Tom Kruer
Fellow InnoCentive Solvers:
I recently noticed that there seems to be a common theme in my life…. that of being open. I use open source software on my computer; Linux, Open Office, Gimp, etc. I contribute to that bastion of open knowledge; Wikipedia. I am open to trying new things; I have started a few companies, learned to snowboard, took up rock climbing, and am currently teaching myself guitar (with NO musical talent in my body). And, I am open to what life throws at me and embrace it for what I can learn from the experience.
Therefore, participating in open source innovation, as facilitated by InnoCentive, seemed like a natural fit for me. During the few months since I started offering solutions, I have been amazed at how many other Engineers and Scientists out there are also open to doing things differently. I may have found my clan!
And what a clan! We are acting as change agents for how problem solving, innovation, and product design may be done in the future. We are probably shaping the new way intellectual property will be generated and protected going forward. We may even be starting a totally new way to conduct business virtually. If you can do open Product Design and Marketing, why not Accounting and Manufacturing? (InnoCentive should owe me an award if they use that one!). From my perspective, we are participating in this truly amazing experiment of open innovation at a truly extraordinary time in history. I find this exciting!
But I also find it the basis of hope. If one views open source innovation, as exemplified by InnoCentive, as a harbinger of how we might solve the much bigger challenges that face us in the world, my heart lightens. People say that the world has so many “problems” (war, oppression, decease, poverty, water shortages, overpopulation, etc). I would love to see those in power use the open source model and turn these “problems” into “opportunities”; Opportunities for grass roots efforts of creative and motivated people from all types of backgrounds and disciplines to come together and implement much-needed changes. But, again, I am open to dreaming.
In closing, I must thank you, my esteemed colleagues, for the enjoyable competition that you have provided me on the InnoCentive website. I feel honored to be included in your ‘clan’, given your impressive backgrounds, extraordinary credentials, and inspiring creativity. Keep up the good work.
July 29th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
What a wonderfully written letter. Good for you Tom.
As a new InnoCentive Solver myself I feel a tremendous sense of pride by contributing my strengths on a global scale. Let alone my community. The rewards are much greater than the financial. As I am growing in ways I never thought possible through open source innovation, I’m left with glimmers of gratitude for being a part of something bigger than myself.
I am certain, that as the open source community ( such as InnoCentive) has caught on, that it will continue to grow and flourish and help create more power to change the world.
My next hope would be to pass on this knowledge to the systems that govern, so they too may contribute to healthy and infinite possibilities. Consistently. For others out there….dream big, never give up and serve to the best of your abilities.
Luc Lafleche
Toronto, Canada
August 13th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Great letter Tom. It doesn’t surprise me. I have always admired you for your wonderful humanist spirit. Keep up the good work!
January 28th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
[...] Mark’s interest in eradicating malaria comes from his own personal experience, and from his ongoing desire to help the world’s most vulnerable populations. I asked Mark to provide some thoughts on the background of this Challenge, which he has kindly done in the post below. Next week we’ll hear from the Solver of this Challenge, Tom Kruer. [...]
February 6th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
[...] awarded. We are very fortunate in this instance, that the Seeker, SunNight Solar, and the Solver, Tom Kruer, have been willing to talk about the winning solution. Below is an overview of the solution, [...]
February 7th, 2009 at 4:52 am
Tom,
Wonderful idea and an end product.
Just by reading the article, one can learn more about the product design, and aspects that are important to make any new product.
In one of the articles you have published, you have mentioned that you are going to work with universities as test beds. I would like to jump and propose that the product be tested by users from a mosquito prone areas in India.
If this is of interest, let me know.
-satish
February 7th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Satish:
Thank you for the kind comments.
The proof of concept testing of this product is being done by the Seeker, SunNight Solar. It is my understanding that this will be started soon at universities and in the field. However, I am not sure of how this is being handled. Therefore, with your approval, I will pass on your generous offer to participate in the testing to the Seeker.
Tom Kruer
February 11th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Tom,
You are most welcome to pass my offer to the seeker.
Thanks,
-Satish Krishnaraj
March 30th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
[...] a competition set by SunNight Solar to find a solution, culminating in the device designed by Tom Kruer and costing $5 in parts - plastic, insulation to trap suns heat, wax, cloth, and human [...]
May 28th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Hi Tom,
I was just watching Daily Planet today over lunch and saw your Sun Night Solar design. That’s an amazing design. Congratulations. During the show they also showed your invention that helps make bricks. In 2008 I traveled with my church to Mexico. We visited a brickyard where one of the poorest Mexican classes makes bricks. Is there a way that the technology you invented could be passed along to this group of Mexicans?
If there was, how would application be made? Or do we purchase the product? what do we do?
Thank You for your time. Congratulations again.