The idea behind Innovate or Die was to create an environmentally friendly, pedal-powered machine.  "Aquaduct" seems to fit the bill.  "The pedal-powered machine successfully transports and filters water without burning fossil fuels or wood, which contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions," states an official release.

A related YouTube video portrays Aquaduct’s mode of water movement as an alternative to lugging around various containers in third world countries.  Also, it seems like the filtering process might be a time-saver, given how long it can take to boil water.

There were a few gaps in the official documentation – no estimates were given as to cost, and it remains unclear how often (if ever) Aquaduct’s filters would need to be replaced.  Still, Aquaduct won out of "more than 100 qualified entries," so presumably Google, Specialized Bicycles, and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners (Innovate or Die’s other sponsors) have some confidence in the design.

Lastly, as Myra Per-Lee reports, "The contest winners will each receive a Specialized World Bike and, as a group, a check for $5000."

Of course, it’s unlikely that anyone will be executed as a result of the Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Machine Contest, but Google and Specialized (a bicycle company that is also behind the challenge) are trying to emphasize some environmental issues.

Google.org’s Dan Riecher lists a whole host of ways in which the company is doing its part, writing, “We opt for locally-grown food whenever possible in all of our cafes.  We’ve covered our roofs with solar panels.  We offer a rebate on our employees’ fuel-efficient car purchases.  When it comes to getting people to the office, we offer round-trip shuttle service to our Bay Area Googlers, as well as incentives for creative commuting, from walking to biking and even to kayaking . . .”

Google and Specialized (along with Goodby Silverstein & Partners) want your help, however, and death threats aside, they’re being rather generous about it.  “[S]how us with a YouTube video how you harness pedal power in innovative ways,” writes Riecher.  “In January, you could win $5,000 in cash and Specialized Globe bikes to keep up your commitment.”

Be careful about visiting the official Innovate or Die site, though – clicks on any of the tabs within it are, at least on my computer, causing Firefox to crash.