Braids, Batteries, and Bold Ideas Shine at Harvard’s Innovation Challenge

Harvard’s President’s Innovation Challenge has unveiled its 2025 winners, celebrating groundbreaking ventures that push the boundaries of technology and entrepreneurship. Among the standout innovations are an AI-powered robotic hair braider and a wind-powered charging system for electric vehicles, showcasing the diverse ingenuity of this year’s finalists.  

 

Game-Changing Innovations:  

- Halo Braid, an AI-driven robotic hair braider, promises to revolutionize the hairstyling industry by reducing braiding time from hours to minutes, empowering stylists to double their business.  

- A pioneering wind power system for EVs aims to harness aerodynamic energy to extend battery life and improve sustainability in electric transportation.  

- Other winning ventures include a medical device designed to prevent severe childbirth injuries, a hydrogen transport solution redefining affordability, and a financial platform supporting smallholder livestock farmers in India.  

- The competition awarded a total of 517,000 dollars in non-dilutive funding, made possible by the Bertarelli Foundation, to support these early-stage ventures.  

- Harvard’s initiative continues to foster innovation across diverse fields, from healthcare and sustainability to AI-driven automation and social impact.  

 

Sources: Harvard Gazette, Harvard Innovation Labs, Economic Times, MSN India.