Glasgow Schoolgirl Designs Solar-Powered Heated Blanket for the Homeless

Twelve-year-old Rebecca Young from Glasgow has made headlines with her innovative design: a heated blanket powered by solar panels and integrated into a backpack. Inspired by the sight of homeless people sleeping on the streets of her city, Rebecca created the product to help those in need stay warm during cold nights.

A student at Kelvinside Academy, Rebecca developed the idea as part of the UK Primary Engineer competition. Competing against over 70,000 students across the UK, she won the top prize – the MacRobert Commendation Medal – awarded through a public vote. Her entry stood out for its creativity, social relevance, and potential real-world impact.

Motivated by the visible issue of homelessness in Glasgow, Rebecca chose to tackle this challenge with a practical, compassionate approach. She spent time researching existing products like sleeping bags and backpacks to inform her design. Her final concept included a lightweight, portable backpack that unfolds into a heated blanket, powered entirely by solar energy.

Rebecca’s design not only won the Scottish regional round but also triumphed in the national competition. The Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal is supported by The MacRobert Trust, Primary Engineer, and The WEIR Group PLC, aiming to inspire young people to explore engineering as a way to address real-world problems.

“It’s amazing to think something I’ve designed might one day help someone on the streets,” Rebecca said. “You see so many people sleeping rough, and I always felt sorry seeing how cold they must be. I wanted to create something that could actually make a difference.”

Engineering company Thales, a supporter of the Primary Engineer initiative, was so impressed with Rebecca’s idea that they chose to turn it into a working prototype. Their engineers used copper wiring for the heating element, flexible frames for easy folding, and solar panels for energy. The first version of the prototype was delivered to Rebecca’s school, where she had the chance to hold and test the product she had imagined.

Rebecca’s invention has been showcased at events across Scotland, including Barony Hall, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Glasgow. These events offered her a taste of what a future career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) might look like. Her family, including her younger sister, were proud supporters throughout the process.

While she also plays drums in a band called The Girls, this experience has made Rebecca seriously consider a future in engineering. Her teacher and mentor at Kelvinside Academy’s Innovation School, Leigh Goldie, praised her creativity and empathy.

“It’s incredible to see such insight and innovation from someone so young,” Goldie said. “Rebecca’s work is a brilliant example of how young people can turn compassion into real solutions. If she continues on this path, the future looks very bright for her.”

Thales engineers are hopeful that the prototype can be further developed, and possibly patented for mass production. The project has given Rebecca valuable experience in how engineering turns an idea into something tangible – a rare and exciting opportunity for someone her age.

Colin Scouller, Head of Engineering Early Careers at Thales UK, emphasized the importance of inspiring young people through such initiatives. “We’re proud to sponsor Primary Engineer. Programs like these help build the next generation of engineers, and we look forward to continuing our support.”

Rebecca’s story is a powerful reminder of how creativity, empathy, and engineering can come together to make a real difference in the world.