Toyota 'Ideas for Good' ad about head injuries and football helmets

Toyota 'Ideas for Good' ad about head injuries and football helmets

Last fall, we told you about Toyota's "Ideas for Good" competition. If you read about it or saw the TV commercials (including the controversial one that was censored by the NFL), you know that the contest encouraged folks to envision new applications for five Toyota technologies, like the company's Hybrid Synergy Drive and its solar-powered ventilation system. Now, Toyota has published a list of finalists, and it's up to you to help pick the grand prize winners.

A independent panel of judges from universities, hospitals, the media, and elsewhere evaluated over 4,000 "Ideas for Good" entries. They've winnowed down that list to the five most promising applications of each Toyota technology. The 25 final projects include plans for better bicycle helmets, medical ventilators for use in disasters, and an intriguing guidance system for the disabled. You can see a complete list of finalists by clicking here.

From now until Saturday, April 30, the public (i.e. you) can vote on its favorite ideas. Afterward, those votes, combined with scores from the judges, will determine five winners -- one per technology -- which will be announced on May 9. Winners will have prototypes of their ideas built, and they'll also win their choice of a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Prius, or Venza.

To cast your vote, visit Toyota.com/ideas-for-good. Unlike similar contests, this one allows you to cast multiple votes, so if you feel strongly about one particular entrant, you can vote every day. Good luck, finalists!

[Toyota]