Reinvent The Toilet Challenge
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Inadequate, or non-existent toilets cause the diseases currently filling half of all hospital beds in the developing world. In response, the Gates Foundation initiated a challenge to bring sustainable solutions to the 2.5 billion people worldwide who don't have access to safe, affordable sanitation.
Grants were awarded to researchers at numerous universities, each taking a novel approach to the problem. One of the most noted systems is the Blue Diversion, developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology. They developed a toilet which recycles water for flushing and cleaning. A subsequent model, shown below, is completely self-contained and suitable for deployment off-the-grid.
Earlier this year I supported one of the grant winners undertaking design of a convertible toilet fixture. Their novel approach accommodated the varied toileting positions favored across the world using a single device.
I located resources within institutions willing to assist, including Doctors Without Borders, CARE and Boston University. I participated in early brainstorming, analyzed the competitive landscape and identified both project risks and mitigations. I also developed user analysis covering the practices and customs of specific, developing markets.
