Entrepreneur Richard Turere on Tuesday, July 4, won the Young Inventors Prize beating three other contestants.
In the competition organised by the European Patent Office (EPO), Turere was recognised for his Lion Lights invention that deters lions from attacking livestock enclosures.
He was awarded Ksh3 million (€20 000) while the second Filipa de Sousa Rocha (Portuguese), and third Fionn Ferreira (Ireland), candidates were awarded Ksh1.5 million (€10 000) and Ksh766,800 (€5 000) respectively.
Turere was among the shortlisted candidates in the 30 under 30 category. The Young Inventors Prize recognises the initiative and creativity of young people.
“The innovation shown by this year’s winners, in the face of the modern world’s many shared challenges, such as sustainability, the energy transition, and social inequality, is a source of inspiration. Through the European Inventor Award, the European Patent Office celebrates their work and the progress it represents," stated EPO President António Campinos.
Raised in Kitengela, Turere grew up looking after the family cattle at nine years old. He dedicated his time to finding a solution after lions killed at least nine cows in one week.
The young man observed that the lions refrained from approaching whenever a flashlight was switched on, inspiring his idea.
Turere experimented with different materials including LED lights and first tested the product by placing it about 15 metres away from the cattle to trick the lions.
In 2013, Turere established the Lion Lights organization, extending its distribution to other areas plagued by frequent lion attacks.
At the age of 13, Turere appeared on TED Talks to share his idea and won a scholarship at Brookhouse School.
Currently, his invention is used in Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Argentina, and India.
Besides the Young Inventors Prize, EPO presented various competitors with the European Inventor Award, Popular Prize, and the Lifetime Achievement Award among others.
Over 600 candidates from 12 countries made submissions. The entries came from Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, and the United States.
