How It Works

 

Are you ready for a challenge that tests your innovation to design an environmentally preferable business or home office product?


If so, the following is a list of specifics to follow when crafting your submission.

Your concept must be one of the following:

  • A new design of an existing product that represents greater environmental responsibility or sustainability
  • A product that uses an eco-innovative material
  • A completely new type of product that promotes sustainability

NOTE: All submissions must be an original work that is student-created and student-managed.


Product categories for submission:

  • Adhesives, clamps/clips and staples
  • Binders and clipboards
  • Computer accessories
  • Cutting instruments (scissors, punches, etc.)
  • Desktop accessories
  • Envelopes, packaging and shippers
  • File folders, pockets and dividers
  • Janitorial/sanitation and office cleaning supplies
  • Labels and label makers
  • Marker and bulletin and/or planning boards
  • Media storage products (for CD/DVD, flash drives, etc.)
  • Office Chairs
  • Paper, note/message pads and cards
  • Storage and organization
  • Shredder and document destruction products
  • Technology accessories (for business machines, calculators and computers)
  • Telephone accessories
  • Writing and drawing instruments and accessories
  • Other miscellaneous office supplies

NOTE: Technology hardware (i.e.: computers, PDAs, wireless phones, printers, copiers, telephones and similar durable items) are specifically excluded.

 

Things to keep in mind:

  • All team members must be currently enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at colleges/universities within the pre-approved countries.
  • Each team may have a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 4 members.
  • A team leader must be selected to submit the team's entry.
  • Teams may submit more than one entry, however, team members must remain the same and each entry must be unique.
  • Your team must be registered in order to submit an entry.
  • Create and save your submission on your computer before submitting it online to avoid losing content.
  • Once a complete entry has been submitted, it cannot be modified.
  • Submissions must describe your new, original invention in 1000 words or less. Although not required, a sketch or visual of your invention is strongly recommended (.jpg, .gif or .pdf no larger than 10MB is acceptable).
  • All entries must be in English.
  • Inventions that are in the manufacturing process or have been manufactured, sold or offered for sale in the past cannot be submitted. However, submissions for a greener, more cost-effective version of a product that has been manufactured will be considered for entry.
  • It is highly recommended that you conduct an Internet search to confirm your idea is unique.
  • In April, 2011, 4-8 concepts will be invited to compete in the global finals event in Washington D.C., USA.
  • All Finalist teams (up to 4 members from each team) will be invited to present their invention in person, for a maximum of 5 minutes at the event. The presentation must be in English.
  • Prizes: (1) Grand Prize Winner - $25,000, (2) Runners-Up - $5,000 each.