A U of G project that involves using a fish-shaped chunk of iron to combat life-threatening anemia in developing countries is a finalist for an innovation award sponsored by a U.S. business magazine.

The Lucky Iron Fish Project is one of five finalists in the “Social Good” category of the Innovation By Design Awards sponsored by Fast Company magazine. The annual awards showcase inspiring and ingenious design solutions. The 54 finalists in eight categories were selected from a pool of more than 1,200 entries. All finalists will be featured in the magazine’s design issue in October.

The palm-sized chunk of iron is placed into water that is being sterilized or used to prepare food; boiling adds iron to the food and water. It can help provide about 75 per cent of daily iron requirements and increase the body’s iron stores.

Gavin Armstrong, who is working on a doctorate in biomedical sciences, is working to commercialize the technology, which was developed by former U of G graduate student Christopher Charles.

The 2013 Innovation By Design winners will be announced Oct. 2 during a gala in New York City.

Fast Company, launched in 1995, focuses on technology, business and design, and has won numerous industry awards.