Unusual Invention - the waterless Toilet **(coming soon)
by Startacus Admin
When Bill Gates speaks, people generally listen. In a world where the developing world struggles to find fresh water to drink, there is a massive irony that we use fresh water to wash away our ‘c&*p’ when we use the toilet.
So when Bill Gates (he’s a bit of a computer Wizard and Billionaire don’t you know) decided that he would pump a little of his own cash into trying to solve this very issue, by inventing a waterless flushing toilet, quite a bit of interest was shown by 
the global innovation community.
Last month, Gates handed California Institute of Technology based company Caltech the first prize of $100,000 for its’ working model of a solar-powered toilet, where a solar panel produces power to break down faeces and urine into hydrogen gas, which in turn can be used for some power supply usage as well!
Gates also handed out prizes to Britain's Loughborough University and Canada's University of Toronto for their designs and hopes that the science and innovation community can work together to make their creations a viable reality within a few years.
The Bill Gates' Foundation spends around $80 million a year on water, sanitation and hygiene issues so although a $100,000 first prize might seem like a small drop in the ocean, Gates must still be congratulated for confronting this issue heads on.
We reckon there is plenty more to come with this story and will definitely report back when there is more to tell.
Join the Self Start society! If you like what you see here on Startacus and want to get involved yourself, why not become a member of our growing community by joining for free here!
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.
Rent the Backyard will build a studio apartment in your backyard, splitting the rental profits with you 50/50. Intrigued?
Revive was created to bring new life to coffee waste, collecting and recycling used coffee grounds to create a palm oil alternative!
Chilled beers, wines and spirits delivered in one hour, thanks to Edinburgh-based startup Drinkly.
Bubblebum has had its flagship product named as one of the Most Innovative and Most Attractive at the Child Baby & Maternity Expo in China.
Influencer marketing remains largely unchartered territory for many businesses, so here are some tips for getting it right on the first go.
Step forward Raise Accelerator, Northern Ireland's first privately-run startup accelerator. We chatted to three founders from their first cohort.
Rich Maaghul, CEO of ODEM.io explores the future of education and how disruption will transform the way that we learn...
The app that helps you achieve your goal body with easy to follow workouts for the gym or home.
The London based startup that has safer home care provision as its mission
The ethical rewards app Koin Rewards, reimagining loyalty through responsible shopping and tokenisation.
Published on: 25th September 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- IAG’s Hangar 51 takes flight with latest innovation programme 31st Jul 2019 The latest Hangar 51 innovation programme is on the hunt for tech startups with a broad range of aviation industry solutions.
- 10 FMCG startups selected for first Seedrs accelerator 24th Jul 2019 10 FMCG startups selected for the 1st Seedrs FMCG accelerator, which aims to help FMCG startups raise capital on the platform
- 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?
