Water filter wins James Dyson Award

Won for a design for a water filter for bottled water

21 March 2006 0:01 GMT / By Stuart Miles

This year's James Dyson Award, that recognises aspiring engineers and students to problem solve everyday situations with a creative solution, has been won for a design for a water filter for bottled water.

Nick Poteraki from the US beat off 12 other entrants from around the world for his innovative water filter design, "Drop". An environmentally friendly water filter for bottled water, specifically designed for hydration on the go. Drop achieves micro-filtration via a membrane that actually permeates through the water so no space is lost and there is no risk of contamination.

He will receive the James Dyson award prize of £5,000. His University, Purdue in Indiana will also receive a grant of £1,000. And Nick will get mentoring support from Dyson's Research Design and Development team and a chance to meet with James Dyson.

The UK's entry was from Loftus Hall, He entered his invention "Revolver". A cordless multi-bit drill, that does away with the need for having to fiddle around changing parts on a drill. This uses a rotary magazine that accommodates four tools, which can be changed simply by holding a switch and turning it. Loftus graduated from Bournemouth University last year and has now joined Dyson's engineering team in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

A touring exhibition of the winners commences in Malmesbury, Wiltshire today and then heads on to Cologne, Amsterdam and Paris.

Entries were received from Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, UK, and the USA.