Bright ideas to see light of day

If you're in the market for a better pair of pole-climbing shoes, or you want to hear someone speak while you're underwater, you may soon be in luck.

Yesterday 12 innovators from the Western Cape were awarded R6.5-million to develop these and other ideas.

They were among 151 applicants to the Design Innovation Seed Fund launched almost a year ago by the Cape Craft and Design Institute.

Other innovations that made the cut included an automatic bag- packing machine and a solar-powered pool cleaner.

Stroketech developed a bone conduction headset that allows swimmers to listen to someone while underwater. It can be used by coaches to give instructions.

The co-developer of the product, Thys Pretorius, said the cheekbone-mounted device allowed the skull to act in place of eardrums.

"It uses a similar method to what Beethoven used when he went deaf," said Pretorius.

The latest version of the product includes a music player.

Ajax Manufacturing, led by operations manager Ann Cole, has developed lightweight aluminium shoes for "professionals" who climb poles - the kind used for electrical or telephone lines.

"What's in the market place currently is clunky," said Cole. "Our shoes allow you to stand on the same level as if it were a platform."

The craft and design institute's Winston Richards said the immediate target was for the products to get closer to commercialisation.

"The opportunity for success for these products is very good. They went through a rigorous selection process that looked at product innovation, commercial viability and the team's ability to deliver."