Inventing is turned into a sport, as a dozen contestants, selected from hundreds of entrants, attempt to make their invention stand out, each one a wildly different original idea. The program’s format allows for a close understanding of the inventions and the inventors who are making them happen. The group of inventors selected are split up into groups of three, and each show then focuses on one group at a time as the three people compete against one another.
Every competitor is provided a budget of $50,000 dollars to optimize their invention – an amount that can be plenty or insufficient depending on the materials and techniques involved for each tool, product or toy. Some are eliminated during each episode while others advance one step further toward their dream.
A group of savvy British producers are the genius behind this show. It was created by Peter Jones, who participated in a similar version in the UK, and produced by Simon Cowell and the producers of American Idol. Their success with other reality shows should be evidence enough that this show has got a lot to offer. There have been just two seasons thus far, and with any luck they will be back with a third season soon.
The show’s inventions range from the weird to the everyday. Some are so simple and unexpected as to be a real contribution to society. One of the first season’s inventors produced a training vest that helps athletes learn to catch a football, particularly aimed at helping receivers. The product is getting an endorsement from Jerry Rice and will actually get manufactured and be available for purchase in the future.
There are other excellent ideas: Who doesn’t want a clip to use when the lock on a bathroom door is broken? And no doubt the world would benefit from a toilet that stopped the spread of bacteria when it flushed. In season two there was an astounding invention that certainly deserved to win – a convertible, backless bra from inventor Elaine Cato.
Happily, even without winning it still landed a big-brand backer and is available through Maidenform. That’s the beauty of the show – although there is inevitably a single person who is given the title of champion and who carries away a cool million in business resources and support, most of the inventions are clever and useful enough that they are developed into marketable products.
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