TEDxPeachtree looks to ignite creativity in the minds of attendees via talks that engage, inspire, and motivate. In the same spirit of TED and TEDxPeachtree’s theme illuminate, a team of college students was recently awarded for their idea of using UV waves to bring clean drinking water to the people of Haiti.

Sunlight and its Ultra Violet (UV) rays warm our world, help vegetation grow and provide vitamin D for our bodies. When its energy is harnessed it can generate power in our homes and businesses. The University of Florida group had greater life changing ideas in mind when they designed a portable water purification devise that uses ultraviolet light to sterilize water.

The aqUV bottle uses its UV bulb (which is powered by the mechanical force generated from a person shaking it) to make contaminated water drinkable. After 2.5 to 3 minutes of exposure to the light, the contents of the bottle are sanitized. Thinking beyond its usefulness for bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts the team of Daniel Blood, Rob Damitz and Erica Gonzaga co-founded aqUV. Their invention and business plan was entered into University of Florida’s 2014 Gator Business Plan Competition and took home the first place prize of $25,000.

As a definite idea worth spreading, TEDxPeachtree shines a light on the aqUV team for their brilliant invention and attention to the need for clean water in developing countries.

Maria Pinkelton is the Communication Specialist for the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. She lives in Decatur with her husband and son; along with a fine collection of books, craft beers and size 11 shoes.