YPO Announces the 2018 Global Innovation Award Winners

Honoring Global Leaders Initiating Innovative, Transformative and Inspirational Breakthroughs

DALLAS, May 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YPO, the premier chief executive leadership organization in the world, announced the winners of the Global Innovation Awards as a part of its third annual YPO Innovation Week. The Global Innovation Awards honors those YPO members who have initiated breakthrough innovations that inspire positive transformation.

In addition to recognizing the top innovators from among more than 25,000 YPO members across 130 countries, the Global Innovation Awards also honor Africa`s top innovator and the top young adult innovator, who is a child of YPO member (ages 17-29).

"Each year, YPO has this amazing opportunity to honor and highlight these distinguished innovators who are making an indelible mark around the world. The Global Innovation Awards highlight those who are leading the way in creating forward-thinking companies and significant opportunities now and for future generations," said Keith Alper, Chair of YPO Innovation Week.

During May, the 2018 YPO Innovation Week will connect influential entrepreneurs, innovators and thought leaders to exchange ideas about inspiration, breakthroughs and transformation through more than 50 signature events, live two-way interactive video casts and livestream events around the world. YPO announced the top African innovator at Africa Ignite in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Global Innovation Award winner in New York City.

2018 Global Innovation Award Winners

Global Innovation Award - Harjit Gill, X-Halo
Harjit Gill is the CEO of X-Halo, the world`s first device to detect the early onset of respiratory diseases before any signs of symptoms. Connected to a smartphone, the device is the only one to give early warnings of disease and track lung health by measuring breath temperature.

Through the device, once signs are detected, patients can implement lifestyle changes and medication options to manage any potential issues at an affordable cost at home.

Global Innovation Award - Africa Top Innovator - Yariv Cohen, Ignite Power
Yariv Cohen is the CEO of Ignite Power, a Pan-African developer and financier of safe clean energy solutions. Of these solutions is a solar system for rural homes that integrates with mobile money for a pay-as-you-use energy and leasing model costing as little as USD4 per month.

Ignite Power has connected nearly 500,000 people to safe solar power and projects to reach 10 million by 2021.

Global Innovation Award - YPO Next Generation - Leslie Lim, Cicil
Leslie Lim is the Co-Founder of Cicil, a Google launchpad accelerator startup focused on providing financial access to the underserved Indonesian university student segment. Cicil provides micro loans to students, helping them in a number of ways including financing laptops and tablets, sports equipment and more.

"Congratulations to the 2018 Global Innovation Award honorees as they highlight the innovation and breadth of talent of the global YPO network," said Scott Mordell, CEO of YPO. "These innovators are accelerating what`s next and leading the way for the future."