The winner of the James Dyson Award in 2009 was AUTOMIST by Yusuf Muhammad and Paul Thomas.
In recognition of their victory, they have won £10,000 to develop their design. £10,000 will also be awarded to their university department to support the development of future projects by other promising students.
Read about the winning entry, as well as the fifteen international finalists, here.
2009 Finalist
The Contortionist. UK
Problem:
Current folding bikes on the market seemed to be either not compact enough for everyday use or too much of a compromise, with small wheels and ergonomically poor frames.
Development:
A long long time drawing, computer modelling, simulating, drawing, model making, prototyping, testing prototypes, rethinking, drawing, computer modelling, more prototypes, model making refining...
Solution:
Contortionist is a folding bike where all the parts fit in between the circumference of its 26inch wheels when folded up. Once unfolded, the bike cannot fold back on itself while riding. The wheels rotate when folded up so the folded package can be wheeled along rather having to be carried.
2009 Finalist - F.i.n.e.