The Princeton Innovation video series highlights researchers who are making a difference through their discoveries and entrepreneurial spirit. Click on the videos below to learn about each discovery's potential to improve life, benefit the planet and grow the economy.

Salt-grain-sized camera that produces high quality images

An ultra-compact camera produces crisp, full-color images on par with a conventional compound camera lens 500,000 times greater in size.

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Innovator:

• Felix Heide, assistant professor of computer science, Princeton University

 

 

 

 

Solar-powered water filter

A solar-powered water filter purifies drinking water cheaply and efficiently, potentially bringing clean water to millions of people in need.

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Innovators: 

• Rodney Priestley, dean of the Graduate School and Pomeroy and Betty Perry Smith Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University
• Xiaohui Xu, postdoctoral research associate, Princeton University

 

 

 

Mosquito control using human-scented chemicals

Attracting deadly dengue- and Zika-carrying mosquitoes to lethal traps could become possible using a distinct chemical blend that mimics human odor.

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Innovator: 

• Lindy McBride, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and neuroscience, Princeton University

 

 

 

Making quantum dots from artificial proteins

A new method to create semiconductor quantum dots could drive innovations in sustainable and cost-effective electronics, solar energy and biomedicine.

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Innovators:

• Michael Hecht, professor of chemistry
• Gregory Scholes William S. Tod Professor of Chemistry. Chair, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University
• Leah Spangler, assistant professor, Virginia Commonwealth University; former postdoctoral research associate, Princeton University
• Sarangan Chari, senior chemist, Princeton University

 

Bioremediation of long-lasting contaminants (PFAS)

A new approach biodegrades persistent chemicals in the environment using bacteria.

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Innovators:

• Peter Jaffé, William L. Knapp '47 Professor of Civil Engineering. Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University
• Shan Huang, Professional Specialist, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University

 

An interactive chat suite for online discussions

A chat tool called ReChat allows users to administer, monitor and analyze live conversations and gather data from discussions among study participants.

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Innovator:

• Xiaoxiao Shen, graduate student in politics, Princeton University

 

 

 

 

 

Perovskite lasers for optical communications

A new type of laser could transform a range of technologies including self-driving cars, facial recognition and optical communications.

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Innovator:

• Barry Rand, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University

 

 

 

 

Advanced concepts for fusion energy

New designs for a fusion-energy stellarator could provide inexhaustible sources of clean energy.

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Innovator:

• David Gates, principal research physicist, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, senior research scholar, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University