Azuri Technologies wins international Edison Award for bringing solar-powered TV to rural Africa
Milton-based company wins 'Oscar for innovation' with its AzuriTV system
The Edison Awards – known as the ‘Oscars of Innovation’ – have been handed out in New York, and Milton-based Azuri Technologies won a prize for the second year running.
Its AzuriTV Solar Home System was named the silver winner for social innovations creating a social impact.
The solar-powered system has opened a world of TV content and entertainment for the first time for those living in off-grid communities in Africa.
It includes a 24-inch TV and more than 50 channels and costs less than $1 per day. The system also includes a 50W solar panel, battery, lights, radio, torch and mobile phone-charging facilities.
Azuri’s CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth said: “We are honoured that another product we have designed and developed has been recognised by the Edison Awards. AzuriTV was created specifically for rural off-grid consumers and we’re proud of the impact we’ve made.”
Frank Bonafilia, executive director of the Edison Awards, said: “Our judges recognised Azuri Technologies as an active contributor to new technology and AzuriTV as an innovative new service making a social impact.”
The awards recognise excellence in the development of new products from organisations across the globe.
More than 3,000 professionals from the fields of product development, design, engineering, science, marketing and education, including professional organisations, helped to judge the entries.
Last year Azuri was named the gold winner for sustainability / solar solution for Homesmart, the first use of artificial intelligence in small domestic solar home systems. It uses machine learning technology to monitor both weather conditions and historical customer usage patterns to ensure a full night of light, even following cloudy days.
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