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.
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: 25th 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.
