First, he invented a drink and now there will be a museum named after him, the Cade Museum for Invention and Innovation. But let’s start from the beginning.

Robert Cade was born in September 1927, in San Antonio, Texas, and worked most of his life at the medical school at the University of Florida. During his career at the University he was the lead inventor of Gatorade, which is now a well known product of PepsiCo and distributed into 80 countries.

Like many inventors, his main aim was to find a solution to a common everyday challenge: How can sports men quickly replenish the liquid they lose in sweat during a tournament? They need more than just water, they also need carbohydrates and electrolytes. He developed a drink for the athletic team of the University called „the Gators“, where the name Gatorade derives from.

Although Gatorade is his best know invention, Dr Cade was interested in many other fields. Among others, his numerous inventions also include the first shock dissipating football helmet and he was also a musician and collected Violins.

In 2008, the Cade Museum Foundation had announced that the Depot Park in Gainsville, Florida, had been selected as location. The museum will be built in 3 phases and will inspire future entrepreneurs and inventors through exhibitions, creativity programs and many other events.

The Foundation has been supporting Florida inventors for many years and just recently announced the 2012 Cade Museum Prize, giving away $50,000 in prize money for the successful candidate. This prize should encourage and inspire the work of all Florida inventors and early-stage entrepreneurs, says Phoebe Miles Cade, President of the Cade Museum Foundation.