If you have heard any of my presentations on Hungary, you probably remember a few of the numerous Hungarian inventions that mankind has benefited from, including the ball point pen, the modern computer, the hologram, the vitamin C and the modern transformer. You may even know about the Rubik`s cube and you are probably a frequent user of Microsoft Word/Excel, which were developed under the guidance of Hungarian Charles Simonyi.
We are very proud of these achievements, but it is always interesting to look at contemporary inventions and innovations.
Today I would like to present 3 recent Hungarian products that are making waves around the world in their respective categories.
Teqball - a revolutionary sport equipment
Did you know that this young game that was invented by a Hungarian former professional soccer player debuted as a new sport in June 2019 in Cape Verde at the African Beach Games? Teqball is basically the name of the innovatively designed table (so, it is a sports equipment really), that helps increase skills, concentration and stamina for games that require a good command of the ball, including soccer, tennis, volleyball, table tennis etc. It enhances your passing techniques, fine-tunes ball handling skills and increases player confidence.
I have to admit, the table itself looks weird at first, but you know these Hungarian guys have something going on for them, when Teqball is endorsed by soccer legends such as Ronaldinho, Luis Figo, Christian Karembeu, Nuno Gomes, just to name a few.
Teqball ambassadors and enthusiasts have recently launched an international federation called FITEQ. So, this is going to be big!
Just so you know that I am not making this up, here is an article on Teqball from Sport24: https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/International/watch-the-wacky-sport-that-arsenal-use-in-training-20181014
Lapidaris – a new way of remembering your loved ones.
Hungarians, and I believe Europeans in general have a very strong spiritual connection with deceased relatives and loved ones. It is customary to go to the cemetery with your family and pray, reminisce and commemorate those, that are no longer with us.
Cemeteries in general are well maintained, graves are groomed, decorated with fresh flowers, wreaths and candles on a regular basis. Some cemeteries are home to some remarkably crafted grave sculptures, and family tombs.
On the Day of the Dead (2nd November), Hungarian families visit the cemeteries to commemorate lost relatives, friends, and on this evening you will find many burning candles, flowers in the graveyards.
This is a very sacred, deeply rooted tradition in Hungarian culture.
A young Hungarian inventor, Máté Berencsi decided to combine modern technology with this traditional culture of commemoration to form a unique experience and remembrance for those, who have passed away. He created Lapidaris.
Litracon - light transmitting concrete
Architect Aron Losonczi invented the world’s first commercially available transparent concrete (Litracon) a combination of optical fibres and fine concrete. It can be produced as prefabricated building blocks and has become a firm favourite amongst interior designers and architects.
Due to their small size the fibres blend into concrete becoming a component of the material like small pieces of aggregate. In this manner, the result is not only two materials – glass in concrete – mixed, but a third, new material, which is homogeneous in its inner structure and on its main surfaces as well.
As Litracon is basically handmade each block has an individual pattern of light. A cool thing about transparent concrete: it is now available as jewelry too!
It was listed among the most important inventions of year 2004 by TIME magazine.
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