Gates hosted the Reinvent the Toilet Fair in Seattle, Wash. Tuesday and Wednesday, showcasing the designs and working prototypes of eight design finalists from around the world, who followed though on his August 2011 challenge to reinvent the toilet. The former Microsoft chief invited innovators to create a product that could function without water pipes, a sewer connection or outside electricity, while costing less than 5 cents per day to honor. The eight universities that presented at the fair received a cumulative $400,000 to develop their prototypes.
The winning toilet came from California Institute of Technology, receiving $100,000 for its model of a solar-powered toilet that generates hydrogen and electricity. The second place toilet, hailing from the UK”s Loughborough University receives $60,000 for its toilet that produces biological charcoal, minerals and clean water. The third prize winner, from the University of Toronto, receives $40,000 for its toilet that sanitizes human waste.
Other prototypes presented at the fair include a toilet powered by the sun that generates cooking gas and a toilet that turns waste into electricity.
Take a look at some Reinvent the Toilet Challenge finalists and let us know which you think should be mass produced. Can a reinvented toilet be a game changer for the developing world? Is Gates properly directing his energies and funds? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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