A year ago, his
foundation issued a challenge to universities to create a new toilet,
launching a worldwide effort to improve sanitation.
This week the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced who won the challenge.
California Institute of
Technology was the big winner and was awarded $100,000 for its idea of a
solar-powered toilet that generates hydrogen and electricity. The
United Kingdom's Loughborough University won second place and was
awarded $60,000 for a toilet that produces biological charcoal,
minerals, and clean water. The University of Toronto in Canada garnered
third place and $40,000 for a toilet that sanitizes feces and urine and
recovers resources and clean water.
The new commodes are being showcased at a "Reinvent the Toilet Fair" Tuesday and Wednesday in Seattle.
The foundation also
announced a second round of grants totaling some $3.4 million to
organizations that are working to innovative latrines.
While many may not want
to ponder creative ideas about human waste, the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation says these creations are vitally important.
About 2.5 billion people
don't have access to modern toilets, and this lack of access encourages
the spread of diarrheal diseases, which are blamed for the deaths of 1.5
million children each year, according to the World Health Organization.
"Innovative solutions
change people's lives for the better," Bill Gates said. "If we apply
creative thinking to everyday challenges, such as dealing with human
waste, we can fix some of the world's toughest problems."
The fair in Seattle will also bring together researchers, designers and investors from 29 countries, the Gates foundation says.
"Imagine what's possible
if we continue to collaborate, stimulate new investment in this sector,
and apply our ingenuity in the years ahead," said Gates. "Many of these
innovations will not only revolutionize sanitation in the developing
world, but also help transform our dependence on traditional flush
toilets in wealthy nations."
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