ICL Challenge: New Applications for Powdered Polysulphate™

ABSTRACT

Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL), the Seeker for this Challenge, is searching for new uses for the powdered form of Polyhalite, a unique natural mineral containing potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulphate. In its granular form Polyhalite (marketed as Polysulphate) is sold and used as fertilizer but a substantial amount of the powdered form is also produced and ICL would like Solvers to propose industrial, non-fertilizer applications for this unique material.

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

OVERVIEW

Polyhalite is a unique natural mineral containing significant amounts of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and sulphate (SO4) and mined exclusively by the Seeker, Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL). The granular form is used as fertilizer in either its pure form or mixed with other nutrients. Powdered polysulphate is also produced during the mining and production process and used in direct application and fertilizers downstream products. The powder form has very similar composition as the granular form but there is currently a smaller market for it. ICL is soliciting ideas for new applications of the powder form of this unique material. Ideas must be outside the realm of fertilizer uses and should represent a market opportunity of at least 50,000 metric tons per year.

This is an Ideation Challenge, which has the following unique features:

• There is a guaranteed award.  The award(s) will be paid to the best submission(s) as solely determined by the Seeker. The total payout will be $10,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $5,000 and no award being smaller than $1,000.

• The Solvers are not required to transfer exclusive intellectual property rights to the Seeker.  Rather, by submitting a proposal, the Solver grants to the Seeker a royalty-free, perpetual, and non-exclusive license to use any information included in this proposal, including for promotional purposes.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on 17-Aug-2020. Late submissions will not be considered.

After the Challenge deadline, the Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the Winning Solution(s). All Solvers that submit a proposal will be notified on the status of their submissions; however, no detailed evaluation of individual submissions will be provided.

ELIGIBILITY

This is an external Challenge only. Employees of the ICL Group and its subsidiaries are ineligible to receive awards for this Challenge.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

ICL, a global manufacturer of products based on unique minerals, fulfills humanity’s essential needs, primarily in three markets: agriculture, food and engineered materials.

The experience, knowledge and professionalism derived from establishing Israel’s potash industry over a period of 80 years of intensive activity and major investment in R&D, have transformed ICL into a world leader in specialty fertilizers, bromine and flame retardants. ICL produces approximately a third of the world’s bromine, and is the world’s sixth largest potash producer, as well as one of its leading providers of pure phosphoric acid.

ICL’s operations are global and are supported by worldwide distribution and supply chains. Our mining and production sites are located in Israel, Europe, North and South America and China. ICL employs about 13,000 persons worldwide

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an InnoCentive Ideation™ Challenge?

An InnoCentive Ideation™ Challenge is a broad question formulated to obtain access to new ideas, similar to a global brainstorm for producing a breakthrough idea or market survey which may include ideas for a new product line, a new commercial application for a current product, or even a viral marketing idea to recruit new customers. Ideation™ Challenge submissions are typically about two written pages, and Seekers receive a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use all submissions.

In an Ideation™ Challenge, Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own
• Submit third party information that they have the right to use and further the authority to convey that right and the right to use and develop derivative works to Seekers
• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use

Solvers should not reveal any confidential information in their submissions. Often the Ideation™ Challenge will be followed by one or more of the other three Challenge types to further develop the ideas and gain Intellectual Property protection when the concept has been well-defined.