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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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!

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!

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!

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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!

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!

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!

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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!

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!

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.

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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!

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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!

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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XPRIZE Carbon Removal

Do you feel like you have the innovative ambition, technical expertise, and scientific know-how to save the world?...

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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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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?

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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!

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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:

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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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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!⁠

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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!

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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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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.

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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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