InnoCentive > Challenges > Food/Agriculture

Measuring Efficacy of Online Promotions

Thu, 02 May 2013 21:12:42 GMT

How can the Seeker track the influence of online promotions in achieving a pre-determined outcome ? The specific situation is disclosed within the detailed challenge description.

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

Challenge Reward: $5,000 USD Deadline: Jun 02, 2013

Colder Faster – Turbo Chilling Beverages in Containers

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:17:47 GMT

A technology is required that will enable faster chilling of beverages in their containers or also in secondary packaging- from room temperature to 4 degrees C or less in under 10 minutes!

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $15,000 USD Deadline: Jun 29, 2013

Chemical Approaches for the Degradation of a Pesticide in a Dilute Aqueous Solution

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:19:31 GMT

The Seeker for this Challenge desires proposals for chemical methods that could rapidly degrade a dilute aqueous solution of a pesticide to biologically inactive compound(s). The additional constraint on this problem is that the degradation method should proceed without causing damage to the containers (primarily made from stainless steel and polyethylene) that houses the solution. Furthermore, the method should utilize chemicals that are safe to handle and do not create any degradation products of toxicological concern.

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

Challenge Reward: $7,000 USD Deadline: Jun 29, 2013

Automated & Real-Time Probe Guidance Technology

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:19:19 GMT

The Seeker is looking for a collaboration partner to propose concepts for an automatable technology to signal accurate placement of a small (mm-scale) probe within a complex organic matrix.

This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge; the Solver will only need to submit a written proposal to be evaluated by the Seeker with a goal of establishing a collaborative partnership.

Challenge Reward: varies Deadline: Jun 03, 2013

Increasing Efficiency of Generating Statistically Relevant Control Group Data

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:11:26 GMT

The statistical value of treated (placebo) control groups is in demonstrating the safety and efficacy of a drug candidate in a population where variables and potential biases compared to the test patient population are minimized. How can the efficiency of randomized controlled clinical trials be increased by reducing the number of patients needed in control groups?

Proposals from individuals outside of clinical trials disciplines are highly desired – are you able to describe a statistical basis for a solution and its value in demonstrating treatment difference without impacting on the ability of data interpretation?

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $25,000 USD Deadline: Feb 21, 2013

Accurately Locating Fluid Loss in Complex Networks

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:38:05 GMT

The Seeker requires a method or technology that can accurately detect and position small losses of pressurized fluid from supply networks. Details regarding the limitations of the current methods, and others the Seeker has trialed, are included in the detailed challenge description.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $20,000 USD Deadline: Feb 21, 2013

Home or ‘Point of Care’ Tests for Plasma Clotting Factors (VIII or IX)

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:16:23 GMT

The Seeker requires a test that could easily be used to monitor the level of blood coagulation factors FVIII or FIX present in hemophilia A and B patients, respectively. Today, many tests are commercially available, but none are suited for convenient testing either by care providers in the clinic or by hemophilia patients at home. A semi-quantitative test is required that would provide reliable information on the blood levels of FVIII or FIX relative to a state considered as ‘Normal’, ‘Mild’ or ‘Severe’ state of disease.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $25,000 USD Deadline: Feb 21, 2013

Partnering to Develop the NEXT DNA Sequencing Technology

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:01:19 GMT

The Seeker is a global company looking for truly novel ‘Next Generation Sequencing’ technologies that it can help to co-develop or in-license. A description of the technology is required, along with any existing data to support proof-of-concept.

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

Challenge Reward: $15,000 USD Deadline: Dec 19, 2012

Detecting Isocyanates in Suspended Particles

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:45:36 GMT

A detection technology capable of sensitive detection of isocyanates in an aqueous suspension of organic, liquid-containing microparticles is required. More details regarding the sample matrix and assay features are in the detailed challenge description.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $25,000 USD Deadline: Jan 16, 2013

Novel Biodegradable Hydrophilic Polymers

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:22:08 GMT

Novel hydrophillic polymers that are both biocompatible and biodegradable by mammalian enzymes are required. It is important that the proposed polymers are amenable to controlled synthesis so that a defined molecular weight range can be achieved.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $35,000 USD Deadline: Jan 13, 2013

Accelerated Stability Testing of Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:22:11 GMT

The Seeker desires a method and predictive model for accelerated stability testing of oil-in-water emulsions. Specifically, they are seeking a predictive mathematical model based on the properties of the emulsion after preparation. This could result from a combination of standard measurements and/or measurements not routinely applied to the specific type of emulsions the Seeker is testing. The Seeker may be interested in pursuing further collaboration with Solvers whose solutions they find promising.

This is a Reduction-to-Practice Challenge that requires a written proposal and potentially experimental proof-of-concept data. The Seeker recognizes that experimental proof-of-concept data may be difficult to obtain, so they may make a partial award of up to $15,000 USD for a purely theoretical contribution. The Seeker may, at their sole discretion, attempt to reduce to practice a purely theoretical contribution. If this reduction-to-practice is successful, the Seeker will make a partial award of a total of $30,000 to the winning Solver.

Challenge Reward: $100,000 USD Deadline: May 12, 2013

Understanding Bioavailability of Peptides

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:09:15 GMT

What sequence and structural factors influence the bioavailability of small peptides following ingestion? Which physiological parameters determine whether peptides reach and persist in the systemic circulation, and which models would be relevant to assess peptide bioavailability? The Seeker is looking for insightful submissions that are supported by peer-reviewed publications, in-silico modelling &/or existing research data.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $20,000 USD Deadline: Jan 09, 2013

Sustained Release Formulation for Synthetic Pyrethroids

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:33:27 GMT

The Seeker is looking for a novel formulation that modifies the volatility of a biologically active compound to give a product with activity of more than one year. The formulation should be stable for several years of storage even under tropical conditions. The resulting formulation should be able to be applied by spraying or by brushing etc. after dilution with water on many surfaces. The Seeker requires that the formulation technique must use commonly available materials and state of the art manufacturing process, as well as be safe for humans and the environment.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $25,000 USD Deadline: Dec 16, 2012

Measuring Central Nervous System Development in Infants & Children

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:29:41 GMT

How can we reproducibly and easily measure central nervous system (CNS) development during the most important years of a child’s life? Detailed proposals of markers or measurements are required that provide significant advances compared to current methods.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $25,000 USD Deadline: Dec 15, 2012

Storage Container that Protects Seed and Grain from Rodents

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:58:02 GMT

This Challenge seeks designs or materials for a storage bag, container, or vessel that protects seeds and grains against rodent infestations. Key requirements include: durability over several seasons, low cost, and feasibility for use in developing nations.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $20,000 USD Deadline: Nov 21, 2012

Robust Packaging Decoration Process for HDPE Containers

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:38:33 GMT

A decorative method including labeling for a color printing that is suitable for use with Extrusion Blow Moulded (EBM) plastic containers. The Seeker is familiar with a range of labeling and decorative techniques. Their limitations are listed in the full challenge description.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $20,000 USD Deadline: Oct 31, 2012

Preventing Surface Scuffing in Container Glass

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:35:03 GMT

The Seeker requires a technology that will prevent or retard, the scuffing of container glass surfaces

This is a Reduction-to-Practice Challenge that requires a written proposal and experimental proof-of-concept data (and/or sample delivery).

Challenge Reward: $20,000 USD Deadline: Nov 01, 2012

The Economist-InnoCentive Entrepreneurship Challenge

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 22:10:13 GMT

Many of the world’s greatest ideas and sources of economic growth are the result of disruptive innovations. This Challenge seeks short descriptions for business ideas that employ disruptive technologies that could make a big impact on the world.

Challenge Reward: See details Deadline: Jan 05, 2013

Containers That Keep Beverages Colder Longer

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:49:03 GMT

How can beverage containers be made so that they keep beverages cold longer but also give the sensory perception of cold to the user?

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

Challenge Reward: $10,000 USD Deadline: Aug 30, 2012

Modifying Sensory Qualities of Vegetable Oil Formulations for Personal Care Products

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:47:11 GMT

A method or formulation is required that retains the benefits of vegetable oil cosmetic products, yet reduces the undesirable qualities e.g. stickiness and high cost.

This Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Challenge Reward: $20,000 USD Deadline: Sep 27, 2012