A 12-year-old from Huddersfield has won the Institution of Engineering & Technology’s (IET) national ‘Backpack to the Future’ competition. The winning entry ‘blew away’ judges with a design that filters polluted air, helping 8 million people in the UK who suffer the often-crippling effects of asthma.

The IET teamed up with global lifestyle brand HYPE, challenging youngsters to supercharge fashion with STEM and invent a backpack that helps them do incredible things. Eleanor Wood’s ‘Breathe Better Backpack’ – touchingly inspired by her Mum’s experience with asthma – features a built-in air filter and fans, powered sustainably by solar panels and a dynamo.
For further information www.engineer-a-better-world.org