Alice Chun’s journey into the world of innovation and humanitarian design began in a smoke-filled alley, where she witnessed a family relying on a kerosene jug for light. This moment sparked her determination to create solutions that address health, environmental, and poverty issues. Alice believes that change transcends mere objects or products; it encompasses holistic improvements to people’s lives. This belief drove her to invent the SolarPuff™, a simple yet transformative solar light that addresses these interconnected challenges.
Growing up in Seoul, Korea, and later in upstate New York, Alice was introduced to the art of origami and sewing by her mother. Her fascination with design and structure led her to study architecture at Penn State and earn a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. Her interest in material technology and sustainable solutions was ignited further when her son Quinn was diagnosed with asthma. This personal experience fueled her passion for creating clean energy solutions.
As a Professor in Architecture and Material Technology at Columbia University, Alice began experimenting with solar lights. Her innovative approach led to the creation of the SolarPuff™, the world’s only self-inflatable, portable solar light. This invention eliminates the need for a mouth nozzle, providing a sanitary method of inflation. After three years of field testing in Haiti, she launched Solight Design through a successful KickStarter campaign in 2015. Alice’s groundbreaking work earned her the US Patent Award for Humanity, and her products have been exhibited at MOMA in New York City.
Alice Chun is not only an inventor but also an author, TedX speaker, and advocate for social justice. Her company, Solight-Design, and SEEU95 has received accolades from Popular Mechanics, Fast Company, Forbes, and many other renowned platforms. She has been featured on The View, Tamron Hall, Good Morning America, MSNBC, and more. Alice was also recognized as one of Forbes’ 50 Over 50 in 2022 and starred in the Apple TV+ show ‘Gutsy’ .
Alice has dedicated her efforts to numerous humanitarian causes, helping people in countries such as Afghanistan, the Bahamas, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Dominica, Ecuador, Ghana, Haiti, Mozambique, Nepal, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela. Her work continues to shine a light on the importance of sustainable and innovative solutions in addressing global challenges.
Alice Chun continues to inspire and innovate, illuminating lives one solar light at a time. Her dedication to creating sustainable energy solutions has not only provided light to those in need but also ignited a movement towards environmentally conscious living. The SolarPuff™, her flagship invention, is a testament to her ability to blend functionality with compassion, addressing critical needs in disaster-stricken and off-grid communities. Beyond her inventions, Chun’s role as an educator and advocate underscores her commitment to fostering a more equitable world. Her work with Solight Design and her advocacy for sustainable practices serve as powerful reminders of the impact that one individual’s vision and perseverance can have on the global stage. Chun’s journey from a concerned mother to an internationally recognized innovator showcases the transformative power of dedication, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of better solutions for humanity.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
