Innovations for the poor

Many of the world's innovations are stunning and provoke admiration but cater to only  the top 10 percent of the economic strata, says an article in the NY Times. Innovations are needed to make this world a better place, at the same they should be affordable and practicable to the bulk of the society. This article in The New York Times showcases some clever and useful inventions for the poor, such as a rolling water transporter, a drinking straw which filters out harmful bacteria etc. If we go by the Bottom of the Pyramid concept, there is a huge business potential waiting to be tapped, at the same time providing cost effective solutions to millions.