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-based StateZero Labs, the world’s first dedicated Blockchain Lab for startups, will be opening its doors to six selected startups as part of its first cohort in January 2019.
Twigdoo offers a lead management service for businesses - a service which engages and converts leads whilst providing a high quality sales experience
Artomatix - The Dublin based startup that's using AI to help 3D artists create...
The startup that helps media companies to leverage user context data without exposing personal data...
IGO Adventures organise a series of multi-disciplined, physical challenges in some of the world’s most spectacular & remote wildernesses. Now they are looking to raise investment.
The no-bullshit-business coach and founder of consultancy firm RenOC, Karen Kwong, shares her top tips for getting your business back on track in 2019.
SpareFare - The online platform and marketplace which enables people to sell their non refundable flights, holidays or hotels.
Bidooh, the world’s first facial analysis, digital billboard software platform on the blockchain, agrees contract to roll out 10k real-time digital advertising screens in South Korea
Currently in private beta, Claimer wants to be app for R&D tax credits helping businesses to easily get money back from their R&D spend.
Launchpad, the innovative, post-graduate incubation and acceleration programme developed by Falmouth University in Cornwall, are on the hunt for their next cohort...
Published on: 3rd September 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Blockchain lab for startups StateZero Labs to offer £50k equity-free 15th Nov 2018 London-based StateZero Labs, the world’s first dedicated Blockchain Lab for startups, will be opening its doors to six selected startups as part of its first cohort in January 2019.
- UK scaling startups sort for Upscale Tech Nation programme 5th Nov 2018 UK-wide scaling startups take note! This free programme, care of Tech Nation is aimed at further accelerating the growth of your business.
- Chancellor’s ‘little extras’ will not undo 8 years of cuts to public services, says TUC 29th Oct 2018 Commenting on the 2018 Budget Statement, which set out the government’s spending plans up to 2024, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady had this to say...
- NI Propel Pre-Accelerator countdown begins 26th Oct 2018 If you are an early-stage startup or entrepreneur based in Northern Ireland, you better be quick if you want to apply for the next IGNITE lead Propel Pre-Accelerator programme.
