TOYOTA Australia's president has praised the innovative thinking of a Bendigo student for his concept which prevents drivers from locking children and animals in vehicles. 

Girton Grammar School student Xavier Dole, 12, presented his idea to Dave Buttner, along with Toyota directors, designers and engineers. 

Mr Buttner said Xavier's research was impressive.

"I really liked the way he had done his research. He knew what was happening overseas, he knew what was happening in Australia. He knew the impact on heat on the human body, he knew the statistics, he knew how many rescues the Metropolitan Fire Brigade has done in a year," Mr Buttner said. 

"He knew what the legislation was regarding leaving children and animals locked in cars. So he had done a lot of research into the subject. He had a good knowledge, he did well."

ICL or 'I can't leave' is a safety feature that works to prevents cars' central locking systems from working while there's a person or animal inside. The system was designed to prevent deaths and serious injury to children and pets left in hot cars. The innovation works through a series of sensors which detect body heat and movement. If detected, the innovation sets off the vehicle's alarm. 

Xavier entered the concept into this year's Bendigo Inventor Awards. He won the youth category. 

Mr Buttner said Xavier's concept warranted further consideration as it offered a point of difference.

"Any innovation that can improve occupant safety should be given serious consideration. There are features along similar lines but not where you are detecting the heat," he said. 

"We will certainly pass the idea to our engineering group in Japan and let them have a look at it and give us some impression and opinion."

Mr Buttner said Xavier should be commended for his thinking outside the square. 

"It reinforces in my mind the quality of our young people. We hear a lot about the negatives of our young people and we don't focus enough on the positives," he said. 

"I think it demonstrates quite clearly the importance of a nurturing family and school environment."

The Bendigo Inventor Awards has a new slant this year, with the focus on inventions and innovations that help improve the emergency services sector. 

Mr Buttner said Toyota was always looking at developing innovation to improve safety. 

"Our philosophy is very much customer first," he said. 

"It's important that we encourage this sort of innovation because that's where great ideas come from."