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.
Guidelines
Challenge topics. Creating the future together
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.
By submitting a proposal, participants agree to abide by the official rules, as well as, the decisions made by the judging panel, which are final.
Program Period
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)
Incentive
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).
Material Transfer
For the winning proposal, Hexion will ask for a sample to evaluate.
Submitter will package, label, and ship Material in compliance with applicable laws, as requested by Hexion and at Hexion’s expense.
Compliance with laws and regulations in connection with the shipment of Material shall be the sole obligation of the Submitter/Institution. The institute assures Hexion that the material will be shipped for research purposes only and in compliance with the applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
Samples are considered non-confidential unless a NDA has been signed.
All participants must register online and agreed on the Open Innovation Challenge Official Rules, Terms and Conditions and Data Privacy regulation before their proposals are accepted. An acknowledgement email will be provided within 24 hours after a successful submission.
All proposal must include the following information:
Contact name
Country
E-mail
Phone
Company (if participant is representing an organisation)
Designation
Title/Problem Statement and challenge focus
Technology Overview/Applications
Criteria/Technical Specifications (Please refer to #3. Challenge Topics and Selection Criteria for more information)
Stage of Development/TRL
Benefits/Business problem solved
IP information
Preferred partnership model
Incomplete proposals may be subject to disqualification.
Review Process
Hexion has sole discretion to select proposals and declare winner.
After review, selected candidates will be invited to a one-to-one meeting with Hexion in-house experts to refine their written proposals by July 31st, 2021. Five semi -finalists will be notified by August 31st. Participants qualified for the final phase will be informed by September 10th.
In the final round , a maximum of three (3) finalists will be invited to pitch their proposal to Hexion jury panel on September 30th, 2021. The winner will be announced during this event.
Hexion may alter the dates at their discretion. Any changes will be communicated to participants.
All participants must acknowledge and consent that Hexion can use their personal submitted data for event publicity and marketing purposes.
Applicable Law
These Create the Future of Sustainable Industrial Coatings Open Innovation Challenge – Official Rules and thus your use participation in the Create the Future of Sustainable Industrial Coatings Open Innovation Challenge shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Netherlands and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts and Tribunals of The Netherlands, Rotterdam.
