Neurodegenerative diseases are featured by progressive dysfunction and death of cells in selected areas in the central nervous system, determining clinical presentation. Neuronal loss is associated with conformational changes in proteins that result in extra- or intra-cellular accumulation of misfolded proteins, representing the hallmarks of several neurodegenerative disorders, summarized as proteinopathies. Intermediate forms such as oligomers or protofibrils are thought to have cytotoxic effects to neurons, offering new ways for future prevention and treatment strategies.

Our Research department within the Neuropsychiatry Center of Therapeutic Innovation is mainly focused on such intrinsically disordered protein (tau, α-synuclein, Aβ) aggregation processes related to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, one of our strategies is to search for compounds able to prevent tau aggregate formation. Therefore, the Seeker desires a suitable cell-free assay that allows the robust and reproducible monitoring of tau protein aggregation.

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.

The Seeker is looking for new and novel methods for locating, controlling and/or eradicating invasive marine species. Ideas can be new or utilize existing methods in a new or unique combination/adaptation.

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

The Seeker is looking for methods that can give glass sheets a much valuable water-repellent property that survives the extremely high temperatures (600 to 700 degrees C) that the glass substrate is exposed to during processing.

This is a Reduction-to-Practice Challenge that requires written documentation, experimental proof-of-concept data, and sample delivery (if applicable to your solution and requested by the Seeker). Purely theoretical solutions are also welcomed and these may qualify for awards up to $15,000 if they are judged to meet the Solution Requirements listed below.

The Seeker to this Challenge is looking for a novel method(s) to shape ceramic oxide powders into highly spherical monodisperse microbeads within the size range of 30 to 300 microns.

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.

The Seeker is looking for a method to make <3 mm coal fines into briquettes ~25mm x 20mm x 18mm in size that can last through the tumbling and temperature of a rotary kiln.

This is a Reduction-to-Practice Challenge that requires written documentation, a demonstration of capability and samples from the Seeker’s material, if requested.

Green Petroleum Coke (GPC), a final carbon-rich solid material that derives from oil refining comes in two common morphologies, “sponge” (porous) and “shot” (hard spheres). Sponge coke produces high grade carbon anodes due to the deep binder penetration of the porous structure. The non-porous shot coke makes lower quality anodes so cannot be used as “anode grade” coke. UC Rusal would like to find a technology/process to allow the use of shot coke in anode manufacturing.

This is a Reduction-to-Practice Challenge that requires written documentation and a device/system to be tested; However Theoretical Solutions may be accepted for half the award.

Coal Tar Pitch is a liquid used in the production of carbon anodes for aluminum smelting. Its production is completely dependent on the Steel Industry and there is an expected shortage in the near future. The Seeker is looking for an alternative binder material like Coal Tar Pitch which is not made from similar feedstocks (Coal Tar).

This is a Reduction-to-Practice Challenge that requires written documentation and a device/system to be tested; However Theoretical Solutions may be accepted for half the award.

The central nervous system (CNS), comprised of the brain and spinal cord, is responsible for integrating sensory inputs and coordinating body functions.  Dysfunction of the CNS leads to serious and often fatal conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, as well as migraine and headache disorders, and chronic pain. These conditions are each associated with diverse and debilitating symptoms, which include severe pain, fatigue, lack of motor coordination/balance, and paralysis. Treatment options for the disorders are limited and new approaches to improve patient outcomes are needed.  Therefore, Teva is seeking proposals for novel intracellular or extracellular targets with therapeutic potential to alleviate the conditions of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, migraine and headache disorders, and pain. 

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 the goal of establishing a collaborative partnership.

The Bureau of Reclamation and its collaborators are seeking innovative methods and technology to detect leaks and flaws in buried water pipeline infrastructure.  Pipeline leaks and flaws deprive consumers of a valuable resource and necessitate costly repairs.  Currently, no practical method exists to detect leaks and flaws in large diameter operational pipelines regardless of pipe diameter and material type.  Solutions can be novel approaches or can build upon existing methods or technologies.  This Challenge launches Stage 1 of a planned two-stage Challenge that includes laboratory-scale and field-scale demonstrations.

Challenge Orientation Video: Subject matter experts from Reclamation, San Diego County Water Authority, and Southern Nevada Water Authority discuss the need for improved pipeline leak detection methods.

PRIVACY ADVISORY

This web site is hosted by a private entity and is not a service of the Reclamation or the Department of the Interior (DOI).  The solicitation and collection of your personal or individually identifiable information is subject to the host’s privacy and security policies and will not be shared with Reclamation or DOI unless a Solver wins the Challenge.  To collect an award, Challenge winners’ personally identifiable information must be made available to Reclamation. Please consult the Challenge-Specific Solver Agreement.

UC RUSAL is looking for a new material to replace untreated raw wood and use it as a new packaging and fastening technology for its commodities during bulk transportation in ship’s holds and sea containers. The solution must provide a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly alternative that eliminates sanitary issues (e.g. insect or weed growth).

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.