Rebecca’s Solar-Powered Solution

Innovation is often born from compassion, and Rebecca, a young student from Glasgow, demonstrates exactly that. At the age of twelve, she noticed the struggles of homeless people trying to survive freezing nights on the streets. Rather than turning away, she used her creativity and engineering skills to design a solar-powered backpack that could store energy during the day and transform into a heated blanket at night. Her invention not only showcased technical skill but also a powerful sense of empathy for the people in need out on the streets.

Rebecca’s idea came to life through her participation in the UK Primary Engineer competition, which drew more than 70,000 entries. Her concept stood out because it directly addressed a social issue: the dangers faced by people without shelter in cold weather. Additionally, her concept also issues the fact that many people cannot afford bed equipment. After winning, her design was turned into a real product by an engineering company. Thirty heated backpacks were given to a homeless shelter in Glasgow, and there are plans to expand production further. Rebecca’s work proves that even a single idea from a young person can make a tangible difference in the world.

Ten extraordinary leaders aged 12 to 17 are honored by Time Magazine’s first-ever “Girls of the Year” list, one of them being Rebecca. Rebecca appeared on a digital cover styled as a Lego mini-figure, a fun and symbolic way of celebrating young innovators. Alongside athletes and performers like a French singer and a Japanese skateboarder, Rebecca’s story highlights how diverse talents can inspire change.

What makes Rebecca’s achievement particularly inspiring is her motivation. She did not set out to win awards or seek fame; she simply wanted to help those in need. That sense of purpose and thought is what makes her invention remarkable. She represents the potential of young people everywhere to think beyond themselves and apply knowledge to real-world problems.

Rebecca’s story reminds us that age does not limit impact. With curiosity, creativity, and compassion, anyone—even a 12-year-old—can design something that changes lives.