05/01/12

Kent inventor Alexander Bushell creates hunger-busting system

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Kent inventor Alexander Bushell aims to eliminate world hunger with his award-winning germination and seedling system.

The solar-powered mobile plant factory developed at Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, can grow almost any type of seeded crops, so vital in humanitarian and disaster areas and offering ready-to-eat crops in seven days.

Bushell's Solar Grow 1 (SG1) is set to transform food production and was recently named "British and World Invention of the Year."

Once on site, SG1 analyses soil and water resources and immediately begins crop growth.

It fits a shipping container and is fully habitable with toilet, shower and detachable tent. It comes with "plug and go" deep well pumps and a rain collection system, and can even desalinate seawater.

Mr Bushell, who set up a company Boundless Horizons to develop and market the product, said: "The beauty of SG1 is that it is fully self-contained and is so easy to use that even someone with only a passing knowledge of agriculture can be trained in its use within hours."

Kent Science Park site director James Speck added: "We have always encouraged and supported Alex and hope that this new, potentially world changing invention receives the success and exposure that it deserves, for the benefit of everyone."