Steve Jobs, Herman Heunis (the guy behind MXit), Mark Shuttleworth, Elon Musk… What do these people have in common? They’ve made millions with great ideas turned into inventions. If they can do it, why can’t you?

light bulb


To help you come up with ideas for inventions, keep track of problems you encounter by writing them down in a notebook. For example, how can I avoid spilling my drinks in the car? How can I make it easier for dad to find his keys?  

You also need to understand the difference between an idea and an invention. Ideas are just a starting point. You can’t sell them. So if you do have a great idea, consider that to be step one.  The next step is to find a way to design or describe or draw your invention in as much detail as possible. This way, you might be able to patent it, and then sell it.

There’s nowhere that you can study to be an inventor. Depending on the kind of things you are interested in inventing; it could really help you to have a science, maths or technology background. The most important thing, however, is to have a brain that’s in excellent working order!