Innovation & Technology
Shaping a Resilient Future
We research, develop, and deploy technology that strengthens critical infrastructure, advances environmental justice, and builds sustainable resilience for communities and ecosystems.
The Innovation & Technology Branch is the creative engine of High Alert Institute. We are dedicated to addressing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities by researching, repurposing, and developing practical technology solutions. Guided by the All Hazards, One Health, One Nature (AHOHN) Framework, this branch takes on unresolved failure modes across 12 critical infrastructure sectors, from healthcare and energy to waste management and public safety. We specialize in transforming commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and existing technologies into powerful tools that deliver affordable, scalable solutions for disaster resilience, environmental justice, health equity, and sustainability.
Impact
Resilience in Action
Green Energy & Hybrid Power Backup
The Problem: Located in a rural, hurricane-prone area with outdated grid infrastructure, our campus faced frequent power outages, high energy costs, and unreliable service. These factors threatened our disaster readiness and continuity of operations.
Resilience Effort: We established a resilient and sustainable power system using COTS solar (55kW), wind (25kW), and complete backup solutions (battery and propane generators). Through phased research, deployment, and ongoing operations, we demonstrated that affordable, replicable renewable energy systems can support green, resilient facility infrastructure across challenging environments.
Challenges: We navigated policy hurdles, minimal grant support, and supply chain issues, along with technical logistics stemming from our secluded forest location. The project required adapting local codes, extensive site-specific planning, and bringing in qualified professionals from outside the immediate area.
Impact: The system has generated over 330 MWh from renewable sources between 2013 and 2025, while repaying all consumed grid power since renovations began. Our efforts have slashed carbon emissions, eliminated outage impacts (930+ hours to date), and advanced regional policy for future renewable energy deployments.
SMART IAQ Ventilation
The Problem: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and airborne infection—risks that intensify as climate change and extreme weather forces more people and animals indoors.
Resilience Effort: We developed and implemented a Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) IAQ ventilation system compatible with new and existing HVAC systems. The system uses sensors and smart controls to optimize energy use and maintain healthy air quality, reducing both costs and disease risk.
Challenges: Sourcing UL-listed, ASHRAE-compliant COTS equipment initially was challenging. Building code updates were navigated but finding installers with the right expertise in a rural setting required partnering directly with manufacturers.
Impact: Over more than nine years, the system has delivered consistent energy savings (up to 53%), improved indoor air by reducing contaminants, and cut airborne infection risk by as much as 43%. These improvements contributed to significant carbon reductions and health benefits for occupants.
Wind Turbine Multi-Substrate Noise Mitigation
The Problem: Wind turbines often generate disruptive noise, which can negatively affect local wildlife, neighboring residents, worker health, and community acceptance.
Resilience Effort: We engineered and installed a passive, multi-material noise mitigation system targeting the specific noise modes of wind turbines and towers. Using COTS sound-absorbing and vibration-damping materials, noise was dramatically reduced.
Challenges: Selecting, sourcing, and integrating a variety of durable, compatible noise- control substrates was essential. Our rural location complicated equipment delivery and required coordination with specialized installers.
Impact: Sound levels were reduced below WHO-recommended thresholds. Vibration also was reduced, minimizing mechanical wear and maintenance frequency. Investment in noise and vibration reduction is offset by reduced upkeep and improved community acceptance of renewable energy systems.
We Build Projects for Global Good
Our projects focus on creating tangible, replicable systems that solve pressing environmental and infrastructure challenges. We design, patent, license, and commercialize technologies that have a measurable impact.
Current Projects Include:
Aeolian Wind Technologies:
Developing advanced wind and wind-solar hybrid energy systems that are quiet, efficient, and environmentally conscious. Our patented noise-mitigation technology makes renewable energy generation compatible with sensitive habitats and communities.
Supercritical Technologies:
Groundbreaking waste-to-energy, supercritical combustion, and industrial photosynthesis systems designed to efficiently convert industrial and municipal materials into clean energy and clean water, while sequestering carbon dioxide and creating circular energy economies.
SMART IAQ Ventilation:
An intelligent HVAC control system built from COTS parts that improves indoor air quality, reduces airborne infection risk, and cuts energy costs by over 50%. This technology makes buildings healthier and more resilient to climate change.
Sustainable Resilience Solutions:
Through our partnerships and collaborations, we facilitate intellectual property transfers and research-led collaborations to bring green energy, waste-to-energy, and decarbonization technologies to market faster.
A Model of Sustainable & Resilient Innovation
COTS Technology: We prioritize using existing, proven technologies in innovative combinations. This drastically reduces development costs, shortens timelines, and ensures our solutions can be easily replicated and maintained anywhere in the world.
Intellectual Property & Commercialization: We secure patents for our novel applications to ensure they are developed responsibly. We then license this IP to partners who can scale production and deployment, generating revenue that funds our ongoing mission.
Strategic Collaborations: We work with industry leaders, academic institutions, and for-profit entities to accelerate the transition from concept to real-world impact. These partnerships are vital for driving advancements in renewable energy, waste-to energy, and sustainable healthcare.
Commitment to Integrity
Listed below are the strict set of principles guiding every project we undertake to ensure our work is unbiased, evidence-based, and serves the greater good.
- Provide scientifically valid, fact-checked, and evidence-based solutions
- Prioritize the protection of animal welfare and ecosystem health
- Promote sustainability, resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship
- Actively avoid political influence and conflicts of interest
- Committed to making our information accessible and understandable
Get Involved: Powering the Next Generation of Solutions
Our work is driven by a network of collaborators who share our vision. Whether you are an investor, a potential partner or a donor, you can help us to engineer a more resilient and equitable world.
Partner with Us
Collaborate on research, license our technologies, or join our ecosystem of innovators.
Invest in a Project
Donate to our Mission
Get in touch
Whether you are seeking to prepare, collaborate, or learn more about our AHOHN approach, we would love to hear from you.
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