Future Positive Challenge

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A technology and engineering challenge for disruptors who have a desire to make a meaningful contribution to a positive future.

CHALLENGE DETAILS 2024 SELECTION JURY 2025 TIMING SELECTION PROCESS FAQS

2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Sustainability is behind every design decision we make and it is one of our core business values. We’re looking for breakthrough, next-generation materials, components, and processes to accelerate the development of more sustainable products. Logitech is looking for partners who want to gain exposure to their ideas. Let’s collaborate and find ways to scale your innovation.

challenge details

Showcase your innovative, sustainability-focused solutions to engineering and process design challenges in consumer electronics.

Printed Circuits

We’re looking for new solutions that use lower-impact materials and energy-efficient processes in the design and production of circuit boards, which have traditionally taken a toll on the environment.

Batteries

Have an answer to safer, scalable, cost-effective electronics for high-capacity batteries and power management? We’re looking for solutions featuring alternative materials to lithium or cobalt and techniques for battery recycling.

Integrated Circuits

Do you have a way to reduce the environmental impact of Integrated Circuits (IC) throughout their lifecycle? Share how you are improving the wafer manufacturing process or improving on production yields.

Materials

Our goal is to minimize energy use and reduce environmental impact while maximizing supply chains. We want to hear from you if you have a material alternative that reduces weight, increases strength, reduces carbon footprint, and is bio-based/biodegradable or renewable.

Packaging

Share your packaging solutions that aim to protect products but minimize environmental impact. We’re looking for moldable materials, renewable and recyclable materials, and alternatives to foil printing.

Business Models

Business model innovation means reimagining how processes create value for all. Share your ideas for better structuring supply chains, or programs that encourage the circular economy or collaborative economy specific to the technology device industry.

MEET THE 2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Thank you to all of the applicants who submitted proposals to Logitech’s 2024 Future Positive Challenge. We are proud to feature 6 Award-Winning companies and 2 companies receiving Distinguished Recognition for their innovative solutions.

AWARD WINNERS

LITE-ON transforms multi-layered PCB membranes by reducing material usage, energy consumption, and overall carbon footprint.

Pragmatic Semiconductor designs and manufactures flexible integrated circuit technology.

Achelous Pure Metal recovers lithium-ion batteries and other valuable metals from waste.

TPI PLASTIC develops high-quality post-consumer recycled and ocean bound plastic materials in computer products.

Stora Enso is a provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction.

Bin-e is a provider of AI-enabled smart waste bins designed for easy sorting and simplified recycling.

LITE-ON transforms multi-layered PCB membranes by reducing material usage, energy consumption, and overall carbon footprint.

Pragmatic Semiconductor designs and manufactures flexible integrated circuit technology.

Achelous Pure Metal recovers lithium-ion batteries and other valuable metals from waste.

TPI PLASTIC develops high-quality post-consumer recycled and ocean bound plastic materials in computer products.

Stora Enso is a provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction.

Bin-e is a provider of AI-enabled smart waste bins designed for easy sorting and simplified recycling.

DISTINGUISHED RECOGNITION

Namoramic has identified a solution for eliminating toxic materials used in conventional lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

Niron Magnetics replaces rare earth magnets by combining nanomaterial engineering with metallurgical methods to deliver high performance magnets.

Namoramic has identified a solution for eliminating toxic materials used in conventional lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

Niron Magnetics replaces rare earth magnets by combining nanomaterial engineering with metallurgical methods to deliver high performance magnets.

2024 SELECTION JURY

This year’s expert panel of judges includes leaders in sustainability, manufacturing, and beyond

PRAKASH ARUNKUNDRUM
Chief Operating Officer, Logitech

ROBERT O'MAHONY
Head of Sustainability, Logitech

JEAN-MICHEL CHARDON
Head of Technology Innovation, Logitech

LAJLA AGANOVIC
Head of Venture Engagement, Logitech

TIFFANY BEERS
Head of Engineering for Materials, Sustainability and Gaming Audio, Logitech

ADAM SCHETTLE
Head of Design, Logitech

CAROLINE KENNEDY
Sustainability Director, Logitech

EDWARD KU
Sr. Manager, Discovery & Evolution, Sustainability, Logitech

KATHY LIU
Sr. Manager, Sustainability Engineering, Logitech

JEAN BINAY
Corporate Sustainability, Swatch Group

CARL GRESSUM
EU Tech Collaboration & Investments, Samsung

LI LI
Investment Manager, BASF

MARC LEDUC
Investment Manager, BASF

ALEJANDRO DIAZ HORSTMANN
Investment Analyst, ETF Partners

MARTHA IVANOVAS
Head of Deal Flow and Portfolio Europe, Intel Ignite

SIMONE LAVIZZARI
Investment Director, Sony

TEAMING UP WITH PAST WINNERS

The 2023 Challenge Winners have been collaborating with Logitech on lower carbon impact and circular solutions. Logitech provides guidance, expertise, and brand support for the development of their solutions.

Elephantech Inc,

Nagoya, Japan

Big idea:
Elephantech’s recent innovation is a new sustainable manufacturing method for printed circuit boards called Pure Additive, which combines metal inkjet printing and copper plating. Whether it’s a device that silently monitors vitals or a smartphone with an endless stream of notifications, most devices contain a printed circuit board at the heart of their design.

Potential impact:
– Reduces the carbon impact of PCB manufacturing methods by 50+%, compared to traditional manufacturing
– Contributes to the circular economy by advancing the reusability of power devices at the end of their life
– Helps to overcome existing manufacturing issues

Highpower Technology Co. Ltd,

Shenzhen, China

Big idea:
Highpower Technology supplies rechargeable batteries. They are building a carbon model and recycled cobalt supply chain to recycle end-of-life cobalt and supply lithium-ion batteries with recycled cobalt.

Potential impact:
– Reduces waste and use of virgin materials
– Reduces the carbon impact of lithium-ion batteries
– Contributes to the circular economy

Ole Wolff Elektronik A/S,

Soroe, Denmark

Big idea:
Ole Wolff’s “Reduced Environmental Impact (REI) drivers” are a new range of headphone drives developed to reduce environmental impact through a series of sustainable initiatives without compromising acoustic performance.

Potential impact:
– Optimizes design to completely remove energy-intensive parts and reduce plastic usage
– Reduces usage of Neodymium by 30-40%, a rare earth element that is also very energy-intensive to mine

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The Future Positive Challenge is for disruptive companies, startups, and pioneering engineers who want to drive change in a multi-billion dollar industry. As a sustainability-minded partner looking to make an impact on the world, you understand that the consumer electronics industry needs to balance available resources with environmental impact.

Applications are now closed. Please subscribe below to receive updates about future challenges.

Timing

2025 Dates and Milestones

Dec 2024

Applications open

Submit your ideas.

Applications open

Submit your ideas.

May 2025

Pitch sessions

Round 1: Selected candidates will share their big idea with the selection committee.

Pitch sessions

Round 1: Selected candidates will share their big idea with the selection committee.

June 2025

Logi workshop sessions

Round 2: Twelve candidates (two from each category) will share with the committee in further detail under NDA.

Logi workshop sessions

Round 2: Twelve candidates (two from each category) will share with the committee in further detail under NDA.

July 2025

Results announced

Selection committee announces the winners.

Results announced

Selection committee announces the winners.

Selection Process and Ceremony

Team working on a wind turbine prototype

SELECTION PROCESS
All proposals will be reviewed by the selection jury and decisions will be made in two rounds.

ROUND 1
Pitch sessions will be scheduled for selected proposals, followed by a workshop with Logitech to deep-dive into the proposals for final selection.

ROUND 2
Following the workshop, select applicants will be identified for further in-depth exploration.

CEREMONY
An award ceremony will be held in celebration of the winners.

MEDIA USAGE

By participating in the Challenge, you consent to the use of your personal data by Logitech for the purpose of the challenge and any post-challenge activities and/or publicity. You agree to take part in any publicity relating to the challenge as well as to the use of your names and photographs in any such publicity.
You agree to participate and cooperate in all media and promotional activities relating to the Challenge, including but not limited to being interviewed, photographed or video recorded. You grant Logitech a no-fee, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, and non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, display and/or create derivative works of such footage and photographs in all media worldwide, including online social media without compensation and without prior inspection or approval.
You agree to execute additional specific consents to such use if asked to do so.

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FAQS

How much does it cost to enter?

There is no cost for applicants to submit proposals.

What types of organizations can apply?

Registered organizations of all sizes and types are welcome to apply, including startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovative companies, and institutes of higher education (universities, research institutes). At this time we do not accept applications from individuals.

How do I know if my innovation or expertise is applicable?

Your proposal will be reviewed by Logitech and external experts. Selected solutions will be contacted by Logitech for further discussions.

What information do I need to include when applying for a challenge?

Proposals should include the following information: an abstract, insight into how your solution works, its mechanism, and if possible, supportive data.

Logitech’s sustainability priorities are focused on three key areas of impact: removing more carbon than we create, innovating for a circular world, and supporting thriving communities within a vibrant society. Your proposal should describe any considerations that have been made in the design, development, sourcing, manufacturing, or marketing of your idea. Consideration may include but is not limited to, carbon footprint modeling, life-cycle assessment, renewable energy use in production, energy efficiency improvement in production or in the product solution, water usage, and recycled or other lower carbon materials.

Can I apply to more than one challenge?

Yes. You may submit different ideas to multiple challenges. You may also submit different ideas to the same challenge.

What if I need an NDA?

During the application process, submissions should only include disclosable details. Please do NOT submit confidential information. If your proposal is accepted, Logitech will provide an NDA.

What about my intellectual property?

If your idea is patentable, you/your company should be responsible for a patent application to protect you/your company's intellectual property. Logitech is not responsible for any IP claims if the idea was submitted to Logitech without filing a patent.

I’m doing research at a University and have an idea or potential solution. Can I still apply?

Yes, but please note that you must either apply in the name of the University or first register a legal entity/company before applying to the challenge. We do not accept applications from individuals.

What are the selection criteria for each of the challenge categories?

Selection criteria are proposed by Logitech and an external jury. Considerations are given to technology, sustainability performance, feasibility, and potential further development of the proposal. For a detailed breakdown of each topic’s criteria, visit the Tech Tour page.

Legal

NOTICE FOR SUBMISSION

Logitech will have no obligation to keep your submission confidential or proprietary, and shall not be liable for any use or disclosure of the submission.
Logitech may use or redistribute the submissions and their contents for the purpose of the challenge, without any restriction or any compensation.
There is no obligation for Logitech to review, keep, acknowledge, or return the submission or any related materials.
Individuals are not allowed to participate. Only proposals from registered companies or institutes of higher education will be accepted in the Challenge.
Proposals are submitted directly on the Tech Tour Europe SA submission page and subject to the Tech Tour Europe SA applicable terms and conditions.
Logitech may in its sole discretion terminate, cancel, modify or suspend the Challenge or re-schedule the dates of the Challenge. Any such termination, modification, suspension, or re-schedule will not give rise to any claim by the participants.
Logitech Privacy Policy
Further information and inquiries, please email: futurepositive@logitech.com

Future Positive Challenge

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