In the spirit of Innovation Nation we’ve taken a look back at some of the great British technology inventions of the past. Our country’s pioneers have revolutionised industries with their innovative designs. They’ve recognised the opportunities and have sculpted ideas that have shaped the modern world. In the last 200 years, technology has been put to good use to make things possible that were previously unheard of:
1812 – Charles Babbage invented the ‘Difference Engine’ and then later the ‘Analytical Engine’. Not household names today, but these inventions were actually the beginning of the computer. 100 years later the computer became a reality and it’s been evolving ever since.
1821 – Michael Faraday first came up with idea of the electric motor through his work in electromagnetism. These motors are now found in everything from industrial machinery to household appliances.
1876 –Alexander Graham Bell was awarded the first patent for the electric telephone opening up communications around the world. And where would Virgin Media Business be without it?
1925 –John Logie Baird, a Scottish engineer,invented the television. In 1925 he demonstrated the first transmission of moving images and in 1928, the first colour transmission.
1979 – The first Digital Audio Player was invented by Kane Kramer. The IXI was developed in 1979 and offered 3.5 minutes playback. 20 years later and iPods and mp3 players have the ability to save hundreds of thousands of songs, making the daily commute a bit more enjoyable!
1989- Tim Berners-Lee revolutionised modern business with the invention of the World Wide Web. In 1989 he put together a proposal for an information management system using Hypertext Transfer Protocol. Now we have a world of information at our fingertips and e-commerce is an industry in its own right.
But so many innovations never receive the recognition they deserve, which is why we created Innovation Nation. We want to ensure that mid-size and large organisations, as well as individuals, that have displayed innovativeflair are celebrated.
If you think you’ve got the UK’s most innovative project, then share it with our judges and enter theInnovation Nation Awards. The deadline is looming so don’t hesitate to enter. I look forward to sharing the results with you in May.
