Uniting Balvi Kanro Innovators: Meet the Guests of Our Upcoming X Space
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Introduction
Air Support Project is excited to announce our upcoming X Space, ‘Uniting Balvi Kanro Innovators: Advancing Public Health Together,’ where we will host an open discussion with fellow Balvi Kanro recipients. As an open-source initiative, Air Support Project is committed to transparency and collaboration, aligning with Balvi Kanro’s emphasis on open-source solutions as a requirement for grantees. This ensures that innovations developed through Balvi Kanro funding are accessible to everyone, fostering community-driven and decentralized solutions that maximize global impact. This event will be a unique opportunity to connect and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field of public health innovation. Let’s take a closer look at the current crop of Balvi Kanro grant recipients, some of whom will be joining us on December 10th, 2024, at 9:00 PM EST for our X Space.
Get a reminder for the live X Space—and future clean-air events—join our list here.
Our Guests: Balvi Kanro Innovators
We are honored to have an incredible lineup of Balvi Kanro grant recipients joining us for this X Space. Each of these innovators has been working tirelessly to advance public health through distributed approaches, with projects ranging from mask-fitting tools to cutting-edge research on pandemic-related topics. Here are a few of the folks you can expect to hear from:
Edderic Ugaddan: Breathesafe LLC
Revolutionizing Mask Fit Testing
Edderic Ugaddan, a Balvi Kanro recipient, is a data scientist and software engineer passionate about public health. He owns Breathesafe LLC, an organization innovating in the air cleaning space. His latest product, the LaminAir, is a personal HEPA that produces a clean air stream to make spaces safer for people on the go. Currently, Edderic is working on building a Mask Recommender based on facial features to help people find masks that are breathable, comfortable, and fit their face. His project focuses on testing multiple types of masks and providing practical, networked solutions for the public to achieve the best mask fit possible. General discussions and questions about the project are discussed here.
Michael Olesen: Infection Control, Emergency Management, Safety, and General Thoughts ICEMSG
Leading Research on Pandemic Response
Michael Olesen, a board member of Air Support Project and a fellow Balvi Kanro recipient, brings nearly two decades of experience in public health, safety, and infection prevention. He has recently stepped back into infection prevention leadership roles after some time in the risk consulting world. Michael has dedicated his career to safeguarding communities and advancing health standards.
Michael’s extensive work includes designing disaster exercises, leading healthcare infection prevention programs, implementing safety protocols, and consulting on emergency management for healthcare settings. His research, funded by Balvi Kanro, addresses critical pandemic-related topics, including COVID-19 and H5N1. In recognition of his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael was honored with the COVID-19 Pandemic Civilian Service Award from HHS. We are thrilled to have Michael share his insights on the evolving landscape of pandemic preparedness and community-based strategies.
Anthony Douglas: OpenERV
Innovating Open Source Ventilation Solutions
Anthony Douglas is a Canadian former CNC machinist, technician, and mechanical engineer who focuses on developing open-source, reliable, and low acoustic noise equipment. Based in Montreal and Cornwall, Anthony is currently working on a large, extremely quiet fan and air filter appliance, as well as an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system with an extraordinary performance-to-cost ratio. An ERV transfers energy from outgoing building ventilation air to clean incoming air, making it possible to have clean outdoor air in extreme weather conditions. Anthony’s commitment to open-source innovation is helping to make effective air quality solutions accessible to all through grassroots solutions.
Jon Jon Animation: Artistic Approach to Respiratory Health
Respirator and Air Filter Modifications, Customizations, and Aesthetics
Jon Jon Animation is an independent artist with decades of experience creating animated films, video games, and music videos. In parallel, he has survived numerous life-threatening and life-altering medical issues, which have given him a unique perspective on air quality and public health. Jon Jon became highly aware of viral outbreak protocols during the SARS1 outbreak in Toronto, which influenced his work and interest in respiratory health. Recently, he received a Balvi grant for his concept designs for respirator and air filter modifications, customization, and aesthetics. His artistic approach brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of public health and design, contributing to locally-driven initiatives for respiratory health.
Gerard Hughes: Mask Fit Testing and Experimentation
Finding the Right Mask
Gerard Hughes is dedicated to finding the best balance of fit, filtration, comfort, and utility for respirator-grade masks. He conducts mask fit testing, reviews, hacks, and experiments to improve mask efficacy. Gerard’s work is instrumental in helping individuals find masks that provide the highest level of protection while remaining comfortable and practical. His experiments and insights are shared on his YouTube channel.
Kashif Pirzada: CleanAir Map and Ventilation Advocacy
Canadian Clean Air Map Raven App
“Kash Prime”, an emergency physician and co-chair of the COVID Canadian Society, is the creator of CleanAir Map, a global map of indoor places with good quality ventilation. The map allows people to track and submit CO2 levels for locations, helping individuals choose safer spaces. Kash’s work is dedicated to providing practical tools for the public to make informed decisions about their safety and the quality of the air they breathe, contributing to scalable solutions for community-driven ventilation advocacy.
Alexander Ricco: CO2 Trackers for Public Health
US Indoor Air Quality Map
Alexander Ricco is a software developer working on anti-COVID efforts at all levels of society. He runs CO2trackers.com, a platform that monitors CO2 levels to help assess indoor air quality. Alexander’s work is funded by a grant from Vitalik Buterin’s anti-COVID Balvi fund. His passion for building software and gadgets drives his mission to improve air quality monitoring and public awareness through open-access methods.
Colin Kinner: COVID Safety for Schools
Bringing Clean Air Education to Schools
Colin Kinner is the founder of Safe Air Ventures and the creator of the COVID Safety for Schools Course, a free online resource for school staff and parents. The course, developed with leading scientific and medical experts, provides factually accurate information and practical guidance to help schools minimize the risk of COVID spreading. The course has been accessed by staff and parents from over 1,000 schools, making a significant impact on school safety during the pandemic, and contributing to community-driven initiatives for safer educational environments.
Plum Stone, Founder of The Safer Air Project
Collaborating to Create Enforceable IAQ Standards
Plum Stone is the Founder of The Safer Air Project, a health promotion charity established in Australia in 2024. With over two decades of experience in health policy and public affairs—spanning work in the UK Parliament, global public affairs agencies, and patient advocacy organizations—she brings a wealth of expertise to the urgent challenge of ensuring cleaner, safer indoor air.
The Safer Air Project focuses on recognizing indoor air quality (IAQ) as a critical accessibility and inclusion issue, particularly for people living with chronic health conditions. Through community engagement, education, and policy advocacy, the organization aims to raise public awareness about the health impacts of poor IAQ, especially for those most at risk. It collaborates with healthcare experts, policymakers, and community leaders to promote evidence-based solutions such as improved ventilation, air filtration, and enforceable IAQ standards.
In November, The Safer Air Project published its report, “Safer Shared Air: A Critical Accessibility and Inclusion Issue,” at Australian Parliament House. Supported by two small grants—one fueling its “Community Support” program and another dedicated to the report and its launch—this initiative calls for IAQ performance standards to be mandated, ensuring that public spaces are accessible and healthful for all. Committed to transparency, open-source innovation, and equity, The Safer Air Project works toward a future where everyone can breathe freely and thrive indoors, regardless of their health status.
Epi Yeti: Creator of the Airwareness App & Product Developer
Transforming complex air quality data into actionable insights
Epi Yeti is a key member of Air Support Project, serving as the creator of the Airwareness app and leading product development efforts. His work focuses on designing open-source tools that transform complex air quality data into actionable insights, supporting clean-air advocacy and public health initiatives.
As a product developer, Epi Yeti ensures that Air Support Project’s technology is user-friendly, effective, and evidence-based. His commitment to transparency and accessibility empowers communities and organizations to make informed decisions about indoor air quality and environmental safety.
Honorable Mentions: Balvi Kanro Innovators
Here is a shout-out to other Balvi grant-recipients that may not be present at our upcoming Spaces:
Dental Mask
Innovative nose PAPR device
The Dental Mask is an air cleaning device designed for situations where wearing a regular mask or respirator is impossible, such as during dental procedures. This device acts as an uncertified Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) and provides clean air through a nose tube, tested to be significantly cleaner than room air. While it is not a substitute for standard precautions, it offers additional protection in challenging scenarios. Through Balvi Kanro funding dental masks to mask blocs will be distributed for free. This supports community safety efforts through peer-to-peer solutions.
Long COVID Research Initiative (LCRI)
Advancing Long COVID Research
The Long COVID Research Consortium (LCRC) by PolyBio Research Foundation is dedicated to advancing the understanding of Long COVID and its effects on the human body. Their research focuses on investigating the biological underpinnings of Long COVID, including studies on intestinal tissue and its role in the disease. PolyBio’s work is crucial in uncovering the mechanisms behind Long COVID, providing insights that could lead to better treatment options and improved outcomes for those affected by this condition. Their open-source research contributes to federated systems in advancing healthcare.
Aaron Collins (the Mask Nerd), OpenAeros
Creating accessible, low-cost tools to ensure effective respiratory health
OpenAeros is a Minnesota-based organization dedicated to developing open-source hardware solutions to address air quality and respiratory health challenges. Founded by mechanical engineer Aaron Collins and engineer-entrepreneur M Pang, OpenAeros focuses on creating accessible, low-cost tools to ensure effective respiratory health measures. Their notable projects include the OpenCPC™, a condensation particle counter designed to be affordable and open-source, and the OpenRespirator™, which utilizes innovative Digital-to-Silicone (D2S) and filter-pleating production techniques to overcome manufacturing hurdles in mask development.
By centering equity in distribution and empowering citizen scientists and professionals alike, OpenAeros aims to democratize access to clean air technologies and foster collaboration in addressing global air safety concerns.
THE HOST OF THE DISCUSSION
Nonprofit Revolutionizing Clear Air
Air Support Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to advancing public health by improving indoor air quality. We develop accessible, open-source filtration technologies, promote evidence-based knowledge, and collaborate with communities to create safer indoor environments. Our work empowers people everywhere—especially those most at risk—to breathe easier, stay healthier, and live better. Our team, led by Sarah Masih, will be facilitating discussions and engaging with the audience throughout the event. Learn more about Our Team here.
How Balvi Kanro Funds Fuel Our Mission
- Innovate Clean Air Solutions: Building and sharing open-source air purifiers, ventilation systems, and practical design tools that curb airborne disease transmission.
- Educate & Inform: Providing research-backed guidance, blogs, and resources that clarify how clean air safeguards public health.
- Drive Community Action: Partnering with schools, healthcare facilities, and local organizations to ensure that better air reaches those who need it most.
Why You Should Join Us
The Twitter Space will be an open forum for Balvi Kanro recipients, public health professionals, and anyone passionate about clean air and public health. This is your chance to:
- Showcase Your Work: Highlight your project’s impact on public health.
- Network: Connect with like-minded innovators and experts.
- Collaborate: Explore synergies to amplify collective efforts.
- Engage in Open Discussion: Share insights during our open forum segment.
We believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change, and this event is all about bringing together passionate individuals to inspire and support each other.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024
- Time: 9:00 PM EST
- Where: X Spaces
Whether you are a Balvi Kanro recipient, a public health professional, or simply someone passionate about advancing public health, we warmly invite you to join us for this exciting discussion. Together, we can drive innovation and create a lasting impact.
Fuel open-source clean-air innovation—donate today here.
"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean."
KNOW BETTER, BREATHE BETTER.
“I must fight with all my strength so that the little positive things that my health allows me to do might be pointed toward helping the revolution. The only real reason for living.”
FRIDA KAHLO