By Sam Garcia / Staff writer, with CNA
Taiwanese innovations won 11 gold medals at the 125th edition of the Concours Lépine yesterday, an annual invention competition in Paris.
Among the winners was 15-year-old Kao Hsing-hang’s (高星航) magnetic bicycle pedal clip, an invention to improve safety and convenience inspired by his own cycling accident.
Founded in 1901, Concours Lépine divides hundreds of entries across categories including daily life, artistic creation, health and inclusion, and transportation and industry, while also featuring a dedicated area for digital technologies.
Photo courtesy of Kao Hsing-hang via CNA
Nearly half of the inventions exhibited at Concours Lépine go on to be commercialized, with the ballpoint pen and steam iron among its greatest success stories, organizers said.
“Taiwan has a strong presence at the Concours Lépine,” jury president Rene Lavergne said.
Some of the inventions are sophisticated and complex, while others are simple and easy-to-understand inventions that make everyday life more convenient, Lavergne said.
“Taiwan really embodies the spirit of the Concours Lépine, so we are happy to see Taiwanese inventions in the exhibition,” he added.
Kao’s clipless bicycle pedals use magnets to secure the cyclist’s shoes while riding.
The inventor said his own cycling accident motivated him to develop the system, which he hopes would help more people enjoy cycling.
This year’s inventions incorporated sustainability, industrial applications and spatial design, Taiwanese delegation leader Hsu Chieh-chung (徐捷中) said.
Three of the entrants that won gold medals aim to reduce microplastics, Hsu said.
Paolun Plastics and National United University (NUU) developed stackable dishware to replace plastic wrap, Eason Quantum Fiber created biodegradable 3D printing materials, and Chyau-Shin Precise Co and NUU developed a coffee filter, he said.
Changhua Christian Hospital’s assisted injector, which allows precise injections with one hand, the Morphy automatic cold drip coffee machine by Fulungchang Water Purification, and Well Plum Technology’s built-in kitchen sink cleaning system all received gold medals as well, he said.
Other gold medal-winning inventions included Hiroyu International Trading’s sound-absorbing and noise-reducing curtains, Tsan Feng Sheng’s metal acoustic panels, and Cheng Shiu University’s intelligent earthquake evacuation and safety control system, he added.
The Concours Lépine is being held from April 30 to today, featuring 64 Taiwanese inventions.
The bronze and silver award ceremony is being held separately today.