South Korean researchers have received the Grand Prix award at the eighth edition of the Nextexplo Forum in Paris for a wearable device that generates electricity from body heat.
 
The group of researchers at the Korean Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), led by Professor Cho Byung-jin, announced Wednesday that they received the top prize for their “Wearable Thermo-Element” that can be incorporated into clothing to power phones and other mobile devices.
 
Made with glass fiber, when worn, the Wearable Thermo-Element can produce power from one’s body temperature.
 
In partnership with UNESCO, the Nextexplo Forum selects the 100 most promising digital initiatives and gives awards to the top ten. Previous award winners include Twitter and the 3D printer.
 
Among the award winners this year were a 100-dollar 3D-printer made with recycled electronics and smart chopsticks that can display a food’s temperature.