The Odd Invention Challenge, spearheaded by ODDKA (a range of curiously flavoured spirit-drinks) and Colin Furze, inventor of the world’s fastest pram, aims to re-ignite Britain’s passion for invention and get the best ideas out there in the open to be tried and tested.
Colin has already built prototypes of two previously winning inventions – a karaoke shower and an instant freezing microwave (dubbed the freezer-wave). Maybe these useful ideas will get your creative juices flowing.
Along with the establishment of this competition, ODDKA surveyed some of Britain’s 18-24 year-olds, and found out that athough many (32%) listed inventor as their dream job – ahead of Olympic athlete, pilot and famous singer – they have never gotten their ideas off the ground. This is often because, quite frankly, nobody really needs a pineapple holder or an electric beer feeding device (though they may want the latter); but it’s also because most people don’t get any further than sharing their ideas with their mates at the pub.
This challenge could be just the boost this country’s young creative need to get word out about their wonderful ideas. It could also inspire many to find out who invented the devices they spend the majority of their days using.
Many 18-24 year-olds are aware that Katie Price ate a kangaroo anus in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, yet they have no idea that Alexander Graham Bell, Louis Pasteur or Tim Berners-Lee are famous inventors. In fact, more than one in ten of those questioned by ODDKA thought Thomas Edison was a reality TV star.
Colin Furze, self-confessed odd inventor, said: “Britain was once proud of being a leader in invention. The Odd Invention Challenge is a fantastic way of getting young people in the UK to get their invention caps on and reignite the creativity we were once famed for… even if it’s with a ridiculous idea similar to one of my latest contraptions: a giant bum designed to launch a gigantic fart at France.”
If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for your own useful contraptions and flamboyant devices, take a look at some of Colin’s own inventions: the world’s first ice bike, with Uniqlo; the ultimate tuk tuk with Playstation; and the world’s first fully functioning Wolverine claws
Pinpoint a problem (even if people don’t yet realise it’s a problem, they will when your invention comes out) then create your own warped solution – it’s as simple as that!
Our advice is to get a few drinks down you before brainstorming ideas at the pub best of luck!
To find out more about ODDKA and to see the weird and wonderful submissions to the Odd Invention Challenge, visit: www.oddinvention.com.
Keep an eye on the website for the next competition if you want to have a go yourself!
