I:CO International Research Award

Calling all inventors. I:CO takes recycling innovation very seriously.  To ensure that the company stays on top of the latest sustainability technologies, I:CO partners I:Collect AG and Swiss-based EPEA International Environmental Research GmbH and participating I:CO partners have pledged 5,000 Euros toward the bi-annual research award that will honor of excellent, experimental and innovative scientific work aimed at keeping textiles and shoes in a continuous cycle of circulation.
A new product idea will consist of a physical, biological and/or technical innovation while a concept will consist of a fully-formulated idea relating to a  new system and/or service.
In order to participate, innovators must provide a two-page summary in English or German depicting current state of research on the competing topic; a summary of the participant’s research approach and results; and a completed and signed registration form.   
Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2012.  Click here for Terms of Participation.
Product ideas and concept must be original. It is important that competing innovations related directly to textiles or shoes.  

Selection Criteria

• Innovation Character: Oriented to the everyday needs of the people. Products, concepts, new services etc., that help the environment and open new opportunities for the economy.
  • Creativity (basic idea, concept character)
  • Character of the innovation (what distinguishes this idea from already existing or similar ideas?)
  • Design (user-friendliness, aesthetic aspects)
• Market Potential: The greatest drive for the environment exists in ideas which can be used directly in the market, generate work and increase sales; and in so, make the world a better place.
  • Application / Usability
  • Market Use (in regard of utilization and developmental infrastructure)
  • Scalability (up-scaling & down-scaling)
• Ecological Effectiveness & Cradle to Cradle: Products in an endless cycle of circulation change the world with lasting effects. The world needs new products and new ideas for the endless cycle to work:
  • Products are developed for the spheres of biology or technology
  • "Product life" is known and defined
  • Materials are clearly defined (or in process of being so defined)
  • Supplier network is known
  • Concept Ideas? Leasing? Service? Cycling?
  • Logistics? How can cycling actually be implemented?

Additional information:
Registration [PDF]
Conditions of participation [PDF]

Contact:
I:Collect AG
Nina Gunnarsson
Haldenstrasse 5
CH-6340 Baar
Telephone +41 41 728 0470
Fax +41 41 728 0471
E-mail: info@ico-spirit.com