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.

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.

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:

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!

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!

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!

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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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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?

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?

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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!

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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.

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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:

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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!

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Africa Young Innovators for Health Award

Are you the next healthcare innovator success story?

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