Bill Gates Offers Grant for ‘Next Generation Condom’

[Jazzy]

Bill Gates’ latest project gives a whole new meaning to the old Microsoft slogan, “Your potential. Our Passion.”



The Microsoft founder and its former CEO is getting out of software and into, er, hardware.



Gates will give a $100,000 grant to whoever can invent the “next generation condom” through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Grand Challenges in Global Health. The estimated 80 grant recipients can then apply for a follow-up grant worth up to $1 million.



“Is it possible to develop a product without this stigma, or better, one that is felt to enhance pleasure?” the Grand Challenge prompt asks. ”If so, would such a product lead to substantial benefits for global health, both in terms of reducing the incidence of unplanned pregnancies and in prevention of infection with HIV or other STIs [sexually transmitted infections]?”



The challenge prompt notes that condoms are effective at preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections like HIV, but their design hasn’t changed in centuries and people just don’t want to use them. As such, Gates is asking inventors to create something that does the job, but increases condom desirability by preserving sensation and enhancing user experience.



The deadline for proposal submissions is May 7. Winners will be notified in November.

Source



Somehow the words `micro' and `soft' don't seem to go with the word condom.

Any way, got any suggestions for Gates?

 

[Evil Eye]

I guess this shouldn't be too surprising. The puns are delicious though

“Is it possible to develop a product without this stigma, or better, one that is felt to enhance pleasure?”

They're going to have to do side-by-side comparisons with a large sample group.

 

[Jazzy]

Does the winner have to model it?

 

[Evil Eye]

Heh, who knows

 

[Jazzy]

If they need any testers, hope they give me a call!