K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center
GEAR Center characterizes the unique technical and socioeconomic constraints of emerging markets, then combines these insights with engineering science to create high-performance, low-cost, globally-relevant technologies.
Our technologies aim to have a positive impact on the world and elucidate novel scientific & engineering knowledge.
The GEAR Center is directed by Professor Amos Winter in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT.
News
Watch: GEAR Center Innovations for Water and Agriculture in MENA — May 20, 2025 webinar
GEAR Center recently showcased our cutting-edge water and agriculture projects underway across the MENA region. Focused on creating solutions that can feed a growing population in the face of water stress, climate change, and energy limitations, we have realized low-cost, renewably-powered technologies in drip irrigation and desalination that dramatically cut water and energy use while being cost effective for farmers. These novel technologies include low-pressure drip emitters, smart drip irrigation systems, and time-variant desalination systems. Now it’s time to bring them to market! Learn how the Center’s pioneering approach is building resilience across the region—and how MIT alumni and friends can help drive lasting impact for communities across MENA.
Presented by Prof. Amos Winter (Germeshausen Professor of Mechanical Engineering; GEAR Center PI), Dr. Mohamed Naouri (Hock E. Tan Postdoctoral Fellow), and Fiona Grant (GEAR Center researcher, Drip Irrigation Team).
GEAR Center’s Benjamin Weizer featured in MIT MechE Article, Historic Inspirations
“2.007 (Design and Manufacturing I) inspired me to pursue a career in product or machine design because I love designing things that solve problems, and I’m fascinated by how abstract user needs can be translated into engineering theory with physical applications.”
Prof Amos Winter joins NPR: Here & Now Anytime to discuss GEAR Center’s work on desalination
“Desalination — pulling fresh, drinkable water from saltwater— can offer some relief in areas facing water shortages. Robert Bergstrom, CEO of OceanWell, explains how the company's desalination pods work. And mechanical engineer Amos Winter details how his team uses an electrodialysis system to purify groundwater.”
Audio: Creating clean water, from extreme recycling to solar desalination — April 25, 2025
Article: In search of clean water, scientists are improving desalination technology — April 23, 2025
Global by Design by Prof Amos Winter and Prof Vijay Govindarajan Available for Pre-Order
A new book by GEAR Center Prof Amos Winter and Dartmouth School of Business Prof Vijay Govindarajan is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
The book will combine the experience of Winter and Govindarajan to deliver a practical approach to solving wicked problems facing the world and capturing the economic opportunities presented by emerging markets.
The book will fully release on July 15, 2025 and is currently available for preorder on Amazon.
MIT News: Announcing the K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research Center, January 2024
Drip irrigation team travels to Jordan and Morocco to gather farmers' insights on new emitter technology, November 2023
MIT News: "No Drop to Spare" MIT creates affordable, user-driven smart irrigation technology, October 2023
Aditya, Collin, and Nina participate in the MIT de Florez competition with Aditya winning first place for Graduate Student Design
MIT News: Solar-powered desalination system requires no extra batteries, October 2024
