The TEDGlobal conference takes place this week in Edinburgh, Scotland, and once again Autodesk is there to participate in the conversation about global issues. This year Autodesk is presenting a gallery of exhibits that celebrate designers who are addressing two of the world’s most pressing challenges –providing poverty-stricken communities with reliable access to healthcare and developing low-cost renewable energy sources.

Butaro, a building that heals

Embrace, a lifesaving infant warmer

D-Rev, a low- cost prosthetic knee joint

See Better, low-cost eyeglasses

Soccket, an energy harvesting soccer ball

BioLite, an ultra-low emission open flame stove that can also charge a cell phone or LED light

What’s especially inspiring about these projects is that none was developed in government research labs or corporate product divisions. They were invented by individuals who had a great idea, a focus on improving the world, and a design-oriented approach to solving problems. Each designer used technology such as 3D modeling, simulation, and reality capture to visualize and prototype their ideas before they were built. These projects are proof that a great idea, married with smart design, can have an enormously positive impact on the world.

Autodesk’s goal is to make sophisticated design technology easy to use and accessible to everyone – from professional designers and engineers to creative hobbyists and kids. By democratizing design technology, Autodesk aims to equip everyone with a bright idea for solving a problem with the tools to help them to imagine, design, and create it.

Today millions of non-professional designers are using 3D design software and fabrication technology to create all kinds ofthings, a global phenomenon known as the Maker Movement. The Autodesk Gallery at TEDGlobal features a hands-on “Makers Studio,” where visitors can demo the technology and see fascinating objects made by design hobbyists. We’re challenging TED attendees to think about how the Maker Movement could be harnessed to bring about positive change in our lives.

The UN estimates that by 2050 there will be nine billion people on the planet. Designing a vibrant, sustainable, thriving world for nine billion is humanity’s most epic challenge. There will be no singular solution, but millions of us can contribute in small but important ways. Autodesk applauds the folks behind Soccket, Embrace, BioLite, Butaro, SeeBetter, D-rev – and creative people everywhere – who are doing their part to make a better world.