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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.

Piezoelectric power transducers using bolted Langevin designs are well established for converting electrical energy into mechanical vibrations at a specified frequency.  This Challenge is to streamline an existing bolted Langevin transducer design or to submit an alternate design in order to minimize complexity and cost. 

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Popular Science, in partnership with InnoCentive, is requesting original ideas for Lesson Plans for grades 6-8 in five specific science and technology areas. Lesson plans will include a “hands on” activity for students and should cost no more than $50 total in readily available materials. 

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award in each of five categories. Award winners and some runners-up may be featured in Popular Science Magazine and/or in special publications it produces and distributes.

Over time, low-fat batter for baked products sticks to the baking surface. The stuck batter burns and must be removed from the baking surface. The Seeker is looking for creative ideas for reducing either the adhesion of batter to the baking surface or of improving the speed and efficiency of the cleaning process. More information is available in the Challenge description. 

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