Not all technological innovations need to be super techy and “modern”. Sometimes clever application of knowledge to a problem which provides a basic solution can be very effective indeed. Sometimes simple is best. This is certainly the sort of innovation that attracts me, as often this type of solution is more “Ideal” to use a TRIZ term. Here is an example of an innovation which I think could be slap bang onto the sweet spot.

Professor Uphoff at Cornell University has pioneered a new method of planting rice which can double the size of the harvest. He rejects traditional methods of rice planting in flooded paddy fields and focuses on giving the seeds a good chance to grow. He also rejects the latest developments in genetic engineering. His “less is more” System of Rice Intensification is now in use by over a million farmers. Professor Uphoff predicts that as many as 10 million farmers will adopt the system in the next few years, feeding millions and saving many lives. See more in this recent NY Times article. A very simple and effective innovation.