The point of the Global Security Challenge, a new competition focused on security technology, is to help innovators break into a crowded field, and get new ideas off the drawing board and into the real world, where they might actually start helping people. Started by students at London Business School, the competition is focused on technologies that could help governments and organizations defend against terrorist attacks—and the $500,000 first prize is nothing to scoff at.
This year's winning technology went to the NoblePeak Vision Corporation, which is developing a new video surveillance camera that enhances night-vision by picking up more of the infrared spectrum. See the other winners here.—Gregory Mone

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The 6th annual Invention Awards are here, from an inflatable tourniquet to a better lobster trap to spring-loaded hocket skates. This issue is all about the celebration of invention.
Plus: Making synthetic biology breakthroughs in a garage, building a constantly-moving ping-pong table, and a ridiculously overpowered barbecue.