OPEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE for
Sustainable materials solutions
RUBBERS & PLASTICS for the AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
Continental was looking for sustainable material solutions based on rubber and plastics for fluid lines in automotive applications.
THE BRIEF
Nowadays more and more vehicle manufacturers are focusing on alternative drives to provide sustainable mobility solutions. The growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles increase the demands on components and materials. Therefore, lines and hoses are not only indispensable but also represent big potential. In hybrid or electric drives, fluid systems often made out of rubber, stainless steel or aluminium are increasingly being replaced by high-performance plastic materials. Plastic components reduce vehicle weight and thus contribute to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions - while improving performance.
Sustainable material solutions are part of Continental's comprehensive sustainability roadmap, which aims to achieve 100 percent carbon neutrality, 100 percent emission-free mobility and industry, a 100 percent circular economy and 100 percent responsible value chains – all by no later than 2050.
Therefore, we challenge YOU to be part of those strong ambitions by developing a solution for one of the following automotive applications:
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Lines for air conditioning applications e.g. transporting refrigerant (CO2 or 1234yf)
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Lines connected to the transmission or engine transporting oil or fuel
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Lines for heating and cooling applications e.g. transporting water glycol
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Lines for the air induction of turbo charger applications e.g. transporting air
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Lines for exhaust gas management (DPF/GPF)
MEET THE FINALISTS
Benefits
You will see your solution entering the market within the Continental product portfolio.
Your team will be mentioned as inventor of the solution in our Continental communication measures (e.g. Social Media Content, Website-Stories, Internal news, Press releases).
Companies with attractive business cases and a successful POCs will be shared with our Venture Capital unit to assess a potential investment.
product requirements
Your idea should focus on materials (including additives) or processes based on rubber and plastic and include one or several of the following solutions:
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The use of recyclable vulcanized elastomer hoses
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Decomposition and preparation of elastomeric waste/scrap
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Substitution of fluorinated polymers
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CO2 neutral processes for carbon black or other raw materials
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Bio-based reinforcement material
participation requirements
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You are a university research group, research center, individual inventor or startup.
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You have developed an innovative technology, material or process, that could be used to address the described challenge.
timeline
APPLICATIONS
07 June - 24 July 2020
APPLICATIONS
NOW - 14 March 2021
SELECTION
31 March 2021
PRESENTATION
20 April 2021
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
End of April
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2019, Continental generated sales of €44.5 billion and currently employs more than 233,000 people in 59 countries and markets.