News / Engineering
Bristol engineering invention named among ‘world changing ideas’
A product developed by a Bristol engineering firm has been named among “world changing ideas” by a leading American business magazine.
Fast Company has recognised The Washing Machine Project (TWMP) for its global contribution in helping communities around the world through its manual washing machine.
Around half of the global population still wash their clothes by hand, with the burden of washing disproportionately falling on women.
Navjot Sawhney, a young British engineer working for Jaguar Land Rover in India several years ago, experienced this first-hand when he met a woman named Divya who struggled under the workload of washing clothes.
The Washing Machine Project team at their headquarters on Felix Road in Easton
Navjot went on to found The Washing Machine Project in 2018, with its headquarters on Felix Road in Easton.
He named the prototype of manual washing machine Divya, designed for places where water and electricity are scarce commodities.
On the recognition, Navjot said: “What started almost ten years ago as a promise to my neighbour in India has grown into a global mission to tackle the burden of handwashing clothes.
“To be recognised by Fast Company as one of this year’s World Changing Ideas is incredible.
“At The Washing Machine Project, our mission is simple: to ensure that washing clothes never holds anyone back from education, work, health, or opportunity.”
Young British engineer Navjot Sawhney (pictured) developed the prototype of Divya manual washing machine after a field trip to India
The manual washing machine has reached around 105,000 people worldwide, and by 2030 the company aims to reach one million people.
He added: “This award belongs to every partner, supporter, volunteer, team member and community who has helped turn a simple promise into something much bigger. We’re just getting started.”
The engineering firm was also recognised by Time magazine in its Best Inventions of 2025 list.
All photos: TWMP
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