BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhuanet) -- China’s first ever UN-led open design challenge concluded Tuesday in Beijing’s 798 Art District, with 10 finalists showcasing innovative tech solutions designed to find solutions for pressing development challenges in China.

The Geek for Good Open Design Challenge was co-hosted by the United NationsDevelopment Programme (UNDP) and technology giant Baidu, encouraging people across the country to put forward their innovative concepts.

The solutions were required to utilize new technologies and provide innovative methods for addressing challenges in four focus areas: poverty, transport, disaster management and environment.

The challenge attracted 2,075 applications that were narrowed down to 10 finalists through a two-stage selection process. These finalists pitched their solutions in front of a top-notch judge panel comprised of renowned international and national experts from the technology, investment, and development world at the final competition.

The finalists’ innovations were diverse, ranging from the mechanical spider Arachnobot, deployable in disaster situations where human lives would be at risk, to Smart Med, a cheap, scalable alternative for early identification of lung cancer.

“This event clearly highlights a depth of creativity and the potential innovation has for promoting sustainable development in China,”said Agi Veres, Country Director of UNDP China.

An expert panel discussion also took place during the event, engaging influential people to share their insights on how tech-based responsible innovation can transform the society and generate public goods.