Entrants were asked to submit ideas for alternative uses for cool gizmos developed by a number of hi-tech Cambridge companies.

A robot door opener, an interactive recipe book and an automatic school register were just some of the imaginative ideas submitted in a great gadget competition.

The mini i-Teams What would you use that for? Contest was run at the Institute for Manufacturing as part of the Cambridge Science Festival.

Entrants were asked to submit ideas for alternative uses for cool gizmos developed by a number of hi-tech Cambridge companies.

Putting their tech to the test were Light Blue Optics – makers of an interactive projector which turns any surface into a virtual touchscreen; Sureflap an automatic catflap which uses cat microchip ID tags; Audio Analytic makers of sound detection software, Cambridge Temperature Concepts temperature monitor.

Also taking part in the event were ARM who showcased their mbed processor.

The winning entries were as follows:

• Hannah Whitehouse, 13. She suggested the projector could be used for a recipe book, users would be able to see their favourite recipes without having to wash your hands or get your computer messy
• William Giddings, 10, said the catflap technology could be used to protect lunch boxes, the tag would prevent people stealing your sandwiches!
• Lucas Burr, 7, also had a suggestion for the catflap. He wanted to create a super reliable automatic school register, a tag would be inserted in a child's shoe, automatically ticking them off when they entered the classroom.
• Jim Carrington, in the 15 and over category won for his suggestion that the sound detection software could be used as a bin lorry sound detector, waking you up to make sure you have put the bin out.

The winners will all receive a science-themed toy for their efforts and a special certificate of their award-winning idea.

• For pictures from the IfM's Science Festival event and more please click here

Download the full press release here