ASU SolarSPELL Initiative
SolarSPELL makes TIME Best Inventions list
SolarSPELL has been selected for TIME‘s list of Best Inventions of 2025! Among the life-changing innovations being honored this year, SolarSPELL is being recognized in the Social Impact category for the groundbreaking offline digital library hardware we launched in 2024.
What we do
The ASU SolarSPELL Initiative empowers offline communities globally by providing localized libraries and building the 21st century skills people need to make informed decisions, increase their self-reliance, and improve their quality of life.
We work closely with local partners to identify information needs, curate relevant content, and continually improve our collections across three sectors: education, health and agriculture. The SolarSPELL (Solar Powered Educational Learning Library) digital library mimics an online experience by generating its own offline WiFi hotspot to which any WiFi-capable device can connect to freely, and safely, surf the library’s tens of thousands of open access resources.
Localized libraries
Diverse collections feature open source, multimedia content curated to meet local needs.
Solar, offline technology
Rugged, portable and compatible with any Wi-Fi enabled device, our libraries can reach even the most remote.
Train-the-trainer model
Hands-on training gives communities the tools they need to use their library to its fullest potential.
Impact evaluation
Thorough impact evaluation helps us continuously improve our libraries to better meet user needs.
90%
Say SolarSPELL meets their information needs
92%
Feel better prepared to do their job
88%
Report improved digital literacy
441,000
Estimated number of learners reached
Best in Show, SXSW Innovation Awards
We are incredibly honored to have been named Best in Show in the 2025 SXSW Innovation Awards, which recognize the most exciting creative developments from around the world. It is humbling to have been selected from the 55 finalists spanning 11 categories, and it gives us great hope to know we aren’t alone in believing in the power of libraries to empower people everywhere.
Photo by Anthony Moreno, SXSW
News & updates
ASU educational device among Time’s best inventions of 2025
October 24, 2025 | KTAR News
“Arizona State University’s SolarSPELL (Solar Powered Educational Learning Library) initiative works to bring solar-powered literary devices to rural communities…”
Library device named one of TIME’s 2025 Best Inventions
October 16, 2025 | KJZZ
“Last week, a solar-powered library device created by a team of Arizona State University professors & students was named one of TIME’s 2025 Best Inventions…”
Designing for access: My UX internship with SolarSPELL
October 15, 2025
“Working on SolarSPELL’s accessibility audits has challenged me to think differently about what ‘user experience’ really means. When your users include educators…”
Contribute to our efforts
Give today and join our community of SolarSPELL library patrons. With your one-time donation or ongoing financial support, your gift empowers learners globally by providing access to localized information paired with the training for long-term success.
Our partnerships
SolarSPELL’s work would not be possible without the non-profits, government ministries, intergovernmental organizations and companies that partner with us. We are grateful for their dedication to empowering communities with access to information and internet-ready skill-building!
