buying an electric bike.
Matthew Kemshaw's "Urban Orchard" technology is reconnecting people with the food they eat by harvesting and maintaining productive fruit trees in urban areas.
And "Nal-Pal" -- short for Naloxone Pal -- is the idea of Derek Jacoby's team. The app will connect people who possess overdose kits with those who need them, establishing a network of people who can help case of overdose.
The winners were selected by both a live audience vote and a panel of expert judges. Each of the three ideas received a $15,000 cash prize to help the inventors advance their innovation.