Seven graduate students from Jiao Tong University invented a mechanized boat which could reduce hyacinth, a floating aquatic plant that poisons waterways by reducing oxygen levels.

Yet to turn their idea into a saleable product may prove more difficult than the invention itself. Although they entrusted a patent agency with marketing, they haven't found any investors.

"The boat still remains in the design stage and is in need of much follow-up work before it finally becomes a marketable product," said Wang Lei, a researcher and instructor at the School of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering.

The invention rivals boats currently in use. With specially installed high-pressure squirt guns, and biological filtering equipment, the boat is able to cut, swallow and pack the water plant in an assembly-like manner.

According to Wang, the model cost about 25,000 yuan (US$3,012) while they estimate a real boat would be about 500,000 yuan. Still, that's only one sixth the price of boats imported from America that are used to clean local waterways.

"Hyacinth inundation is a gnawing problem of late, not only in Shanghai but other places across the country," Wang said. "I got the inspiration after my tour to Yunnan Province years ago."

With the instruction of Wang and the financial support of several professors, the students set off on the journey and devoted all their spare time until they successfully won the first prize at a national university science and technology contest.

"I don't much care whether the boat brings me any substantial benefit," said Wu Jiong, a member of the design team and in the second year of graduate school.

Wu enjoyed dealing with the model making company.

"I learned how to deal with people," he said.

Both Wu and his instructor claimed that since the boat's application is for waterway cleaning -- a non-profit sanitary project -- it's little wonder interest has been subdued.

"It is common in universities for students to create inventions that are unlikely to earn profits," Wang said.

The public sanitation department said it appreciated the "brilliant" effort of students, but that the boat would need to pass many tests before the machine could be put into practical use.

(Shanghai Daily April 27, 2004)