I’m the inventor and founder of AirDisc Cooling Technologies which aims to develop revolutionary cooling innovations. I entered the James Dyson Award in 2019 and around this time last year, I attended a seminar held by Dyson where I was introduced to the award and was motivated to apply. I won the National prize in the Philippines and was shortlisted in the global Top 20 inventions.
My invention is a one-of-a-kind cooling approach which does not use chemical refrigerants but simply uses abundant air molecules as the cooling medium. AirDisc Air Conditioner translates to zero global warming potential, drastically reduced energy costs and better pricing compared to conventional ACs. AirDisc is currently patent pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and also pending with the Patent Cooperation Treaty for global protection of intellectual property rights in all countries.
Since winning the national title in the Philippines, we have been in talks with different parties worldwide interested in the technology and have secured pledges for manufacturing. One constraint that we’re currently facing is the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, as we focus on ensuring the health of our people during development.
What advice would you give to future entrants currently working on their applications?
You have to believe in yourself and your entry. Really take the time to understand the requirements of the James Dyson Award so that your application is informative and considered. Put in as much detail about your idea as possible; this doesn’t have to be technical but ensure that your invention is well understood.
“People see things as they are and ask why. I dream of impossible things and ask why not.” This is my approach to design and engineering – seeing people create something out of nothing is truly challenging and inspiring. With perseverance and determination, we can really make seismic changes through design engineering, where the theories and principles of science are materialised and put into human use. People as young as me are given the opportunity to showcase this by taking part in the James Dyson Award.
What do you think the future holds for invention?
I would love to see new inventions and green technologies that will make our Earth a much better place to live in. With the increasing threat of global warming, it is necessary to come up with technical solutions that will directly address the problems accelerating this worldwide issue. I believe that future inventions and technologies will be more considerate of the environment.
For design or engineering students and recent graduates, the James Dyson Award is an international design award, run by the James Dyson Foundation, that inspires, encourages and celebrates budding inventors' new, problem-solving ideas – and provides a platform to launch them. Inspired by Lucy, Solveiga, Maria and Shubham’s journeys? Apply now.