The IET celebrates 150 years of Inventive Value
The IET crowns the 15 most valuable inventions of the last 150 years
Bengaluru:The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), one of the leading technology organizations with over 158,000 members worldwide in 153 countries, celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and honours the most valuable technological innovations of the 150 years. The list comprises discoveries and advancements that have contributed significantly to humanity, the planet, society, and the economy, making their marks throughout our lives.
As part of the celebrations, the IET has thrown open its treasure trove archives, uncovering countless hidden gems that tell unique stories of each invention’s histories. From journals dating back to the 1920s through to brilliantly ‘inventive’ recipes for families to ‘cook’ and store in their fridges – the archives bring to life the colourful, and often bizarre, stories behind some of our most valued technologies: from prototype to world changing final product. A simple Fridge, which is a widely available technology, has been also used for sharper relief in rolling out vaccine programmes in recent times.
Voted by an esteemed panel of IET members, the list highlights the incredible impact that science and technology have on everyday life; from store cupboards to travel, healthcare to communication, the top 15 have profoundly changed humanity across the globe.
Santhosh Kumar CEng Ph.D, Global Technology Head, WS Atkins who was part of the selection process said “It was a great experience to reflect on over 100 engineering inventions that changed the world to arrive at a long-list and then at a shortlist. Reflecting on the impact that these engineering inventions have had on our lives and will continue to have for years to come is indeed a befitting way to celebrate 150 years of the IET, which has always been at the forefront of technology. I hope this list serves as a reminder of the engineering genius in our history and as a source of inspiration and guides engineers working on myriad problems and looking for unique solutions.”