Sprint Challenge Brief:

Sustainability Innovations for the Materials Industry

Submissions Closed

BACKGROUND

Across virtual all manufacturing sectors, industries are under increased regulatory and consumer pressure to improve the safety and sustainability of their operations and products. Single use materials are being replaced with reusable or recyclable materials. Additionally, the development and incorporation of bio-based alternatives further reduces dependence on materials derived from petrochemicals.

TechConnect's client, a global leader in membrane production for industries like biopharmaceuticals manufacturing, medical drug filtration, diagnostics, and clinical research, is interested in sustainability innovations and identifies two areas of strong interest:

  1. Non-Mechanical Recycling Approaches for Polymers

    Polymers such as polyolefins, polyether sulfone and polyvinylidene fluoride, are highly effective when used in biomedical and biopharmaceutical membranes. However, they tend to be single use materials with limited opportunities for post-use recycling, especially due to their exposure to various biohazards during use.

    The client seeks innovative non-mechanical methods for recycling such polymers into viable raw materials suitable to re-enter the production process. Potential pathways of interest include, but are not limited to:

    • Bacteriological recycling
    • Enzymatic recycling
    • Chemical recycling
    • Energy-efficient thermal depolymerization
    • Degasification approaches

    All proposed approaches must be compatible with and suitable for materials deemed to be biohazards. As a consequence, proposed technologies should present information regarding the anticipated end-products following recycling.

    While the focus of this project is the identification of non-mechanical recycling approaches, proposed solutions may include a mechanical component, provided that other non-mechanical technologies feature prominently in the overall concept.

    Of particular interest to the client are proposed technologies capable of recycling wastestreams comprised of a mixture of multiple different polymers.

    Technologies of all maturity levels will be considered, provided a viable pathway to successful implementation exists.

  2. PFAS-free Surface Treatments
  3. For a variety of applications, it can be beneficial to have surfaces which automatically repel water or oil. Unfortunately, this performance is often achieved via the usage of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) chemicals. These fluorine-based chemistries are under increased global safety regulations, driving both consumers and industry to seek alternative solutions.

    The client is seeking surface modification technologies which can deliver hydro- and/or oliophobic performance comparable to that achieved by PFAS coatings. Pathways of interest include chemical or mechanical approaches or ones which incorporate both chemical and mechanical aspects.

    All proposed technologies, regardless of method, must:

    • Be suitable for application to porous and non-porous polymer substrates
    • Stable during use and cleaning
    • Non-toxic to cells and biological systems
    • Environmentally friendly and sustainable

    Additionally, the ideal solution would also be resilient against various sterilization methods including autoclaves or exposure to gamma radiation or ethylene oxide.

    All proposed approaches should be suitable for an industrial application environment and, ideally, capable of being applied in a continuous process. Technologies of all maturity levels are of interest, however solutions ready for commercial deployment within 24 months are of greatest interest.


Submission requirements:

Solvers submitting an entry should highlight key innovation areas in their submission that meet criteria including:

  • Non-Mechanical Recycling Approaches for Polymers
    • Type of recycling technology
    • Material(s) targeted for recycling
    • Anticipated performance
    • Suitability for recycling of biohazard materials
    • Suitability for usage with mixed materials
    • Anticipated end-product(s)
      • Potential for circularity high desirable
    • Technical maturity
  • PFAS-free Surface Treatments
    • Level of hydrophobicity or surface tension (dynes)
    • Anticipated performance against criteria
    • Anticipated operational lifespan of the treatment
    • Application method
    • Safety information
      • During treatment application
      • General materials of composition
    • Suitable substrate(s)

Business Opportunity for Solvers

All complete and eligible Entries will be included in an exclusive Innovation Opportunity Report that will be presented to our client. Solvers with well-matched capabilities may be contacted directly by either TechConnect Ventures or the client to discuss potential partnership opportunities, including – but not limited to – demonstrations, consulting, contract research, licensing, and more. Top-rated Entries may also be invited to register or participate in an upcoming TechConnect Ventures event or pitch program.


Participation Rules & Guidelines

Solvers are encouraged to review the Rules and Guidelines provided on the Sprint page for details about participation, including submission criteria, eligibility information, and more.


Download Challenge Brief

QUESTIONS? Contact challenge@techconnectventures.com