Global Innovation Challenge

Category: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Industry: Networking & Systems Technology / Automotive Sponsor: General Electric (GE) URL: www.ge.com

Imagination = Innovation

“Why predict the future when you can create it?” From the earliest days at GE, the company has used the tools of research, combined with a little inspiration, to create the world of tomorrow. Today, that legacy continues.

GE is determined to solve the world’s biggest problems. By putting our collective imagination to work for a better future, we might get there yet. Through rigorous research and constantly asking the right questions, GE makes it possible to change the way we travel, generate clean energy, treat patients and become better stewards of the planet. And GE does it one idea at a time. This is your opportunity to take on one of the world’s toughest challenges along with one of the world’s most innovative companies.

The Challenge

For every 10,000 drivers currently operating gas-powered cars that switch to electric, CO2 emissions would be reduced by 33,000 metric tons per year, equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of 6,500 traditional cars on US roads.

Electric vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation. However in order to see widespread adoption, the power grid must be modernized and charging stations must be accessible, quick and easy. GE’s new electric vehicle charger, the GE WattStation™, is designed to help address these challenges.

Combining functionality with a beautiful form by renowned industrial designer Yves Behar, the GE WattStation™ significantly decreases time needed for vehicle charging and, using smart grid technology, allows utility companies to manage the impact of electric vehicles on the local and regional power grids.

As Yves Behar says, "Good design is when a new technology enters our life and makes it simpler, beautiful and healthy."

Imagine how you would use one of GE’s most transformative products to make your life simpler, more beautiful and healthy. Join GE’s Innovation Challenge to experience real imagination at work!

www.ge.com

Category: STRATEGY / BUSINESS MODEL Industry: Technology Sponsor: AT&T URL: www.att.com

Challenge Synopsis

For over 120 years, AT&T has been an innovator in communications.  One of the largest companies in the world (and 7^th in the United States), AT&T is looking for your help to address a challenge that could change their business, and the way we communicate, forever. While this particular innovation challenge involves corporate strategy and new business model development, it could also involve elements of product development and market analysis. Further details are confidential and will be released only to registered teams.

Do you have expertise in strategy, business model innovation or market research? Does the new frontier of interconnected communications excite and inspire you? If so, then this is the challenge for you.

Innovation and AT&T

More than a century ago, Alexander Graham Bell's historic phone call to Watson marked the beginning of a new voice communications era. The Bell Systems' founders knew that for technology to succeed they needed a sustained research and development organization dedicated to fostering continued innovation.

Today, AT&T remains committed to creating innovations that drive the AT&T global network and help us and our customers rethink possible. Our mission is to connect people with their world, everywhere they live and work, and do it better than anyone else. We're fulfilling this vision by creating new solutions for consumers and businesses and by driving innovation in the communications and entertainment industry.

We're recognized as one of the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to businesses. We also have the nation's fastest mobile broadband network and the largest international coverage of any U.S. wireless carrier, offering the most phones that work in the most countries; the largest Wi-Fi network in the United States based on branded and operated hotspots; and the largest number of total broadband connections in the United States.

And we're making huge advances in the entertainment and communications industry. For example, we've expanded our video offerings to include television services such as AT&T U-verse^® TV and AT&T|DIRECTV. It's part of our "three-screen" integration strategy to deliver services across the three screens people rely on most — the mobile device, the PC and the TV.

AT&T is truly a network of possibilities – a network of intelligence, ideas and connections. It’s a living, breathing entity that is helping people rethink daily life. Explore the ways AT&T is pushing the limits of what’s possible by joining our innovation challenge today!

www.att.com

Category: MARKETING Industry: Agribusiness Sponsor: Syngenta URL:  www.syngenta.com

Do you and your team have what it takes to answer one of the questions asked by one of the world’s largest companies; a question where your ideas could have a global effect?  Then this one is for you!

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to their purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to their customers Syngenta helps to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.

Gardening products are used by end-consumers to decorate, maintain or protect lawns, gardens, borders, patio, pathways and other outside areas. Among the offerings are plants and seeds; plant protection, plant nutrition products and growing media. About 80 % of gardening products are sold through garden centers and hardware/home-improvement stores. The market for gardening products is largely concentrated in the US, Western Europe and Japan where disposable income and home sizes are larger but is expected to grow at the fastest pace in the emerging markets.

Syngenta has turned to the Innovation Challenge to help shape, which could be, the future of their business.  Can you help?

www.syngenta.com