Among top 20 student entries.
Dyson has revealed the top 20 shortlist for its James Dyson Award with three Australian innovations in the mix and for the first time, a 50/50 split between female and male inventors. It is also the first time Australia and New Zealand have had four entries in the top 20 for the Award.
This year’s shortlist highlight designs beyond form and function, with an increasing consideration of social and environmental impact of the manufacturing process and materials used.
Dyson vice president of design and new technology, Peter Gammack described the breadth and ambition of this year’s entries as outstanding. “Young engineers are restless in the face of global issues and they see technology as a catalyst for creating a better future. They demonstrate how simple ingenious concepts have the power to revolutionise the way people live.”
Chosen by Dyson engineers from thousands of finalists in 27 participating nations, these 20 projects will now be presented to Sir James Dyson who will select the overall winner and two runners-up.
The Australian and New Zealand innovations in the shortlist include:
- Winner of the James Dyson Award Australia: Gecko Traxx (pictured) – a portable and affordable manual wheelchair accessory for off-road access – designed by Ryan Tilley from RMIT University
- Runner-up of James Dyson Award Australia: Eddy – a washing machine accessory that reduces filaments released from synthetic clothing when washing – designed by Alexander Ghent from University of New South Wales
- Runner-up of James Dyson Award Australia: Continuity – a non-invasive diabetic device that monitors glucose levels – designed by female engineer, Frederique Sunstrum from University of New South Wales
- Runner-up of James Dyson Award New Zealand – Nah Yeah Buoy – an adaptive system for water safety designed to identify rip currents near beaches and alert lifeguards and water users – designed by female engineers, Hannah Tisley and Chamonix Stuart.