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sciencebusiness
Monitoring Electrical Cable Challenge: The Future of Underground Inspection
Duquesne Light Company ("DLC") is launching the $750,000 "Monitoring Electrical Cable Challenge: The Future of Underground Inspection." This exciting challenge is looking for solutions for monitoring the health of Paper-Insulated (PILC), Solid Dielectric (EPR), and systems with a combination of both cable types to enable proactive maintenance of DLC's underground electrical network and provide an ever-safer environment for customers, employees, and the public. In addition to the prize money, winners will work with DLC on a contract to deploy the technology across an underground electrical grid.
business
The Percy Hobart Fellowship
The Percy Hobart Fellowship is a full-time learning programme for all British Armed Forces personnel to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship--they are looked for startups to host fully-funded placements for participants. Does this sound like you? Learn more at the link below!
creativehealth
Preventing Adverse Childhood Events
ACEs, or adverse childhood events, are stressful events occurring in childhood with lifelong impacts on health and behaviour. How can they be prevented? Individuals, communities and society pay a huge cost in dealing with the effect of ACEs - wasted lives, premature death, effect on communities e.g. anti-social behaviour, healthcare, justice, education costs i.e. tax revenues.
health
Improved Formulation of an Oral Peptide Drug
Oral administration of therapeutic peptides is hindered by poor absorption across the gastrointestinal barrier and extensive degradation by proteolytic enzymes. Due to the inherent physicochemical properties of peptides (high molecular weight, enzymatically labile, hydrophilicity, and low permeability), attempts to deliver peptides via the oral route have been broadly unsuccessful. Recently, an oral tablet form of semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) was approved by the FDA, EMA, and PMDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Drug absorption in this formulation is contingent upon a dosing regimen with certain food and liquid intake requirements. The Seeker is interested in a potential new oral formulation with no or minimum dosing restrictions related to food and liquid.
SET Award 2022
The Start Up Energy Transition Award is an international competition for start-ups and young companies worldwide who are working on ideas affecting global energy transition and climate change. In the last five years, the award has received more than 2,300 applications from 102 countries. SET is powered by the German Energy Agency (dena), in cooperation with the World Energy Council. Find out more at the link below!
creative
Alliance for Rural Electrification | Photo Contest
The goal of the “ARE Photo Contest: Sustainable Decentralised Electricity to Power a Green and Equitable Recovery” is to raise awareness and promote the critical importance of decentralised renewable energy (DRE) to advance the COVID-19 green recovery agenda. The following information must be included in the submission:
businessscience
Advanced Wildfire Detection at Power Plants
A wildfire is a destructive and uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation. Causes of wildfire include lightning, human carelessness (e.g. campfires, fireworks, smoldering cigarettes), and burning debris. Recently, climate change and drought have contributed to an increasing number of wildfires, thus, Enel Green Power is searching for a technology to be installed upon renewable power plant properties, which can provide ultra-early detection of these events.
Interface Protection Unit for Distributed Renewable Resources Generators
With the growing use of Distributed Renewable Resources Generators (DRRG) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems worldwide there is increased need for interface protection units utilizing robust methods to ensure accurate islanding detection with no nuisance tripping for systems connected to the distribution network. The Seeker for this Challenge, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), is looking for innovative solutions for Loss of Mains (LoM) detection that overcome the known limitations of current technologies in order to provide increased protection for personnel and equipment.
sciencedatahealth
Building Malaria Modeling Capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa
This RFP seeks innovative approaches to building a stronger malaria mathematical modeling ecosystem in sub-Saharan Africa. We are looking for 1 to 3 years projects that will achieve one or more of the objectives below:
Applications for EMPOWER Innovation Accelerator Now Open
Applications are now open for the first cohort of EMPOWER, a 16-week accelerator for women, transwomen, and non-binary people in STEM in Arkansas that have an innovation that they would like to explore ways to bring their idea and/or research to market through accessing non-dilutive federal funding.
Automated Solution for Cable Preparation and Accessory Installation
Enel Global Infrastructures and Networks S.r.l. is searching for collaboration partners to provide an instrument or tool able to prepare a cable and automatically install an accessory on medium voltage (MV) lines of the distribution networks of Enel Group Distribution Companies. The device must be able to perform the necessary operations with minimal operator intervention.
ELO Land and Soil Management Award
The prize rewards land use and soil management practices mitigating soil threats i.e. soil degradation, erosion, reduction of organic matter content, diffuse contamination, and compaction as well as the reduction of soil biodiversity, salinization, sealing, flooding and landslides. In doing so, the award sheds light on outstanding achievements, encouraging new concepts of land and soil protection and their implementation in land management, as well as enhancing awareness about the importance of land and soil functions.
data
Parity Project Innovation Challenge
The Parity Project Innovation Challenge asks Boulé-Base 11 Fellow candidates to propose solutions that can help bridge the historic disparities that Black Americans face in key career fields and STEM industries. A complete Proposal for Parity will consist of background research on your chosen disparity, an innovative solution for addressing the inequality, and an action plan that describes how you would implement your vision.
2022 Ocean Awareness Contest
The 2022 Ocean Awareness Contest—THE FUNNY THING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE—challenges students to learn about climate change and its impact on the ocean, and to explore new ways to communicate the urgency of the climate crisis. We are looking for innovative pieces that challenge our expectations for what climate change messaging should look like.
Mary Kay Gender Equality Challenge
Pre-Covid, decades of data demonstrated the rise of women in the workforce. Even though the wage gap persisted, more women were joining the labour market every year. But pandemic job losses disproportionately impacted women and since 2020, the uphill climb to workforce equality has grown even steeper. A significant number of women were forced to drop out of the labour force entirely in order to care for children or other relatives during the pandemic – and now they're being left behind in the economic recovery.
creativedata
UK Black Tech Survey
UKBT is working on a white paper to explore the future of smart cities through three lenses: Architecture, Technology and Communities. We hope to publish the report later this year! Let’s Hear Your Voice: We have created a short survey where you can share your views on how tech will transform local communities.
Carbon Zero Grand Challenge
Singapore’s national water agency, PUB is #crowdsourcing innovative ideas to remove carbon emissions from its water treatment facilities. Think you have a solution? Take part in the Carbon Zero Grand Challenge today!
Sustainable and Economical Peat Replacement Challenge
Peat, a naturally occurring material of partially decomposed plants and other organic matter, is the primary material used for decades to grow plants in pots and containers. Harvesting peat has a significant environmental impact and there is great pressure to reduce its use worldwide. Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL), the Seeker for this Challenge, is looking for sustainable and economical alternatives to the use of peat for horticultural applications. Does this sound like you? Click the link below to find out more!
GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation
On November 9, during the Science and Innovation day at COP26, the GSMA announced the launch of the GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation. This new Fund will help accelerate the testing, adoption and scalability of digital innovations that enable the world’s most vulnerable populations to adapt, anticipate and absorb the negative impacts of climate change. The GSMA is looking for start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Latin America and Eastern Europe that leverage digital technology, particularly mobile, to deliver climate resilience and adaptation solutions to and with low-income and vulnerable populations.*
Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2021 - Round 2
Help build a greener future for our planet with the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2021! Enterprise Singapore (ESG) is collaborating with key industry partners to launch the third edition of the challenge with challenge statements in key sustainability areas such as sustainable materials, waste management, and many more. Does this sound like you? Click the link below!
Western Power Distribution | Network Innovation Alliance
Are you an energy innovator? Western Power Distribution, serving the Midlands, South West, and Wales, wants to hear from you!
Reduction of Residual Current in Distributed Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Over the past two decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the penetration of renewables within the global energy mix particularly for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Solar PV systems are renewable energy based technologies which generate electricity by harnessing energy from the sun. Although there have been several improvements in the technology itself, the presence of residual current particularly within distributed scale PV systems is a safety issue which is yet to be fully resolved. Hence, distributed PV systems currently mandate installation within confined electrical operating spaces to ensure end user safety. The Seeker for this Challenge, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), is looking for solutions that reduce or eliminate residual current in PV systems to allow installation without specialized protective cabinets, structures or enclosures.
science
Designing a Sustainable Cleaning Solution for Photovoltaic Installations
Solar photovoltaics (PV) is a renewable energy based technology which converts light energy from the sun into electrical energy. In order to ensure reliable operation and extended lifetime, it is necessary to ensure that PV module surfaces remain clean and free from dirt accumulation. Hence, the Seeker is interested in obtaining innovative solutions for cleaning large scale PV installations. All you need to enter this challenge is a written proposal - click the link below to find out more!
healthscience
Food Grade Alternative for Anionic Surfactant in Enteric Applications
Anionic surfactants as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can act as surfactants or emulsifiers and are used in a variety of applications. However, the use of SDS/SLS in food for human consumption is very limited in the United States and even banned in Europe. The Seeker is looking for an ingredient as an alternative for SDS/SLS, so by preference an anionic surfactant with similar (or satisfactory) behavior in a gelatin formulation suitable for enteric capsules. Do you have ideas? Click the link below to find out more!
Blockchain Breakthroughs for a Better World
The goals of this challenge are to: 1) identify innovative new uses for blockchain technology and 2) to raise awareness of blockchain’s unique capabilities. We are interested in new ways to use blockchain technology that address critical global issues such as environmental sustainability, healthcare, education or financial inclusion. Or you may prefer to target something of personal interest. Whether your problem is big or small, global or local, we would love to hear your ideas for how to use blockchain’s unique capabilities to build a better world. Submissions must include an outline of the issue that needs to be addressed, an explanation on why blockchain technology is appropriate, and an action plan for implementation.
Large Molecule Formulation Technology
The vast majority of drugs are small molecules, thus considerable efforts have been focused upon optimized formulations in this area. Large molecules are gaining importance as viable drug candidates, prompting the Seeker to search for a partner to identify new formulations to solubilize and stabilize biologically active molecules for an extended period of time. Do you have ideas? Find out more at the link below!
datasciencebusiness
Airwards: Ideas for the Future of Drones
Drones are one of the most exciting technologies of our time. Many creative and amazing people are working day and night to advance the future of building, designing & innovating drone technology. But the drone future is so much more than the technicalities - the world needs people imagining new ways for drones to be used, and so much more surrounding drones are waiting to be discovered! * It's time for you to use your voice and join the community of people shaping the future of drones in our world!
Designing an Integrated Cooling Solution for Photovoltaic Installations
Availability of solar radiation across the year is the primary factor that determines suitability for installation of large scale photovoltaic (PV) systems at a given location. However, the abundance of solar radiation comes with the added challenge of increased temperature (both ambient and PV module) resulting in an overall drop in the operational efficiency of the system. Additional measures are necessary to mitigate the negative impact of increased temperature. Hence, the Seeker is interested in obtaining innovative cooling solutions for PV installations. Does this sound like you? Check out the link below!
healthdata
Utilizing High Performance Thermal Insulation for Medical Devices
W. L. Gore and Associates is a global material company who develops unique high performance materials for demanding applications. Having created an aerogel insulation that is currently used in footwear, gloves, and mobile electronics applications, the Seeker is searching for a partner to identify new applications for the material in the area of medical devices. Does this sound like you? Find out more at the link below!
Fertilizer Innovation Challenge
Environmentally friendly thiosulfates are becoming increasingly popular agricultural fertilizers because they not only provide sulfur in a plant-accessible form but they are also known to have nitrogen stabilizing properties. Ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) is a popular choice since it provides nitrogen in addition to sulfur but while pure ammonium thiosulfate is a dry crystalline solid, commercial scale production of ATS results in an aqueous solution that contains approximately 40% water. ATS is not easily combined with solid nitrogen containing fertilizers and the Seeker desires an innovative way to economically combine ATS with urea/ammonium containing solid fertilizers to produce a final product that can be applied using standard solid fertilizer based equipment. Do you have ideas? Find out more at the link below!
FRST Challenge
Tracking has long been a problem for first responders. While GPS tracking can roughly establish where on earth a person is, it is often not accurate enough to ascertain a person’s location or elevation within a building. Knowing the exact location within a structure of first responders during a search and rescue operation is vital to their safety. This competition exists to identify 3D tracking technology that can give first responders one-meter accuracy in an indoor setting. Use cases include emergency rescue operations and survivor location within large buildings. Successful teams will be awarded funding and entrepreneurial support to bring their solution to market.
Concentrating Hypersaline Brine Solutions
The Dead Sea Works, operated by the Seeker, ICL, extracts brine from the Dead Sea for production of salt, potash, and other important minerals primarily through evaporation processes. Residual hypersaline streams, known as F-streams, are produced as a result of these processes. The F-streams are high in potash content but extraction of a large portion of the potash is difficult and current methods are estimated to recover just 50% of the available potash. ICL is seeking an innovative, energy-efficient method that increases potash recovery by removing water from the F-streams without losing the water so that it may be returned to the Dead Sea in order to keep the water balance of the Dead Sea steady. The submission to the Challenge should include the following:
Solar Forecasting Prize
The American-Made Solar Forecasting Prize is designed to better enable solar industry stakeholders with state-of-the-art solar forecasting capabilities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, this prize aims to increase the use of the Solar Forecast Arbiter, an open platform developed by the University of Arizona, to allow for the transparent, rigorous, and consistent analysis and evaluation of solar forecasts. Does this sound like you? Click the link below!
businessdata
Globant: Women That Build
Time to lift each other up! Globant Awards - Women That Build is a global recognition for women who've made their careers in technology and whose stories deserve to be shared for their inspiring power.
EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women
As the world leader in advising, guiding and recognizing entrepreneurs, EY knows that access to successful role models and business-building networks is critical for enabling entrepreneurs to realize their ambition. In these unprecedented times, we remain committed to helping female founders with the challenges of the “now,” and help them prepare for the opportunities in the “next” and “beyond.” The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ Europe 2021 program seeks a new cohort of ambitious women entrepreneurs to provide them with the advice, resources and access they need to unlock their full potential and reframe their future.
XPRIZE Carbon Removal
Do you feel like you have the innovative ambition, technical expertise, and scientific know-how to save the world?...
Shackleton Polar Challenges
Shackleton Challenges are a unique expedition travel and training programme that we have designed to complement the range of Shackleton expedition-grade outdoor apparel. Building on the legacy of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, the challenges' goal is to enable people of all abilities to develop their skills and experience in some of the world’s most spectacular and extreme environments in both the Arctic and Antartica. Sir Ernest Shackleton lived his life as a series of extraordinary challenges. He set himself audacious goals, then strived to the utmost to achieve them. The founders of Shackleton believe it’s only when faced with a challenge that we discover who we really are, what we’re capable of and how much we can endure. A challenge is a powerful force for us all – for progress, for the world, for good.
Longitude Prize: Reduce the Use of Antibiotics
In order to tackle growing levels of antimicrobial resistance, the challenge set for the Longitude Prize is to invent an affordable, accurate, fast and easy-to-use test for bacterial infections that will allow health professionals worldwide to administer the right antibiotics at the right time. The Longitude Prize is a historic and legendary prize with a £10 Million fund to solve today's biggest issues. Do you have what it takes?
True Design Challenge
How would you design your dream kitchen? Signature Kitchen Suite Appliances is looking for professional designers to share their best designs with a chance to win their share of $100,000 and attend their Awards Gala in California. Let your imagination run wild with rustic, contemporary, and traditional design styles incorporating SKS products! Find out more at the link below!
Startup City Cahul
EUForMoldova is contributing to development through innovation. The city of Cahul will become the first "Startup City" in the southern region of the Republic of Moldova.
These challenges are no longer open.
businesscreative
Westminster Innovation Challenge
At Westminster, we are set on becoming a Smart City for All, one that works for its residents, its businesses and its visitors. Our new Innovation Challenge is calling on everyone who works in, lives in or visits Westminster to share their bright ideas to make life in Westminster better than ever. We will then work with our partners to bring the best ideas to life for the benefit of all.
Archived
GMIS | Global Manufacturing & Industrialisation Summit
Under the theme ‘Rewiring Societies: Repurposing Digitalisation for Prosperity’, the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit will convene leaders and industry experts to discuss and debate the best ways to prepare for the post-Covid-19 recovery and determine the role of the industrial sector to accelerate this recovery. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has contributed to the rapid development of the industrial sector in a short period of time. It is essential to discuss the role of technology in shaping the future of industries and how to take advantage of the opportunities and solutions it presents to address various challenges. Register today at the link below!
Crowdsourcing Summit 2021
Technology and new business models are changing the very concept of work. Combined with a generation of talent that uses these opportunities to provide them with freedom to choose location and flexible work hours, crowdsourcing becomes a topic that most companies need to address. Crowdsourcing presents opportunities that can be leveraged immediately.
sciencebusinesscreative
Climate Smart Cities Challenge
Applications to the #ClimateSmartCitiesChallenge are now open! The competition will accelerate the shift to climate neutral cities, by empowering innovators and communities to collaborate in designing and demonstrating solutions and reinventing how cities innovate.
Global Call for Entries: Climate Innovations Around the World
Climatechange is one of the greatest threats facing our planet today. The collective urgency to act is now. The UNICEF Office of Innovation and Climate, Energy, Environment and DRR team, in collaboration with sister agencies and organisations, is launching this Global Call for “Climate Innovations'', a crowdsourced horizon scan aiming to identify existing and emergent innovations in the cross-sector ecosystem that have a focus or application to climate change mitigation, resilience and adaptation. Do you have ideas? Enter below!
DTA Challenge: Fouling Prevention on Ships
Fouling on ships is the accumulation of unwanted plants or animals on submerged areas of the hull. This fouling may impact operation of the ship as well as provide a route for transport of invasive species. Fouling is particularly bad in areas of low flow such as sea chests and bow thruster spaces and these spaces are not easily accessed for cleaning. The Defence Technology Agency (DTA) of New Zealand, the Seeker for this Challenge, is interested in finding innovative new approaches to prevent fouling on ships with a particular interest in approaches that are effective in low flow areas. Do you have ideas? Find out more at the link below!
Empowered Engineers Challenge
Introducing Empowered Engineers! This is a one-week program where you will learn professional, technical, and soft skills, you will network with like-minded people, you will join a recruitment fair with Accenture, you will work on real-life projects and have the opportunity to win prizes, and much more!
xView3 Challenge: Detecting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Vessels
It is estimated that 30% of global fish catch is currently unreported, with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels thought to extract up to 26 million tonnes of fish annually. Through the exploitation of governance loopholes and weak fisheries enforcement, IUU fishing affects fisheries sectors of all types and sizes and is a major threat to marine ecological productivity and global food security. The xView3 challenge seeks to advance the fight against IUU fishing and harness satellite data to detect ‘dark’ fishing vessels. Fishing vessels are regarded as ‘dark’ when they deliberately switch off their satellite identification systems, preventing their fishing movements from being tracked. Active remote sensing through satellite technology has the potential to fill the monitoring gaps left by dark vessels and improve the efficacy of IUU enforcement around the world.
Afri-Plastics Challenge: Creating Solutions
We are seeking the creation of new or the development of early-stage products, technology and/or services to encourage the reduction or elimination of plastic usage across Sub-Saharan Africa. Products and businesses can be focused across four goals: Direct Elimination, Innovative Elimination, Reuse, or Digital Solutions. By the end of the Challenge, successful community-centered products and services will have demonstrated a sustainable approach to reducing the reliance on plastic that also supports the empowerment of women and girls.
Modifying Engine Oil to Reduce Transport to Combustion Chamber
Internal combustion engines consume lubricating oil during operation due to oil transport into the combustion chamber. This consumption is both detrimental to engine performance and increases exhaust emissions, and with the advancing development of cleaner burning fuels may become the primary source for pollutant emissions from vehicles. The Seeker is looking for ways to modify the composition of lubricating oils to reduce the amount of oil consumed in the combustion chamber of internal combustion engines. Do you have ideas? Find out more at the link below!
EV OPEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE
The EV Open Innovation Challenge is a program powered by New Energy Nexus to source startups of commercial-ready EV charging products and services to enter into pilot or proof-of-concept projects with industry champions Kia, Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Glovis US and Hyundai CRADLE. This program is a launchpad to rapidly scale the product offering in North America. At Hyundai Motor and Kia, our team is working nonstop to embrace a bright future in electrified mobility. We are committed to launch 23 pure EV models and invest $7.4 billion in the US EV industry by 2025. We are thrilled to partner with the startup community to build that future, together.
databusiness
5PRING 2021
Harness the potential of 5G with the UK's first 5G innovation incubator! 5RING's three-month accelerator programme offers participants access to test-beds located in Birmingham, Coventry or Wolverhampton based on the programmes they apply to. The programme offers participants 1:1 and group mentorship alongside coaching across business development, workshops, technology, growth strategy, and more!
EIT Climate-KIC Innovation Call 2022
EIT Climate-KIC is inviting proposals for new activities due to commence in 2022. Under our strategy, Transformation, in Time, we have worked to engage challenge owners across Europe to map their systems and understand the innovation gaps where greater experimentation is needed to accelerate climate action. This work has led us to define a range of innovation areas where there is an opportunity to take a new approach to breaking through on the toughest climate challenges. Through experimenting with these new approaches, we hope to learn together with you about how to trigger system change and how to achieve our mission of a net-zero, resilient and just society by 2030 – now just nine years away. This call for proposals sets out ‘positions’ in our innovation portfolio that we are seeking to fill with new commercially viable projects. A ‘position’ refers to a space or area that sits within our wider innovation portfolio where a specific project or innovation activity may sit within.
COVID Mobility Works
COVID-19 has changed the lives of people all over the world. Last year, COVID Mobility Works started collecting how cities were dealing with the impacts of the pandemic on their transportation systems; but that’s only half the story. How have YOU experienced moving—or not moving—about your city, neighborhood, or street since the pandemic? Have you not been able to move around much because of COVID-19? How has your travel changed?\ \
New Applications for By-Products of Salt Crystallization
The raw mineral the Seeker uses to produce potash (KCl) also contains recoverable amounts of table salt (NaCl) that is separated along with other salts from the potash by means of a floatation process. The NaCl-rich stream is further processed and purified in a Salt Crystallization Plant (SCP) where the impurities are removed through precipitation. These by-products are high in magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and calcium sulfate (CaSO4) as well as various chlorides. Currently there is no application for the by-products and the material is added to the ‘salt mountain’ at the processing site. The Seeker is looking for new, innovative ideas for what can be done with these by-products to capture value from them and/or avoid adding them to the salt mountain. Ideally, solutions will not require further processing of the materials before use, but the Seeker is also interested in ideas for cost-effective ways to improve the quality of the by-products if it enables other application areas. Do you have ideas? Click the link below to enter!
sciencecreative
Net Zero Impact Emission Vehicle
The Seeker is exploring innovations that may radically reduce pollutant emissions from internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles. In order to achieve the goal of reducing emission of pollutants to zero, the Seeker is asking Solvers for novel ideas and innovative technology concepts that are capable of significantly reducing or eliminating the tailpipe emissions from gasoline, diesel, or advanced concept engine vehicles.
Precise Measurement of Tremor with Voluntary Movements
Although tremor is associated with several neurological disorders (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease), it also occurs in isolation in conditions like Essential Tremor (ET). Tremor is classified into two main categories: rest tremor or action tremor which occurs with voluntary movement and is the type of tremor involved in ET. For the purposes of this Challenge, the Seeker is looking for a reliable and precise method to measure action tremor in the hands of patients when asked to perform a specific activity (e.g. holding arms outstretched, finger-to-nose test, reaching for an object). This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. The Challenge award will be contingent upon theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker.
STEM Talent Challenge
The U.S Economic Development Administration’s STEM Talent Challenge aims to build STEM talent training systems to strengthen regional innovation economies. The FY21 STEM Talent Challenge will award a total of $2 million in grants to organizations that are creating and implementing STEM talent development strategies that complement their region’s innovation economy. Projects should aim to identify opportunities in high-growth potential sectors, and to expand and empower the innovation economy workforce, including by:
Put it to the Test: Design the Future of Point of Care Testing
Until recently, diagnostic tests could only be performed in laboratories. But now devices have become smarter and increasingly portable, allowing tests to be performed almost anywhere: pharmacies, drive-through testing locations, or even in our own homes. Easier access to testing is especially critical for America’s underserved populations, who face systemic and institutional obstacles that have historically prevented them from getting the care they need. Thermo Fisher Scientific is committed to closing this health disparities gap. We launched The Just Project to facilitate the safe reopening of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by providing the instruments, kits and testing infrastructure to bring COVID-19 testing programs to all partner HBCUs at no cost. And this is just the beginning.
Increasing Awareness and Testing of a Genetic Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. While a few risk factors (eg, age, genetics) cannot be changed, some instances of heart disease can be prevented through lifestyle modifications, such as increasing physical activity, reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding the use of alcohol and tobacco.1 Elevated lipoprotein(a) \[Lp(a)] mediates myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Over the past decade, data in subjects without previous CVD from epidemiological studies and meta-analyses, Mendelian randomization studies, and genome-wide association studies have conclusively shown that elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with a higher risk of CVD.2 An elevated level of Lp(a) is a cardiovascular risk factor, but currently is NOT included in routine lipid panel testing or as a one-time routine screening blood test.2,3 As a leading global medicines company, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is committed to raising awareness for Lp(a) testing for all patients. Click the link below to find out more!
Black Tech Fest '21
Black Tech Fest is a movement that takes the form of a virtual three-day festival to celebrate Black culture, showcase innovation and create pathways for underrepresented talent. Set in October, UK’s Black History Month, BTF will convene 6,000 attendees online across three anchor tracks – Belonging, C:code and Showcase. Black Tech Fest exists to inspire and create space for powerful conversations around technology, inclusion and innovation.
Mass Flow Meter Device for Hydroelectric Applications
Hydroelectric power is an increasingly popular form of renewable energy generation, with more than 150 countries around the globe producing some form of hydroelectricity. In simple terms, hydroelectric power is generated using flowing water to rotate a large turbine connected to an electric generator. The efficiency of power generation is thus highly determined by the flow rate of water reaching the rotating turbine, with sub-optimal flow rates resulting in energy wastages.
Problems to be Solved to Improve Global Health & Wellness
Do you know of a current problem facing the health and wellness industry? More specifically, does this issue relate to the sectors of apparel, footwear, textiles/fabrics, or materials? If so, your query could win you over $5,000!
A2A Challenge: Distributed Water Quality Monitoring
Establishing efficient and cost effective mechanisms of testing drinking water quality is widely regarded as a major public health priority across the globe. The Italian multi-utility company A2A Ciclo Idrico is seeking partners to develop a compact multi-parameter sensor which enables the continuous measurement of drinking water quality in the Municipality of Brescia in Italy.
Innovative Solutions to Electrify Public Transport
Developing effective alternatives to carbon-fuelled public transportation will be key to achieving the sustainable green cities of the future as well as the achievement of UN sustainable development goals 7, 9, and 11. Enel X have developed pioneering innovative electric transportation systems in cities across the globe which reduce carbon emissions, cut noise pollution, improve air quality, and provide a superior and extensive public transportation service.
creativebusiness
People.Planet.Product Student Design Challenge
Did you know that 70% of the world’s population lacks access to an electric washing machine? That’s why The Washing Machine project was founded – to help alleviate the burden of handwashing clothes by providing displaced and low-income communities and households with an accessible, off grid washing solution. The Washing Machine Project have produced a manual, crank-handle washing machine called Divya that has been proven to save 75% of the time and 50% of the water taken to handwash clothes. The impact of this is huge, but we believe we can do more. We’ve devised the People.Planet.Product. Student Design Challenge to engage students with STEM backgrounds to get involved…you are the scientists, engineers, and mathematicians of tomorrow that are creating solutions that could help generations to come.
LG Energy Solution: Battery Innovation Contest
LG is looking for the innovative, effective, safe mobile phone batteries of the future! LG Energy Solution invites novel battery proposals from universities and research instructions from all over the world, focused on the themes of Energy, Sustainability, Safety, and/or Advanced Materials.
Afri-Plastics Challenge - Strand 1
Plastic pollution is a hugely pervasive issue facing the marine environment, with estimates suggesting that there are 5.25 trillion plastic particles floating upon the surface of the ocean. When in the sea, plastics are broken-up into smaller and smaller pieces, causing immeasurable damage to marine life. Distressing impacts of marine plastic pollution include entanglement, ingestion, and suffocation of marine creatures. However, when large plastics are broken down into smaller particles, effects become more insidious, through blockades of species digestive systems, growth inhibition, and the absorption of toxins.
Huawei HMS App Innovation Contest
Are you a developer? Huawei wants to hear from you! The Huawei HMS App Innovation Contest aims to inspire talented developers across the globe to create seamless, smart, and innovative digital experiences, and explore the future of digital intelligence. By highlighting pioneering HMS open capabilities, the competition gives app developers the tools to build tomorrow's all-connected world.
Kraft Heinz Challenge: Future Food Tech
Calling all start-ups! ### Future Food-Tech partner Kraft Heinz has set a challenge, asking entrepreneurs to find solutions that bring beans or pulses as an application or ingredient to the menu of its consumers.
Taipei International Design Award 2021
Calling all urban designers - submissions for the Taipei International Design Award 2021 are now open! This year’s total prize money is up to NT$ 3.8 million including NT$ 600K for the grand prize -Taipei City Mayor Award. Entries are welcomed in the following categories: Industrial Design, Visual Communication Design, and Public Space Design. The driving theme around this year's competition is "The Adaptive City", creating accessible and inviting spaces in urban environments around the world.
datacreative
Detection of illicit use of mobile phones by drivers during vehicle circulation
This challenge seeks to find an innovative technological solution that allows the detection of the illicit use (continuous manual use of mobile phone while driving) of mobile phones by drivers during vehicle circulation. The main objectives are to reduce road accidents in Portugal, by preventing occurrences caused by distracted driving due to the continuous manual use of mobile phones and, simultaneously, to help the police in its enforcement mission and a more effective management of the associated infractions.
Vocal Challenge - Golden Summer
Welcome to Vocal's Summer Fiction Series!This series is comprised of eight short fiction Challenges ranging in length from one week to eight weeks long. Each prompt is inspired by a different book from a traditional summer reading list, full of the classics that so many of us read and reread throughout childhood and adolescence to prepare for the school year ahead. We'll start with childhood classics like Matilda and Charlotte's Web, and work our way up through those high school staples like Catcher in the Rye and The Bluest Eye. It’s a little nostalgia, and a whole lot of creativity. Keep in mind that just because each prompt is inspired by an old classic doesn't mean that your story is required to draw inspiration from that story. Free to write in your own style, or your preferred genre. As long as you've taken the prompt into account, the rest is up to you.
Design Innovation Competition 2021
\ Latesr DI ASSET.png DI-2021 stands for Design and Innovation in 2021. The design competition is open to both concept projects, as well as realized projects by young design and tech professionals worldwide.
World Vision Challenge: Leveraging Funds to Increase Investment in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
There is a tremendous need for investment in clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) throughout the world. Lack of access to adequate WASH facilities leads to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of deaths each year and disproportionately affects rural areas of low and middle-income countries. A recent United Nations report indicates a majority of countries with national WASH plans lack sufficient financing to implement the plans and almost 90% don’t have enough for rural drinking water and rural sanitation plans. World Vision, supported by SeaFreight Labs, is interested in exploring opportunities to close the financing gap by leveraging its planned investments into WASH to attract additional funding for the most remote and vulnerable communities. The aim of this Challenge is to gather well-formulated plans to accomplish this and maximize the impact of World Vision’s WASH investments. This Challenge has a special award structure with awards of $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively, for granting the Seeker a non-exclusive license to practice the solutions.
US Navy Challenge: Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) for Waterside Security
The US Navy has a requirement for an expeditionary security Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) that is modular and attritable (low-cost and unmanned that can be reused at least several times with minimal maintenance.) Given the expeditionary nature of the system, it must be produced or assembled at the point of need to provide the flexibility required to meet evolving mission needs. This Challenge seeks novel designs for a USV that can be shipped in a standard 20 foot shipping container, produced or assembled on site in less than two hours, and capable of carrying or towing a variety of payloads.
Shell GameChanger Challenge: Chemicals Decarbonisation
With the insidious effects of global climate change already drastically threatening life on earth, time is running out to decarbonise our economy and shift to green alternatives of energy and material production. Developing new and innovative methods to create the host of products upon which modern society depends is thus a huge challenge facing the green industrial revolution. Petrochemical giant Shell are seeking solutions to enable the decarbonisation of their chemical production line. The Shell GameChanger program is seeking collaborative proposals from companies with early to mid-stage technologies which could provide low-carbon solutions relevant to Shells current product portfolio.
Reliable Assessment of Cognitive Function
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Cognitive impairment is a sometimes neglected, yet common, sign and symptom with a profound effect on instrumental activities of daily living. Even before diagnosis, patients may experience cognitive dysfunction that manifests through symptoms such as memory lapses or difficulty with finding the right words in conversation. The Seeker desires a tool for assessing cognitive function and tracking performance over time, hopefully that patients can use on their own without medical supervision. Do you have ideas? You could win $20,000!
A2A Challenge: Food Glass Jar Waste Depackaging Systems
Ever wondered what happens to the unsold and unwanted food at the grocery store?.... Globally, one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted between the farm gates and your dinner plate. This equates to 1 billion tonnes of wasted food, with the vast majority destined for landfill. However, this doesn’t just mean billions of squandered meals and lost lasagnes. Approximately 6%-8% of all greenhouse gas emissions are derived from waste food production which is equivalent to 4.4 gigatons of carbon dioxide. Finding ways of reducing our food waste and cutting lost emissions is one of the biggest challenges facing society today.
Highways England Graffiti Competition
Highways England is seeking to advance promising new products and services that have the potential to both remove and prevent the use of graffiti on the strategic road network. This ambition is being delivered through this innovation funding programme, which is being delivered by the Connected Places Catapult. The programme will award £30k funding to no more than 6 organisations to design a trial of their technology on a road network testbed.
Motivating People with Obesity to Seek Help and Achieve Sustained Weight Loss
As reported by the World Health Organization in 2017, over 4 million people are dying annually from being overweight or obese. Obesity affects nearly 2 billion adults worldwide and is prevalent not only in high-income countries, but also among urban populations of low- and middle-income countries. Obesity is a complex chronic condition, and losing weight is not just a question of eating less and moving more. In fact, obesity can be influenced by genetics, physiology, environment, job and education, and what is going on in the brain.
World Vision Challenge: Efficient and Reliable Counting of Improved Latrines
In this era of instant streaming and next-day deliveries, over half the human population of planet Earth still lack adequately managed sanitation facilities. Ineffective waste treatment services are a significant public health issue in low and middle income countries around the world, with diarrhoea-related diseases leading to over a quarter of a million preventable deaths each year. World Vision is seeking to meet UN Sustainable Development Goal number 6 and achieve adequate and equitable sanitation services for all by 2030. In order to reach this target, the seeker is looking for low-cost, reliable, and efficient methods with which to quantify the number of improved sanitation facilities and track goal progress.
Hackatón por el agua
El evento Hackatón por el Agua busca entregar soluciones innovadoras y escalables a diversas problemáticas instaladas en comunidades a lo largo de todo Chile, relacionadas con la temática del agua, a través de prototipos desarrollados por equipos de estudiantes de diferentes regiones del país.
A2A Challenge: Glass Recycling Noise Reduction
Have you ever been woken-up by the glass collectors tipping bins full of used glassware into their truck and making an ear-shattering racket in the process? The Italian-based seeker is looking for economic and environmentally sustainable solutions which help reduce noise pollution from bottle collecting activities in cities through-out Italy. Solutions could include innovative design proposals, novel collection systems, or muffling add-ons to existing collection equipment. Efficient glass recycling has a significantly reduced carbon footprint in comparison to traditional glass production techniques, with effective collection procedures an important aspect of a green urban future.
Seeking Commercially Available Zinc-Rich Materials
Zinc is a metallic element with many uses from metal alloys to nutritional supplements to chemical additives. It is the 24th most common element in the Earth’s crust and the Seeker for this Challenge is interested in finding sources and potential partners to supply zinc-rich materials for use in oil based systems. The material may either be a metal organic, particulate or colloidal material, which is ideally readily soluble in oil or could, subject to simple chemical modification, be made to be soluble in oil. It must be at least 15% zinc by weight and should be readily available on at least a 100 ton per year scale. This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge. The Solver will write a preliminary proposal (about 2-4 pages, including supporting non-confidential information and contact details) to be evaluated by the Seeker with a goal of establishing a collaborative partnership. Upon completion of the evaluation, the Seeker may contact selected Solvers directly to work out terms for a collaboration contract. The monetary value of the contract will vary depending on the amount of work to be delivered and the agreed upon time frame.
Government Innovation Awards
These awards celebrate the transformative government projects, individual change agents and industry partners that are reimagining public-sector IT. If you are an industry innovator, a rising star, or a public sector innovator, these are the awards for you! The challenge is looking for:
Biodiversity Innovations for Sustainability Improvement at Renewable Energy Plants
Enel Green Power is looking for new tools and techniques, enabling strategies aimed at improving the environmental sustainability and biodiversity preservation of its renewable installations, as photovoltaic plants both on land and floating, wind farms and/or hydroelectric plants. These solutions could be applied at all stages throughout a project’s life cycle, from early design, through the construction, operations and the decommissioning for new and existing plants. Do you have ideas? Apply below!
Camaradas: Mexico - United Kingdom Art Contest 2021
The Embassy of Mexico is recruiting one British and one Mexican artist to become 'camaradas' (companions) and create work together. Working across various artistic mediums, artists participating in the programme will be encouraged to create work in dialogue with each other. Submissions to join the programme are due 18 June 2021 - enter today and if selected, your work could be exhibited in London with support from the Embassy of Mexico!
Open Innovation Challenge: Greenhouses
In the past year, the pandemic has highlighted Quebec’s dependence on imports of essential goods. Food self-sufficiency has therefore become a priority issue for the Quebec population, and that is why Hydro-Québec has decided to act as a catalyzer to help the most promising projects come to fruition. InnovHQ is Hydro-Québec’s subsidiary mandated to stimulate innovation in Quebec, with the aim of accelerating the energy transition. InnoHQ will therefore work with Cycle Momentum as part of this challenge to help companies in the greenhouse sector develop commercial offers that incorporate the proposed innovations. In parallel with the “Open Innovation Challenge: Greenhouses,” Écotech Québec is offering a unique networking event in Quebec whose goal is to generate business opportunities between agri-food companies and clean technology innovators.
US Navy Challenge: Rapid Design Tool for Advanced Manufacturing
Handwheels are regularly used on Naval ships and any particular ship may have hundreds of different variations. They’re used to open and close a wide variety of valves in all types of service locations and conditions, and can be made from a number of different materials from polymers to metals. These factors lead to a challenge for ships since it is untenable to keep a stock of every single variant onboard and this may result in delays as critical equipment lays dormant for want of a particular part. The viability of using additive manufacturing and other advanced techniques to produce a variety parts on demand has been demonstrated but challenges remain for both certification and design.
Automated Maintenance of Protection Systems (AMPS) Challenge
Can you help further Reclamation’s mission to protect their hydroelectric plants? Do you want to work on a big infrastructure problem? This Challenge gives you the opportunity to improve the safety and reliability of hydroelectric powerplants and to win your share of the $250,000 prize purse.\ To participate, you will need to create a prototype that automates maintenance testing of the plants’ protection systems. Your solution will improve the safety and reliability of the plants, keep the energy flowing while the tests are run, and allow engineers and operators more time to address other important issues.\ \ Up to 10 solutions will win $10,000 and will move forward to phase 2--enter today!
Food Planet Prize 2021
The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize aims to scale up and accelerate the development of groundbreaking initiatives with the potential to reinvent our food systems and help establish a sustainable Food Planet that supports the resilience and stability of the biosphere. A broad range of radical changes are urgently needed to transform our failing food system into a sustainable one. This is why the Food Planet Prize annually rewards both ready to scale projects with proven impact and innovative ideas that challenge, or even disrupt, current thinking and practices – with USD 1 million each.
Urban Tree Festival
Celebrate urban green spaces in the Urban Tree Festival! In addition to free events in and around London, Trees For Cities are looking for young people worldwide celebrating urban trees. Create a video featuring your favourite tree in your town or city and submit it below--your video could be featured on social media during the Urban Tree Festival (15-23 May 2021) and win you some amazing prizes!
SHV Sustainable Fuels
SHV Energy is a leading global distributor of off-grid energy such as fossil-based LPG and is also active in the area of sustainable fuels and renewable energy solutions. This challenge is exploring the following bio-based and renewable fuels: bioLPG, bioLNG, rDME, hydrogen and future fuels, such as ammonia, methanol and novel e-fuels. SHV Energy is calling for partners from the open innovation ecosystem to join the company in the exploration of novel and improved routes to biobased and renewable fuels.
SHV Cylinders Challenge
Health and Safety is considered the highest priority at SHV Energy. Their vision regarding Health and Safety is to have zero incidents in our entire value chain and manual handling is currently a key focus area to raise their standards. They are exploring technological solutions that enable safe transfer of cylinders between cages which are currently done manually by employees. Manual handling during transferring of cylinders between cages is Health and Safety risk to our employees. The employee faces manual handling outside the power zone of the body while conducting their task of transferring cylinders between cages with the potential to develop musculoskeletal disorders and encounter safety hazards.
Natural Gelatin Challenge
Mondeléz International is looking for a plant based natural and/or Kosher/halal gelatin substitute. Gelatin is used as an additive in a variety of foods, as a gelling agent in candies and sweets, or as an aerating agent for dairy products such as cream cheese. But current methods for sourcing gelatin are not vegetarian or compliant with kosher/halal dietary requirements. Do you have ideas for new plant-based ingredients that can be used? You could partner with Mondeléz International in your innovations!
The Future of Mobility for All
Calling all students! HeroX, Base 11, and Dessault Systemes are looking for new innovations for mobility that includes all users and all situations. How can we create a future of mobility that includes everyone, and protects our Earth for future generations? Enter today and you could have the chance to present your work at the Next Frontier Conference & Expo in October 2021 as well as win a $10,000 prize!
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EPA Water Toxicity Sensor Challenge
The effective removal of hazardous chemicals and substances from drinking water is vital in safeguarding human health and wellbeing. With many natural and man-made contaminants being released into the environment on a daily basis, how can we ensure that the water we drink is free from nasty chemicals? Hosted by the US Environmental Protection Agency, this challenge is requesting design solutions for a water toxicity sensor which can detect hazardous substances in drinking water. The sensor will need to be able to rapidly detect contaminants and quantify the magnitude to which one or more human toxicity pathways could be affected. A toxicity pathway is a series of inter-cellular events which regulate biological functioning and if sufficiently perturbed by a contaminant, can result in adverse health effects.
Electric Truck & Bus Challenge
Governor Cuomo of New York State is launching a campaign to support long-term, transformational electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicle solutions that support cost reduction, improve infrastructure, and address systemic challenges to expanded fleet electrification. The Electric Truck & Bus Challenge will award up to three grand prizes of $8 Million each to accelerate the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and reduce air pollution and emissions in disadvantaged and other impacted communities in New York State.
Bounce Back Challenges
With a year of the COVID-19 pandemic past us, the world has begun to respond to our “new normal” in a variety of innovative ways--from online learning to schemes to support local businesses to new systems to reduce virus transmission. With cuts to employment and overall working hours being seen at levels four times those seen during the 2009 financial crisis, the biggest recovery challenges still lie ahead. The Bounce Back Challenges consist of two innovation challenge programmes: Bounce Back Ideas and Bounce Back Awards. The Ideas Programme seeks to find the best new ideas for addressing the socioeconomic effects of the pandemic, while Bounce Back Awards honours the individuals and organisations already leading our recovery, making sure we "bounce back" in an inclusive way.
UNDP Sustainable Fisheries Challenge
You’ve probably watched the Netflix film ‘Seaspiracy’ in the last few weeks, and if you haven’t, then you’ve almost certainly heard about it! For all the shows failings both in terms of scientific integrity and objectivity, the sensational narrative got people talking about issues surrounding the ocean and fisheries in a way that has never previously been achieved. However, despite Seaspiracy’s anti-fishing stance, it is important to remember that sustainable use of the global ocean is very possible and socio-economically crucial for many fishery-dependent communities around the globe. Read on to discover howyou could be central to improving the lives of millions of people around the world and innovating the field of fisheries science.
GSK Challenge
Traditionally, healthcare professionals (HCPs) receive information on new drugs, treatments, and disease prevention options through in-person visits from pharmaceutical representatives. GSK Vaccines are looking for digital channels to help keep HCPs informed on vaccine development, disease awareness, and immunization protocol. This information must be presented in a way that is not only helpful but engaging. Do you have innovative ideas that could be successful in this setting? Your proposals could result in a collaboration contract with GSK. Do you have ideas? Apply today!
Innokind Amusement Park Challenge
Innokind are looking for sustainable new ideas for the future of waterparks, theme parks, and all segments of the recreation sector. This challenge is open to all--industry professionals, academics, students, and park visitors--interested in creating new ideas that will improve recreation experiences. Entries will be evaluated by industry professionals and academics, with your chance to have your idea implemented in some of the leading parks around the world.
James Dyson Award 2021
Legendary British designer and inventor James Dyson is on the hunt for bright minds with fresh ideas from around the globe. If you have an invention that solves a problem, this is the challenge for you! The James Dyson Award is an international design award that celebrates, encourages and inspires the next generation of design engineers. It's open to current and recent design engineering students, and is run by the James Dyson Foundation, James Dyson’s charitable trust, as part of its mission to get young people excited about design engineering.
Captain Tom 100
Captain Tom famously walked 100 lengths of his garden to raise money for the NHS last year. Now his family is challenging us all to take on a #100Challenge of our own and honour his legacy! Do 100 star jumps, bake 100 cakes, swim 100 laps, whatever you want, to raise money for your favourite charity or the official Captain Tom Foundation.
From One To Many
When you want to manufacture more than one unit of the same product, things can get complex. Enclosures and structural elements are the skin and bones of a product. They need to be highly functional - by weatherproofing and protecting internal components from damage - and at the same time attractive and easy to handle. Vacuum forming is a really fast and cost-effective way to go from one unit to many, in minutes. Wikifactory has teamed up with Mayku this month to launch a one-of-a-kind innovation challenge. Join the competition to design the perfect vacuum formed design for your products, and get the chance to WIN your very own Mayku FormBox. Transform your prototypes into a product line that’s ready to sell. All you have to do is create a project whose enclosure or structural components can be made with vacuum forming.
IXL Innovation Olympics
Where does the next strategic growth come from? Over 250 companies across 40+ industries have identified and developed new growth opportunities through the open innovation platform supported by IXL Innovation Olympics!
Innovative New Business, Products, and Solutions using Internal and External Data
Today, customers are online 24 hours a day, generating and exchanging content (and therefore data) continuously via the internet--and Enel Group is looking to tap into this connected possibility. In fact, in 24 hours, Enel's assets, customers and people talk to Enel via data channels, which they are learning to absorb and utilize. Enel has one of the largest international networks of clients, partners and suppliers, generating a vast amount of data that ranges from energy consumption to daily mobility activities. As a result of its different business lines, Enel has access to extensive sets of data which have grown rapidly over the last several years and will continue to grow at a tremendous rate for the future.
Innovations on Cross-Border Collaboration
The OECD Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI) and the UAE Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) are excited to launch the 2021 Call for Innovations in government, focused specifically on ways government are innovating through cross-border collaboration. Entries can involve multiple countries, regions, or cities working together in new and interesting ways to solve common challenges, or multiple governments collaborating to achieve new types of policies and services. Innovators around the world are encouraged to submit innovative practices to fuel this research and to inspire others to work in new and creative ways, helping to embrace innovation in government by upskilling, investing in people, and focusing on the overlooked. This call is open to government officials, international organisations, civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector. However, to be considered, the initiative must have goals aimed at improving government, and the public sector must be integrally involved in the work.
Applications for Novel Water Soluble Surfactant
Perhaps one of the most versatile and widely used products in the chemical industry, surfactants (or surface-active agents) are molecules which are capable of adsorbing across differing physical phases of a chemical mixture. High chemical versatility makes surfactants a vital component of a myriad of everyday products from ice-cream and mayonnaise to washing detergent and adhesives. The seeker has developed a novel surfactant molecule designed for application in aqueous environments which is currently utilised to remove burnt carbon deposits from metallic surfaces. The ability of a molecule to bind across different states of matter and reduce surface tensions between compounds could have underestimated worth within a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors. To expand the scope of this technology, the seeker is interested in identifying collaborative partners who could assist in developing alternative applications for this new and underexplored molecule. This is an electronic request-for-partners (eRFP) challenge. To apply, the solver must write a preliminary proposal of a maximum of four pages which includes supporting non-confidential information and relevant contact details. Proposals will then be evaluated by the seeker with selected solvers contacted to work out terms for a collaboration contract. The monetary value of the contract will vary depending on the amount of work to be delivered and the agreed time frame.
New Formulations for Approved mRNA Vaccines
As we enter the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccinations provide hope that the world will soon be back to normal. Vaccines that are based upon messenger RNA (mRNA) technology require two shots spaced several weeks apart for optimal efficacy. Therefore, the Seeker for this Challenge is interested in a new vaccine formulation that confers the same level of protection with a single injection. Unlike traditional vector vaccines that are based upon modified forms of a live virus, mRNA vaccines contain instructions that allow the host cell to produce and display a harmless spike protein on its surface, thus triggering an antibody response. These vaccines often require extreme cold storage and multiple doses for full efficacy.
Stronger Democracy Award
In 1958, 73% of Americans trusted the government to do what's right. A 2020 survey that only 17% of Americans now believe this. What can we do to strengthen America's democracy and increase public trust in the government to create real change? Lever for Change are looking for solutions to support actionable change in voting & elections, policy-making, and civic engagement. Access to a $12 Million fund will help to bring the best initiatives to the largest audience.
Excavating and Repairing Low Voltage Underground Networks
Underground cables are a vital component of modern day living. Today, underground cable networks are used extensively through-out the world to power a range of quintessentially post-COVID activities including remote working, home cooking, and streaming your favourite shows on Netflix. The idea of underground cables is not an overly novel concept, with subterranean power transmission dating back centuries. However, recent technological improvements have made underground cable infrastructure drastically more accessible, with lower likelihoods of storm damages and service connection issues drastically reducing operating costs compared to more traditional overhead cable technologies. Many cities throughout Europe and the Americas are now gradually transitioning away from ugly overhead cable eyesores towards more efficient underground alternatives.
Affordable Water Harvesting for Low-Income Households in Urban Areas
In Mexico City, over 36% of residents cannot regularly access clean water, with frequent supply cuts leaving families without access to basic sanitation services. This is despite Mexico receiving up to 40 inches of rainfall per year, with torrential downpours commonly saturating city drainage and flooding low-lying neighbourhoods. Habitat for Humanity is looking for new and innovative water collection and purification solutions which can be implemented through-out low income urban areas of Mexico City. The solution will need to include an effective rainwater receptacle alongside a purification/filtration mechanism through which impurities and hazardous aqueous compounds can be removed. Low-cost solutions will be favourably viewed which enable mass distribution across the city.
Future Food Tech
Switching to a plant-based diet is one of the best choices you can make to help protect our environment. Vegan protein alternatives make this transition easier! Quorn and Roquette, two of the biggest vegetarian/vegan food companies in the world, are looking for new innovations in plant-based foods. Could you have what it takes?
EU Datathon 2021
The fifth edition of EU Datathon, the open data competition, is here! Online from Luxembourg to the world, it is organised by the Publications Office of the European Union as part of the first EU Open Data Days which includes also EU DataViz.
Mask Innovation Challenge
Face coverings are essential for protection against COVID-19, but frustrations with prolonged wear can limit their use, including contact dermatitis, difficulty communicating, and fogging of eyeglasses. The US Department of Health and Human Services are looking for new and innovative mask designs that address the common complaints associated with face coverings while still meeting desired performance standards.
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Designing and Developing a Smart Helmet
Operators performing work on low voltage (LV) electric systems must wear protective clothing and equipment. In particular, the helmet is designed to protect users from accidental injury caused by electrical and nonelectrical hazards. Working conditions can include high temperatures and humidity, making the helmet difficult to wear for extended periods. Recent advances in sensor technology (wearable devices) and augmented reality have made it possible for operators to work in safer conditions, and Enel has experimented with several solutions to implement those solutions for its field workers. Therefore, Enel is interested in developing a comfortable smart helmet that offers the same level of mechanical and electrical protection as a standard helmet. Do you have ideas for new and innovative PPE for electrical safety? Enter today!
Sleep Better Challenge
A new ideation challenge to help the estimated 6.5 billion adults reporting sleep issues worldwide. HeroX are looking for new chemical solutions for improving sleep quality beyond what is currently available and can be sold safely over the counter. With changes in routine brought about by COVID-19, healthy sleep is more important than ever. Can you help?
Mayor's Resilience Fund
The Mayor of London's Resilience Fund is London's £1 Million challenge fund to encourage innovation addressing socially impactful issues facing London - emerging stronger from COVID-19 and prepared to handle future challenges. Whether you're a tech SME, an engineer, or a social enterprise, London needs you - apply today!
DBACE - The Deustche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs
The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs has helped creatives bring their ideas to life. The 2021 programme aims to enable and celebrate talented 18-30 year olds driven to make positive social impact through their creative enterprise. Since 1993, DBACE has supported the launch of over 200 ventures - could you be next?
Electrolux Booster Program 2021
Join Electrolux, a worldwide industrial company, to develop tailor-made solutions across their range of products and processes. Partners can tackle the following challenges:
Malaria Prevention Challenge
In Kenya, there are an estimated 3.5 million cases and over 10,000 deaths from malaria per year. Mosquito-borne diseases can be prevented with pesticides and medication, but access to these tools in rural or impoverished areas is limited. Habitat for Humanity is looking for innovations in home design and home life that can prevent mosquitoes from entering homes, cutting down on transmission rates and reducing the impact of this devastating illness on the public. Your innovative, cost-effective solutions could win you $20,000 - enter before 7 June 2021!
Amazon Launchpad 2021
Calling all changemakers! Get the power of Amazon behind your startup with the Amazon Launchpad 2021. Amazon is championing startups that bring innovation into the everyday with their cutting-edge products. Products that don’t just belong in the future, but shape it--with the chance to sell your products on Amazon to reach customers around the world.
Deep Space Food Challenge
Order up in space! Join the Deep Space Food Challenge to help bring innovative food production technologies to space and Earth! NASA and the Canadian Space Agency have teamed up to look for food for the next frontier, focusing on long-duration space missions. Recognition and ideation prizes are available to teams in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Market Sentiment Analysis
Fancy yourself as a computer whiz?... Maybe you’re au faut with the steel industry?... Or better yet, handy with mathematical algorithms?
Innovation for Decommissioning Fuel Storage Tanks
The fight against climate change is currently one of the main challenges that companies have to face. Enel is at the forefront of driving the effort towards a sustainable energy system in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal for Climate Action, which is at the heart of its strategy. To reach this goal, Enel Global Power Generation will leverage innovative solutions to dismantle coal power plants in a safe and sustainable way. In particular, Enel Global Power Generation is looking for a new technical solution to dismantle big fuel storage tanks, avoiding manual cutting activities and working at heights.
Naturals Exposome Microbiome
Walgreen Boots Alliance are looking for skincare solutions - partner with the largest pharmacy-led retail chain in the US and UK! The Walgreen Boots Alliance are looking for breakthrough technologies and differentiated products for skincare in four key areas:
Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires
The US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) know the severe environmental impacts of wildfires, risking personal and public health. They are looking for new and innovative ways to improve air quality during wildfires for use across federal, state, local, and tribal levels. Air pollution, including smoke from wildfires, contributes to substantial adverse clinical, public health and economic impacts worldwide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies to encourage the development of new, low-cost approaches to clean fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) from indoor air. In addition to affordability and particulate matter removal, solutions that offer added benefits (e.g., cooling, operable during a power outage) will be considered favorably.
ACHEMA Water Management Challenge
MAIN-Hack is primarily about your creativity and about linking existing or evolving technologies with each other and developing completely new approaches to water management. Participants in MAIN-Hack have the opportunity to build their professional network and gain visibility with their solutions and ideas. Sponsored by Technologieland Hessen, this Hackathon is now open for your solutions!
ACHEMA Open Innovation Challenge
Successful machine learning in an industrial environment requires cleaned and labeled datasets. In daily practice, this is simply not the case, i.e. most collected datasets are "dirty" and need to be pre-processed manually by experts. The ACHEMA Open Innovation Challenge presents the opportunity for your team to develop an intelligent pipeline to automate the task of industrial data preprocessing. Join the June 2021 Hackathon with the opportunity to put your skills to work and collaborate with manufacturing partners across the EU!
Waitrose & Partners Payment Operation Challenge
Data solutions needed! The world of retail is constantly evolving and Waitrose is working to make sure they are always at the forefront of market-leading innovation and new technologies that will shape the self-serve shopping experience of the future.
L'Oreal Canada: Transforming Consumer Beauty
L’Oréal Canada, Canada’s leading cosmetics company, is looking to transform the future of beauty alongside the tech and startup community to stay ahead of the curve and change consumption of beauty in response to COVID-19. Take part in L’Oréal’s mission of becoming a leader in the beauty-tech space and put digital at the service of its consumers. Winners will have access to funding as well as partnership and mentorship opportunities with the beauty experts at L'Oreal. Enter today and put your ideas to work!
iGEM Foundation Competition
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation is looking for bright students to advance synthetic biology in a collaborative community - register your team today! The iGEM Competition gives students the opportunity to push the boundaries of synthetic biology by tackling everyday issues facing the world. Made up of primarily university students, multidisciplinary teams work together to design, build, test, and measure a system of their own design using interchangeable biological parts and standard molecular biology techniques. Every year nearly 6,000 people dedicate their summer to iGEM and then come together in the fall to present their work and compete at the annual Jamboree.
VISA Everywhere Initiative
Get your startup on the global stage with the VISA Everywhere Initiative! VISA are looking for innovative startups from around the globe working in four distinct categories: digital services, digital issuance, finance, and business recovery. Present your work at the 2021 global finals and you could win up to $50,000 to take your startup to the next level. Enter today!
Re-Establishing Tourism Confidence
Southeast Asia depends on tourism for sustainable economic growth - do you have an innovative idea to make travel COVID-secure and increase tourist confidence?\ \ Asian Development Bank and Agorize Asia want to hear from you!
Vehicle Routing Challenge
Check out this Topcoder challenge and you could win up to $2,000 USD! \ Do you know a coding whiz who would be amazing at this challenge?
STARTS Prize for Social Good
Do you have ideas that could change the world? Nesta Italia wants to hear from you! Acronym of Science + Technology + the Arts, STARTS is an initiative funded by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program starting from 2015. After the open call “City of the future”, the first initiative launched from Nesta Italia in the context of the STARTS Regional Center in Piedmont, the Prize for Social Good celebrates the importance of artists in the processes of scientific and technological development.
NASA's Lunar Delivery Challenge
\ Building a base camp on the moon is no small task, 🌕🚀 from small scientific instruments to large rovers to habitat modules. NASA and HeroX are looking for ideas that address how to unpack payloads from lunar landers. \ \ You can win up to $25,000 - enter today!
GIX Innovation Competition
University of Washington MS in Tech Innovation and the Global Innovation Exchange are looking for innovations in data and technology to help advance agriculture and support efforts to increase the global food supply. Could this be you? Enter today!
Innovation Boosted by Small Flying Objects
The UFO Project is looking for innovative products and services that incorporate Small Flying Objects. Your idea could be out of this world - enter today!
Cloud Transformation (Containers)
Fujitsu is one of the largest information and communication technology companies in the world and is looking for digital solutions to shape the future of society, together with their customers. Fujitsu in Europe has a strategy to be recognised for active collaboration with startups. In Japan Fujitsu is highly regarded and is ranked fifth as a large company that actively collaborates with startups.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Challenge
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are looking for new features to make the work day easier, business run better, and spare time and holidays more enjoyable. They are seeking ideas and concepts for inspiring new features that are affordable, modular, sustainable, and easy to install. All ideas are welcome, and your idea could win you $10,000!
XPRIZE Feed the Next Billion
XPRIZE is looking for the next great innovations in plant-based proteins to tackle food crises around the world. Do you have a great idea? Enroll your team today and you could win a prize of up to $15 Million to make your ideas a reality!
Sharjah Open Innovation Award
Help Sharjah shine! The Sharjah Police are looking for innovative ideas to help build communities post-COVID and revolutionise the UAE's recovery from the pandemic. Do you have ideas to put to work? Enter today! Entries welcome in Arabic and English from solvers worldwide.
Lunawood Urban Challenge
Lunawood Thermawood is a pioneering building material creating eco-friendly spaces inside and out. Built in the heart of Finnish forests, bring Lunawood's sustainable mission to all through the Urban Challenge--helping to reduce emissions across exterior and interior urban spaces.
Mayor of London Entrepreneur Challenge
Calling all London students! Sadiq Kahn, the Mayor of London, is launching his 2021 Entrepreneur Programme to look for the best ideas to change London for the better. 🚆 🌆 🇬🇧 Do you have what it takes? You could win funding and mentorship to make your dreams a reality. Enter today!
Geminga Challenge
Celebrate the power of the small with Sunspot Literary Journal and Writing WA - you could win $500! Geminga is a neutron star so small it was difficult to detect, and it's time to celebrate the power of the small with your work! Poetry of less than 140 characters, fiction/nonfiction of less than 100 words, and art of less than 25 inches by 25 inches are all eligible!
A2A Fast Flowing News Challenge
Staying informed is so critical--especially with events that can affect markets and business. A2A is looking for proposals to track energy and market performance. Do you have new ideas to develop news algorithms and keep people informed? Enter before 13 April 2021 for your shot at a $40,000 prize!
Solve The Gap!
The EU Youth Digital Hackathon is looking to \#SolveTheGap. You can build solutions for youth inclusivity: \ -Increase Youth Participation\ -Youth Outreach & Access to Youth-Friendly Information\ -Building Transparency & Trust\
Young Leaders Access Program
\#GenZ: time to create real change in your community! The MCW Global Young Leaders Access Program is now accepting applications from young people aged 18 to 26 to participate in online learning courses to learn how to address issues of concern in their community. This training is free of charge to the selected participants. Apply before 1 March 2021!
Topcoder Capacitated Vehicle Mini Marathon
Check out this Topcoder challenge and you could win up to $2,000 USD!
Sustainable Food & Agriculture Innovation Award
Since 2018, @fao and the Federal Government of Switzerland encourage innovation by recognizing best practices through the International Innovation Award for Sustainable Food and Agriculture. Do you have ideas for creating a more #sustainable agriculture and #foodtech in the future? Your ideas could win you a $30,000 prize!
Gelatin-Based Capsules Challenge
The drug treatments of the future will be highly personalised. Do you have ideas to innovate gelatin-based enteric capsules? The Seeker for this Challenge is looking for ways to improve gelatin-based drug capsules in order to improve treatment plans. If you are a #globalinnovator working in #healthtech, this is the challenge for you! Your proposal could be worth $20,000!
Challenge Fondation Decathlon
Un défi Francais avec @agorizefr et @decathlon! Imagine un projet local, sportif et durable pour des personnes en situation de fragilité qui aura un impact social.
Airwards
Conoces usos de \#drones positivos y nuevos? Airwards es la primera plataforma global de premios que celebra las aplicaciones innovadoras, responsables y con impacto de los vehículos aéros no tripulados en todo el mundo. Con 20 categorías diferentes, ¿podría tu trabajo o el de un conocido ser merecedor de un premio?\ Anda a airwards.online y sube tu postulación totalmente gratis y en todas las categorías!
Nordic Smart Cities Challenge
How will cities change after \#covid19? The \#NordicSmartCitiesChallenge is looking for ideas to develop healthier, cleaner, and safer cities. Pitch your ideas in the virtual event on 18 February 2021 - you can have the opportunity to make your ideas a reality across the Nordic and Baltic regions.
scienceengineering
Schneider Go Green
#Students, this is your chance to prove yourself and share your #boldidea! @schneiderelectric is looking for global game-changers to #disrupt and push the boundaries of #digitaltransformation in Energy Management.
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World Vision Challenge: Low-Cost Chlorine Monitoring for Rural Piped Water Systems
InnoCentive has a challenge for you! Only a few days left to enter! Chlorination can help to disinfect and safeguard drinking water--an essential public health effort. Do you have ideas to help bring this to rural water supply systems in Africa?
Visual Indicator of Disinfectant Effectiveness
Looking for ideas for disinfectant systems that give a visual clue, ideally, a colour change, when they have lost their disinfecting properties, so they can be discarded just in time. Do you know how to achieve this? You could win up to $10,000.
Africa Young Innovators for Health Award
Are you the next healthcare innovator success story?
Development of a Systems Pharmacology Model
Studying the effects of drugs injected into the human eye is a huge challenge due to invasive sampling methods. @novartis is looking for computational models that can help to replace these invasive methods. \ If you are a \#computerscientist with an interest in \#healthtech, this is an incredible opportunity to work with a pharmaceutical giant. Check out more information at the link in our bio.
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