With the current refugee crisis in Europe, refugee aid is on everyone's mind.
These 24 innovations all help refugees in some way. Some of the projects -- like Save the Children's series of illustrations of child marriages and photographer Giles Duley's portraits of Syrian refugees -- aim to raise awareness.
Other innovations contribute to refugee aid by helping new-comers find housing or employment in their country of arrival. For example, a German app helps pair refugees with people willing to offer accommodation in their homes. A traveling pop-up restaurant in London hosts a different refugee chef each night.
Even further refugee aid is accomplished by inventing items that can be of great use in refugee camps. Affordable, compact incubators for premature infants, easy-assemble housing and recyclable bamboo dorms are just a few of the innovations dreamed up to combat the conditions in refugee camps.
24 Refugee Aid Innovations
From Asylum-Offering Apps to Inexpensive Inflatable Incubators:
Charlotte Joyce Kidd — Sep 8, 2015 — Social Good
24
Lantern-Like Folding Refuges
Weaving a Home Proposes an Efficient Shelter for Displaced Families
23
Recycled Refugee Residences
Agora Architects Created a Bamboo Structure to Help Fleeing Burmese
22
Refugee Footwear Photography
A Long Walk by Shannon Jensen Captures a Heart-Wrenching Reality
21
Easy-Assemble Refugee Housing
The IKEA Flat-Pack Shelters Can Be Set Up in Just 4Four Hours
20
Low-Cost Refugee Camps
These Flat-Pack Homes Provide a Long-Term Solution for Housing Refugees
19
Syrian Refugee Portraits
Photographer Giles Duley Captures Displaced Children and Families
18
Insulated Tents
The Thermo Tent is the World's First Fully Insulated Tent
17
Child Marriage Caricatures
Syrian Girls Illustrate Forced Marriages Captured by Save the Children
16
Powerful Syrian Refugee Photography
Syria's Lost Generation Examined Bleak War-Ravaged Realities
15
Sudanese Refugee Photography
Mike Mellia's South Sudan Photography Project is Inspiring
14
Post-Disaster Flooring
These Emergency Floor Mats Help Families Affected by Natural Disasters
13
Refugee Reality Portraits
The 'Humans of Al-Rashidiya' Blog Stars Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon
12
Recyclable Bamboo Dorms
These Eco-Friendly Dormitories are Made of Recycled Timber and Bamboo
11
Inexpensive Inflatable Incubators
The Cheap Incubator is a Solution to Preventable Child Deaths
10
Ghostly Child Refugee Projections
UNICEF Projects Images of Child Refugees onto Sweden's Streets
9
Refugee-Focused Employment
Transitions London is a Social Enterprise for Immigrant Professionals
8
Refugee-Housing Hotels
This Socially Conscious Hotel Gives Young Refugees New Opportunities
7
Asylum-Offering Apps
'Refugees Welcome' is a Site That Pairs Refugees with Host Citizens
6
Humanitarian Connectivity Campaigns
The Vodafone Firsts Programme Helps Families Connect
5
Syrian Victim Portraits
Giles Duley Photographs Victims in Syria in a Powerful Way
4
Social Enterprise Cafes
Milk Cafe Provides Work for Asylum-Seeking Women in Glasgow
3
Roaming Refugee Restaurants
Mazí Mas Creates Employment for Migrant Women in London
2
Refugee Camp Pizza Delivery
This Pizza Delivery Service Reaches the 83,000 People at Zaatari Camp
1
Refugee Rights Organizations
Asylum Access is Based in Oakland, California But Works World-Wide
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90s-Inspired Heritage Jerseys
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Emergency Video OS Features
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Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Ultra-Efficient Tiny Homes
The Hirondelle Tiny House Offers Remote Workers a Affordable Retreat
Disaster-Resilient Hospitality Concepts
Margot Krasojević Presents an Emergency Hotel Concept
Single Shoe Services
adidas Launched a Service for Those Living with Leg Limb Differences
Inflatable Stealth Tent Designs
The Heimplanet Cave XL Tent Neo Black Edition is Diamond-Shaped
Halloween Essentials Campaigns
IKEA Turns Home Essentials into Shields for Scary-Movie Nights
Cultural Workplace Transformations
AAID Designs Ernst & Young's Riyadh Headquarters
Smart Home Appliances Innovations
Beko Europe Spotlights Its Tech-Driven HomeWhiz Platform
Gamer-Targeted Donor Campaigns
Virtual Donors Turns In-Game Deaths into Real Registrations
Community 3D-Printed Toys
3D Printing Elves Launches Free Toy Program for Children
Renewed Urban Rooftops
The Heineken Seoul Rooftop Turns Unused Rooftops into Community Spaces
Luxurious Eco-Conscious Amenities
Aeroflot is Launching Eco-Friendly Amenity Kits for Passengers
Puzzle-Style Inclusive Furniture
Mara Bragagnolo Designs the Nook Furniture Collection
Swedish-Style Kitchen Pop-Ups
IKEA House Warming Showcases Cooking & Eating Essentials
Accordion-Like Cat Shelter
The FurBallRetreat Cat Shelter Expands from Book-Like Form
Next Generation Art Designs
Apple Designers of Tomorrow Presents New Talent at Design Miami Paris
Sustainable Packaging Options
Vetroplas Partners Highlight Refillable, Recycled And Airless Soluti
Expansive Social Good-Focused Partnerships
Hyundai is Committed to Community Wellbeing
Pointy Modular Hospitality Architecture
Roman & Dmytro Seliuk Designs the Futuristic Namety Cabins
Accessibility-Focused Financial Application Prototypes
CI&T Partners with Project Nemo
Accessible Atmospheric Water Dispensers
The 'Water from Air' Dispenser Concept is 3D-Printed
Senior Living Innovation Hubs
The AGE-WELL Innovation Studio Highlights Age-in-Place Solutions
Agriculturally Inspired Art Projects
Almudena Romero is Working on the Farming Photographs Project
Hydro-Positive Microhomes
Living on Groundwater Rewires a 25 M² Residence to Recharge Aquifers
Ergonomic Inclusive Urban Furniture
Burcu Nehir Tum Designs the RIVO Furniture Capsule
Revitalized European Houses
Didea Participates in the '1 Euro House' Initiative
3D-Printed Custom Assistive Devices
Makegood Relies on 3D Tech to Build Custom Assistive Devices
Inflatable Modular Greenhouses
ISLE Applied Its Inflatable Engineering Expertise to Develop HĀVN
Inflatable Maze Installations
Sabine Marcelis Maze Creates a Shaded Structure at Coachella
Artful Bandage Collections
The Met x BAND-AID Collaboration Shares Exclusive First-Aid Products
Inclusive Mental Health Campaigns
Samsung and SOS Voz Amiga Partner for 'Saved in Translation'
Visual Eyewear Visor Concepts
Mauli Rai Designs the Vision Aid Smart Visor Concept
Modular Bamboo Housing
Housing NOW is a Modular Bamboo Housing System by Blue Temple in Myanmar
Festival-Focused Toilet-Sharing Initiatives
The HEMA Home Toilet Initiative is Unique
Artful Sculptural Umbrella Stands
Inbetween Umbrella Stand Soaks Rain & Elevates a Mundane Moment
Charitable Arthritis Relief Campaigns
LivRelief Runs a Campaign for Arthritis Awareness Month
Convertible Shelter Jackets
Shelter Wear is a Jacket Designed to Transform into a Compact Tent
EV Adoption Initiatives
Bosch is Spearheading Efforts to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption
Modular Serving Dishes
Host Introduces its 'Thermal Serving Dish'
World Cup Hospitality Experiences
Stella Artois Turns Bars into Immersive FIFA Viewing Locations
Utensil Waste Lighting
Fold Oslo Nytt Lys Capsule Shows How Light Can Emerge from Old Materials
Welcome Gift Design Kits
Earth’s Hatch Kit Reimagines a Welcome Gift with Practical Home Tools
Social Good Coffee Vans
Nespresso and Change Please Partnered to Help End Homelessness
Future Car Innovation Solutions
LG Innotek Will Showcase Hardware and Ai‑based Software at CES
Charitable Food Security Campaigns
Riunite Joins Forces with Meals on Wheels America
On-Campus Business Incubators
San Francisco Bay University is Debuting Innovate Bay
Innovative Hospitality Recruitment Approaches
Nazuna Co., Ltd. Addresses High Employee Turnover
Disability Inclusion-Focused Initiatives
The World Health Organization Issues a Call for Proposals
Early-Stage Global Innovation Competitions
Red Bull Basement 2026 is Accepting Applications
Elevated Flood Refuge Homes
The Lift House Reimagines a Red Cottage That Rises with Flood Waters
Origami-Inspired Floor Lamps
The Ori Lamp Folds 1 Metal Sheet into Elegant Sustainable Lighting
Water-Saving Bathroom Capsules
The BERGVATTNET Collection Makes Shower Water Efficiency Effortless
Soft Structural Packaging
The Project Ara Explores Air‑filled Biomimicry as a Design Material
Accelerated Hiv Care Innovations
Elton John AIDS Foundation Celebrates Zipline's US Funding
Assistive Mobility Technology Initiatives
Toyota Partners with the MaRS Discovery District
Timber Alpine Shelters
Carlo Ratti Associati’s Self-Sufficient Bivouac for 2026 Winter Olympics
Advanced Diaper Designs
Dreamshields® Technology is Being Integrated Into European Diaper Designs
Bird-Aiding Biodegradable Splints
A Team of Designers Create the Birdaid Concept
Ukrainian Design Exhibitions
Ukraine House in Denmark Hosts an Exhibition for 3daysofdesign
Immersive House Installations
RAE BK Unveils Faraday Cage Exhibition in a Prefab Upstate Retreat
Glowing Sphere Art Pavilions
RAU Architects and Tellart Preset the Netherlands Pavilion
Accessible Design Campaigns
Canva's Really, Really Good Design Transformed a Sandwich Business
Hygiene-Focused Disaster Relief Initiatives
Procter & Gamble Runs Its Tide Loads of Hope Program
Inclusive Tech Awards
The Qatar Assistive Technology Center Boasts the Mada Innovation Award
Skill-Building Play Kits
The Helper Play Kit Supports Independent Play Based on Life Skills
3d-Printed Retail Suitcases
The 3d Printed Suitcase Reframes Retail as Human-Centred Experience
Digital Accessibility-Focused Media Labs
Infinum Launches the Groundbreaking Empathy Lab Campaign
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Semi-Permanent Office Sheltering
Orangebox Introduces the Campers & Dens System
Plane-Compatible AI Catering Systems
Airbus Has Developed Smart Catering to Enhance Convenience
Sustainability-Focused International Strategies
Haier Group Expands Sustainable Ecosystems
Children-Focused Air Purifier Donations
Dreame Technology Supports Save the Children
Co-Funded Canned Tomatoes Campaigns
The EU Funds the RED GOLD FROM EUROPE Campaign
Charitable Flat-Packed Cooking Stoves
The Fire for Life Stove Offers Safe, Fuel-Efficient Cooking
Migrant-Supporting Vocational Training Initiatives
Midea and IOM Launch the Midea Academy in Abuja
Adaptive Reuse Gallery Projects
Atelier L'abri Design the FOIL Gallery in Montreal
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
Groundbreaking Workplace Inclusion Frameworks
Tanzania Enhances Accessible Workplace Design
Connective Remote Working Platforms
Creare Helps Find Inspiring Remote and Creative Work Locations
Ramadan-Focused Tech Campaigns
Hisense Delivers 'Innovation That Brings Us Together This Ramadan'
Resilient Modular Bamboo Housing
Housing NOW by Blue Temple is Resilient in the Face of Disaster
World Cup Hospitality Kits
Newark’s ‘Stay & Play’ Packages Turn Hotels into FIFA 2026 Fan Hubs
Disability-Conscious Airline Initiatives
Aer Lingus Implements Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Air-Infused Material Experiments
Project Ara Explores Air and Biomimicry as Lightweight Material
Youth Vision Care Events
OneSight EssilorLuxottica, Oakley, and Kylian Mbappé Joined Forces
Accessibility Infrastructure Enhancement Partnerships
SMILE Mass and Volunteer Ventures Partner
Social Impact-Focused AI Initiatives
MindHYVE.ai™ Partners with Pakistan's Alkhidmat Foundation
Redesigning Restful Moments
The ANEW Project Turns Daily Objects into Mini Retreats
Homelessness-Focused Architecture Studies
Architecture Without Borders Quebec Identifies Issues
Affordable Smart Community Projects
Arrow Electronics and Habitat for Humanity Collaborate
CSR Baking Initiatives
Unox India Launched 'Baking a Better Tomorrow' to Empower Low-Income Youth
Reimagined Annual Fundraising Events
Housing Works Restructures its Design on a Dime Benefit
Affordable Maternity Care Initiatives
Axmed and Every Pregnancy Support Crisis-Affected Regions
Idea Collaboration Hubs
Idearify Helps Users Create, Collaborate, And Protect Their Ideas
Employment-Focused Charity Initiatives
ComIT Addresses Barriers and Provides Free Tech Training
Youth Football-Empowering Initiatives
Sidoo Family Giving Supports Battle at the Border Tournament
Toronto Healing Shelters
Anduhyaun Emergency Shelter Nods to Indigenous Traditions to Aid Recovery
Refugee-Focused Youth Sport Initiatives
ANTA Group Continues ‘Moving for Change’ with UNHCR
Mobile Urban Greenhouses
Sementeira Ambulante by LIMIT Architecture Brings Urban Farming on Wheels
Accessible Plane Cabin Solutions
Diehl Aviation Debuts Innovations at the Aircraft Interiors Expo
Avian Influenza Diagnostic Networks
Alveo Technologies Partners with Global Animal Health
Intimate High-Altitude Cottages
The AltiHut Cottages Expand Mountain Refuge Ecosystem
Agricultural Support Projects
Julius Meinl and Fairtrade Organizations Support Farmers in India
Housing Affordability-Focused Campaigns
The Housing Canada Coalition Runs 'End the Housing Game'
Checkout-Based Micro-Donations
Adyen and adidas expand donation features at checkout
Accessible Home Appliance Competitions
LG & Korean Intellectual Property Office Partner
Charitable Home Improvement Initiatives
VEVOR Has Donated 10 Hybrid Heat Press Machines
Inclusive Tech Brand-Initiated Programs
Samsung Places Great Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion
Modular Umbrella-Made Trading Stalls
Paul Yakubu Developed the Umbrealla Crate Stall
Humanized Waiting Pavilions
The De Wachtkamer Pavilion Reimagines Temporary Housing
Inclusive Web Access
Assistive24 Enhances Digital Accessibility With Free Assistive Technology
University-Led Food Research Projects
Breda University Launches a Multi-Year Study
Explosion-Damaged Sculpture Series
Light into Darkness Reconstructs Damaged Ukrainian Artefacts
Typhoon-Resilient Shelters
The Seoul Wing Project is Designed to Withstand Typhoons
Mobile App Studios
Developer On Wheels Builds Family And Travel Apps From A Campervan Office
Soccer Equipment Donation Programs
Subaru of America is Running the Gear for Good Program
Nourishing Pop-Up Houses
IKEA UK’s Iftar At Ours Made Space for Muslims to Break Fast Together
Eco-Designed Sampling Formats
Sampling Innovations Europe Unveiled Easy Dose
Youth Climate Leadership Projects
Uzbekistan Collaborates on a Climate Education Program
No-Code App Builders
Open Idea Turns Concepts Into Android Apps Without Writing Code
Digital Sharing Platforms
Venture Vault Enables Innovators to Share Ideas and Collaborate
Transforming Camp Vehicles
Citroën ELO Concept Car Alters into a Mobile Camp with Inflatable Beds
Charitable AIDS-Focused Medical Scrubs
HYPOTHESIS & (RED) Tackle HIV/AIDS Prevention & Treatment
Tech-Empowered Accessibility Initiatives
Remarkable Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities
Regional Innovation Funds
Michigan Launched a Startup Investment Program Across Multiple Sectors
Specialized Industrial Workwear Donations
RefrigiWear Contributes to Disaster Relief Efforts
Disability Representation-Encouraging Grants
Getty Images Announces a $20,000 Grant Initiative
Charitable Household Appliance Initiatives
Circle Home Charity, DHL and Danby Appliances Partner
Long-Term Food Insecurity Efforts
Jack and Jill of America Debut a 100,000-Hour Service Challenge
Smart Health Organizers
AidWise Helps You Manage Medicines And Track First Aid Essentials
Creative Protest Archives
Pocket Protests Showcases Global Creative Resistance Against Fascism
Regional Wheelchair-Providing Organizations
Agape Mobility Ethiopia Addresses a Critical Need
Cultural Travel Stays
Connect With Local Families Abroad Through Adventure Homestay
Low-Impact Garden Dwellings
The Senior Shelter Offers a Connected Space for Aging Family Members
Immigrant-Focused Culinary Arts Programs
The Vilcek Foundation is Supporting Young Immigrants
Student Art Exhibitions
Lebanese Students Design in Conflict Shows Student Work Shaped by Crisis
Public Accessibility Initiatives
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