Startacus - Unusual Inventions - the Windup Radio
by Startacus Admin
Unusual only perhaps because when I studied at University, I used to frequent the same Sunday morning cafe that that the inventor Trevor Baylis ate at. Not that I ever spoke to the chap, but we would occasionally be eating our post hang-over fry, when Mr Windup Radio inventor also took a well earned break.
Little did I know at the time, that I would be one day sat here writing about inventors who have made an unusual difference to the world - Trevor Baylis included. But unusual for this reason is not giving Trevor 
Baylis credit....
Back in 1991, Trevor had been watching a programme on TV about the spread of AIDS in Africa. The programme summarised that radio was a great means of communicating key messages on AIDS, but that for most of the African population, electricity or batteries, were too expensive to access. The programme suggested that a new means of communication was required to tell the African population about AIDS.
However Trevor realised that it was not the radio that was the problem, but the source of electricity to power the radio. 3 years later, and after many hours spent in his workshop, his Windup Radio prototype featured on the TV programme ‘Tomorrow's World’.
The design, in hindsight is obvious. A brace, turning a motor, would generate electrical power - enough power to charge a radio. The person's hand would turn the brace. (okay its not technically as simple as that, but you hopefully get it!)
By 1997 an advanced model was in production and the windup Radio, became a mainstream communication tool for the African population, helping to spread the word on AIDS.
So a simple solution to a massive problem. What solution do you potentially have to a problem that could change the world? Maybe like Trevor Baylis, you have the potential to come up with the next big thing...
If you like this invention - perhaps you will like to read our tale on the invention of the Twitter Hashtag.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
London startup Soldo, is aiming to streamline the entire business expense cycle –from payment to reconciliation.
Don’t worry if your business died. You just got a step closer to entrepreneurial heaven says Richard Myers, Commercial Director at Transmit Start-Ups.
SupplyCompass, a design-to-delivery sourcing platform that provides an efficient and sustainable solution for global supply chains, agrees a £1.5m seed fund deal.
Apprenticeship startup WhiteHat raises $16m Series A led by Index Ventures and prepares to expand its alternative to university.
How can women effectively challenge gender bias in the workplace? Hayley Mackenzie from Boiler Guide, shares here thoughts and experience.
The app that's aiming to help us to take the first step in reversing climate change...
The startup that's providing Nursing Home residents with additional meaningful social interactions provided by local people!
Some easy and inexpensive ways to make your start-up more secure.
The vidiCREW app is on a mission to show your wedding through the eyes of your loved ones. How does it work?
The Startup Leadership Program continues to grow, inviting applications for its 9th London cohort to join the six-month program.
Published on: 3rd September 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Startup Leadership Program invites applications for its 9th London cohort 12th Jul 2019 The Startup Leadership Program continues to grow, inviting applications for its 9th London cohort to join the six-month program.
- Latest Zinc Company Builder Programme to transform the quality of later life 9th Jul 2019 Do you want to build a new purpose-driven startup with support from a world-class network of experts?
- HealthTech startups sought for Greater Manchester Future of Health Challenge 4th Jul 2019 The Greater Manchester Future of Health Challenge is on the hunt for innovative healthtech startups and scaleups...
- Seedrs FMCG Accelerator Programme to help 10 UK-based FMCG businesses 3rd Jul 2019 Seedrs have launched their first FMCG Accelerator Programme dedicated to helping up to 10 UK-based FMCG businesses raise capital.
