We are looking for partners from the open innovation ecosystem to support development of new sustainable binder systems for lower yellowing epoxy coatings.
Why an innovation challenge? At Hexion, we leverage the power of chemistry and our enabling technologies to deliver more sustainable solutions that make this world better, safer and cleaner. We are committed to improving the quality of life for our associates, customers, stakeholders and the communities in which we live and work. But we are convinced that the future of innovation lies in cross-industry opportunities and collaboration.
With our Create the Future challenge, we’re looking for academic, start-ups, and industry partners to help us build a more sustainable world. We are actively searching for more sustainable technologies to improve the UV-resistance of epoxy anti-corrosion coatings.
Do you have renewable binders, pigments, or additives for epoxy coatings formulations with improved UV resistance? Even if your solution hasn’t been fully-developed yet or the fit might be less than obvious, read the challenge details and register for the webinar to learn more.
The Open Innovation challenge will start on February 2nd, 2021 and end by September 30th, 2021. The kick-off webinar will be conducted on March 2nd at 9:00 CET and repeated at 17:00 CET to officially launch the innovation challenge. All proposal submissions must be completed by June 30th, 2021.
Eligibility
- The Open Innovation challenge is open to participants’ either as and individual or as an organization. Individuals must be at least eighteen (18) years old and with full legal capacity. Organizations, either as a business or academic entity, can submit more than one proposal. All participants must provide valid contact information
- This challenge is not open to employees of Hexion and members of their families
- Participation in the open innovation challenge is free of charge
- Before submitting a proposal, you will be asked to indicate that you have read the Official Rules and that you agree with them
- Hexion may at its sole discretion, remove or disqualify any submission and participant it deems inappropriate or non-compliant
Challenge Topics And Submission Criteria
Hexion is seeking Lower Yellowing, Renewable Resins and Raw Materials to develop new sustainable coating resins and formulations through two (2) challenge topics:
a) Innovative Chemistry – Create the future with renewable raw materials, polymers and resins for improved UV resistance
Submission criteria (Technical Specifications)
- Concepts should include more sustainable, renewable (bio-based or recycled) raw materials or resins/ polymers derived from more sustainable, renewable raw materials and indicate the content of renewable materials used
- Preferred, but not limited to, are concepts starting from commercially-available products; or raw materials available at a pilot scale (kilogram) production batches at a minimum. The production scale should be clearly indicated in your proposal
- Estimated cost of the new building blocks or the synthesis in case of resins/polymers [€/kg]
- Preferred solution have a limited number of synthesis steps
b) Innovative Formulations – Create the future of more sustainable coatings with UV-resistant binders, pigments and additives
Submission criteria (Technical Specifications)
- Description of the components’ role in a coating formulation and how they improve UV resistance
- An initial formulation proposal that can be used to test the performance
- Physical and performance test results of the formulation (minimum data proving the UV resistance, drying time, hardness development)
- Physical and analytical test results of the new renewable components of the formulation
- Physical component must be available for testing (500 g)
Awards:-
a) Cash prizes
- The Innovation Challenge Winner will win EURO 5,000; the winning proposal must meet selection criteria and align with Hexion business interest.
- Individual winner who qualify for the cash prize must be aged eighteen (18) years with full legal capacity at the time of registration and are not part of any Hexion entity.
- Winner is solely responsible for the payment of taxes on their respective prizes. Prizes are not transferable.
- Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded and will be processed in a manner compliant with the law. If the prize cannot be awarded for whatever reason, Hexion reserves the right to substitute the prize for another of equal value.
b) Funding
- Hexion will support grant applications by selected participants.
- Participants are encouraged to indicate the type of funding programs and their requirements in their submitted proposal. Hexion will review funding request after the challenge ends and reach out to selected participants.
- Subject to availability of funding/grant calls and eligibility of the participants.
c) Partnership
- Market accessibility – Hexion global business network is available to amplify participants innovation for various regional markets. Accessibility is subject to Hexion regional business focus and restrictions i.e. freedom to operate (FTO).
- Expertise and Facilities – Hexion in-house experts will support participants from scientific R&D and application knowledge to business development along the entire value chain. This may include access to our global labs and facilities as appropriate.
- Three partnership models are considered in this challenge call. Joint-patent application will be considered if there is new intellectual property (IP), as well as, Hexion support for IP generation:
- Research Collaboration – Hexion will work together with universities or research institutes; within the framework of financing for undergraduate thesis, contract research, proposals for external funding or providing access to industry equipment.
- Joint-development– Hexion and participant can work together to share technologies, develop or enhance their products, combine or integrate their technologies, or jointly commercialize a new product.
- Licensing – A business arrangement in which the participant can give Hexion permission to manufacture its product for a specific payment (toll manufacturer).
Deadline:- 01-07-2021
