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Predicting Changes in the Microflora

13 Submissions
$10,000 USD
Challenge closed

Challenge overview

The human body is colonized by a diverse number of microbes and research shows that there is a direct link between human health and composition of the microflora. For example, disruption of the microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract triggers the development of various diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Areas outside of the gut have received less attention, yet it is just as important to understand how different areas of the body are affected by changes in the microflora. Therefore, the Seeker desires new approaches to predict the effect of substances on microflora present on the skin or mucosal membranes. 

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

The human microbiome is composed of resident and transient microbes – the absolute number is greater than the total cells in the human body. The microbial populations colonizing the human body coexist normally, but perturbations to the environment may cause rapid changes such as proliferation, inflammation and disease. One external factor that affects the microflora of the skin and mucosal membranes is contact with and/or direct application of products used in these areas. The net result may be “good” or “bad” and possibly “neutral” – yet how can this be determined without clinical testing? Therefore, the Seeker desires new approaches to predict the effect of substances on microflora present on the skin or mucosal membranes. 

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 $2,000. 
  • 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 January 22, 2017. 

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.

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