Innovation ChallengeRegister as solver

The Seeker wishes to identify technologists who can apply their skills and experience to one or more of the following key elements of a problem: 1. Filling Technologies for non-Newtonian matrices; 2. Formulating or structuring filling materials to meet demanding mechanical specifications; 3. Monitoring fillings/structures using non-destructive assay technologies. Selected Solvers will be invited to attend an expert problem-solving workshop in the southern United States – travel & accommodation expenses will be covered. 

Problem: How might a complex geometry be reproducibly filled with a non-Newtonian matrix that will withstand demanding physio-chemical environments over many years? In addition how might the integrity of this filling be monitored over time? 

You don’t need to present complete solutions, but you do need to submit detailed ideas to convince the Seeker that you can conceptually apply your expertise to one or more of the above elements! 

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

This Challenge seeks to identify a process for no-waste partitioning of a large item into smaller pieces.  A solution to this Challenge will have both cost-saving as well as environmental benefits by reducing the amount of waste in the Seeker’s process.  The Seeker will strongly consider further collaborative research with the winner(s) of this Challenge.

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research wishes to identify novel avenues for research and therapies to tackle the problem of hyperphagia and resulting obesity in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). The Foundation intends to identify individuals with novel and convincing insights and proposals so that collaborative research opportunities can be identified. Simple literature reviews are not desired – truly novel insights into the mechanisms of hyperphagia in PWS and possible interventions/treatments are required.

This Challenge is sponsored by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as part of its Sanitation Ventures project (http://www.sanitationventures.com/) funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This Challenge seeks a solution that will enable the contained presence of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae in existing pit latrines so they can digest waste and reduce latrine fill rates. Such solutions will greatly enhance the lives of people who live in the most vulnerable communities in developing countries for whom pit latrines are often their only sanitation choice.

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

Photography today is all about the instant when an image is captured.  What technology platform or device would stimulate people to have photographic experiences beyond this instant of exposure, providing a means for people to capture and share their perspective?

The Seeker would like to develop a simple system or approach that can be employed with or as a FAST rope to maintain a fast but safe descent rate without heating or burning the hands of the user, either in conjunction with existing gloves and ropes, or as a replacement to existing components such as gloves or ropes.

Concepts for novel or improved structures and materials that deliver improved absorbency are required. The structure/materialis intended for use in domestic environments to quickly absorb aqueous spills. The concept should be applicable for use with non-woven cellulose-based materials. More information is available within the detailed Challenge description. 

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

The Seeker and InnoCentive desire a new predictive, quantitative economic/financial model that underpins a decision-making framework that R&D-based companies can use to:

1. Optimize the distribution of its R&D budget between expenditures internally and the use of Open Innovation,
2. Decide on which specific R&D projects and/or project tasks are most suitable for Open Innovation, and
3. Assess the costs and benefits of projects using the optimum approach vs. a classical use of primarily internal resources.

The Seeker and InnoCentive will strongly consider further collaboration with winner(s) of this Challenge. 

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

The Challenge is to find a treatment that can reduce the Coefficient of Friction on stainless steel metal parts. It will be a bonus if the solution is applicable to Titanium, Aluminum and other ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. The solution could be a coating or a  surface treatment.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.