Innocentive

What is a an InnoCentive Seeker™?

Seekers are progressive, innovation-driven companies and not-for-profit organizations that have tough R&D problems that need solutions. Seekers post these problems to the InnoCentive Open Innovation Marketplace™ as InnoCentive Challenges™. These solution seeking organizations provide significant financial awards, typically between $10,000 to $100,000, for what they determine is the best solution.

What is a Solver™?

This is what we call the person or organization who registers with us to solve InnoCentive Challenges. To review Challenges and submit solutions, Solvers must register with InnoCentive. Registration is easy and free, and all Solver’s must sign an online Solver Agreement. If their solution is selected to receive the award, the winning Solver needs to show they are capable of transferring ownership of the solution.

What is an InnoCentive Challenge™?

An InnoCentive Challenge is a unique problem posted by Seekers - companies and not-for-profit organizations – to the Open Innovation Marketplace. The Seeker is looking for the best solution for their problem and the Challenge can be large or small, short-term or long-term. If a solution is selected as “best” by the Seeker, the Solver receives a financial award, which varies per Challenge. Solvers may also qualify for partial awards.

Does InnoCentive offer more than one type of Challenge?

InnoCentive offers 4 Challenge types:

• Ideation
• Theoretical
• RTP
• eRFP

What is an InnoCentive Ideation Challenge™?

An Ideation Challenge is broad, non-detailed question to obtain access to new ideas. Think of an Ideation Challenge as a brainstorming session, market survey or simple contest for new ideas.

In an Ideation Challenge, a Solver may:

• submit ideas of their own
• submit third party information they have the right to and further the right to convey those rights to use and develop derivative works to seeker
• submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use

Solvers should not reveal any confidential information in their submissions. Often the Ideation Challenge will be followed by one or more of the other three challenge types to further develop the ideas and gain IP protection when the concept has been well-defined. Ideation challenge submissions (if written) must be limited to 500 words or less.

Note: Seekers obtain a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use ANY of the submissions that are submitted by solvers.

What is an InnoCentive Theoretical Challenge™?

A Theoretical Challenge has detailed solution requirements that Solvers must follow in their responses. In most cases, when a solution is chosen and an award is given, the intellectual property (IP) rights are transferred from the Solver to the Seeker; however, some Seekers may prefer to obtain a non-exclusive perpetual license when providing awards. The IP requirements are spelled out in the challenge statement. A Seeker that requires specific IP rights or licensing, and also needs detailed solution submissions, should choose a Theoretical over an Ideation Challenge.

What is an InnoCentive RTP Challenge?

Like a Theoretical Challenge, an RTP Challenge is highly detailed. However, an RTP goes one step further than a Theoretical Challenge, asking the Solver to submit a validated solution in the form of either original data or a physical sample. IP is always transferred in an RTP Challenge.

What is an eRFP?

eRFPs allow Seekers to submit “Requests for Proposals” to the InnoCentive Solver community. This global community includes organizations and individuals such as contract research organizations, scientists, university researchers and technology companies. After a Solver submits an eRFP response, the Seeker evaluates the responses and determines which Solver(s) to contact and begin further business discussions. With eRFPs, the Solver should NOT provide any confidential information in the eRFP response.

What is the deadline?

The Seeker establishes a deadline or cut-off date for receiving proposed solutions. It is important that you submit your solution proposal as soon a possible, even though it may be before the deadline. A submission received earlier is likely to be preferred when choosing between solutions of similar quality. The Seeker reserves the right to award a Challenge before the deadline, if they receive a solution proposal they want to accept. InnoCentive recommends that you submit your solution proposals as soon as they are complete and not wait until the deadline date.

What is a project room?

InnoCentive has created a secure space online called a “Project Room” for Solvers to view the details and requirements of a challenge and submit solution proposal(s). You must be a registered Solver and accept the Solver Agreement to view all the details of a challenge and submit a solution proposal. The online project room is where you will submit your final solution proposal(s). All proposal submissions should be done via the project room. You may send messages to InnoCentive using the Messages link in the project room regarding questions or inquiries on a Challenge.

Does InnoCentive post challenges in disciplines other than Chemistry and Life Sciences?

Yes! Initially we started in chemistry and life sciences and we have expanded into other disciplines including physical science, engineering and design, computer science, mathematics, and business and entrepreneurship. InnoCentive will regularly introduce new, exciting challenges in these multi-disciplinary areas. You can always be sure that InnoCentive will feature meaningful and challenging problems for creative minds looking to make an impact.

I am a potential Seeker. How do I learn more about InnoCentive and post our problems on the website?

Please call InnoCentive at 978-482-3300 or 1-866-812-7339 and ask for Sales. For general information on how InnoCentive works with Solution Seekers please visit our Seeker page.

How do I know these problems and awards are legitimate?

InnoCentive only posts problems and awards from highly reputable Seeker companies and not-for-profit organizations, such as Rockefeller Foundation. InnoCentive is currently working with many world-class, innovation-driven corporations to add new and exciting Challenges to the InnoCentive site on a regular basis. To see previously awarded InnoCentive Challenges please visit our Awarded Challenges.

Who determines the best solution?

The Seeker company determines which solution is best, InnoCentive is not involved in the solution selection process. The reason is simple. The Seeker understands the problem, describes the problem and establishes the criteria/requirements for a solution. Therefore, the Seeker is best suited to judge the “best” solution. InnoCentive screens each solution proposal to ensure that you have satisfied the submission criteria. If your solution proposal is unsatisfactory, you will receive an email from InnoCentive asking you to try again and outline the areas of your proposal that did not meet the solution criteria.

How is my intellectual property protected?

We know how important this is to you and InnoCentive has taken precautions to help protect both Seekers and Solvers. First, only InnoCentive and the Seeker that posted the problem can see any proposed solutions. Second, we require both the Seeker and the Solver to sign an agreement protecting confidential information.

How do I transfer my intellectual property rights in the solution?

If your solution is selected as “best” by the Seeker, prior to receiving a financial award you must transfer your intellectual property rights in the solution. In order to transfer your intellectual property rights you will have to sign a document stating that you are the owner of the intellectual property and have the ability to transfer these rights. If you are employed, your employer will have to sign an agreement to transfer ownership of intellectual property. In our experience, this is something that can be resolved to everyone’s benefit.

I’m employed by a company that does work in the area of an InnoCentive Challenge. Can I work on this challenge?

Yes. If you are working on an InnoCentive Challenge in connection with your employment, you must ensure that your employer is capable of signing an agreement to transfer intellectual property rights. Be aware of any restrictions in your employment agreement (if you have one with your employer). If you use your employer’s facilities to create your submission proposal, and if your solution is selected as “the best,” you must have your employer sign an agreement to transfer ownership of intellection property.

I work at a university. Can I offer solutions to InnoCentive Challenges?

Some universities have policies governing the use of their facilities and the ownership of any intellectual property created while using their facilities. You should become familiar with any such policy that may affect your work if you are a student, faculty or staff member. Remember that you must be able to transfer all rights in your work if a Seeker accepts your solution and pays you the award.

What’s in it for InnoCentive?

InnoCentive has established a community of creative problem solvers who want to make an impact. The Seekers get their problems posted to our global community and then pay for the solutions to problems that are judged “the best.” The solution Seeker pays InnoCentive for this service. It is free for Solvers. In addition to empowering people everywhere to unleash their creativity, providing an open innovation resource for progressive R&D based companies, we are also helping non-profits bring breakthrough innovation to communities around the world.

Where did InnoCentive come from, anyway?

InnoCentive began as a start-up incubated through the e.Lilly division of Eli Lilly and Company, a leading innovation-driven pharmaceutical corporation. Lilly was the first Seeker at InnoCentive providing leadership on the initial InnoCentive problems and awards. InnoCentive is now incorporated as an independent company, and partners with various Seekers in many industries to revolutionize the way R&D is done.

Forget your username or password?

Please go to: http://www.innocentive.com/forgotpassword

InnoCentive secures Solver accounts from unauthorized use. If you cannot answer your hint question correctly, send an email to innohelp@innocentive.com and we will assist you in resetting your account.

To reset your password, Please go to: http://www.innocentive.com/forgotpassword. You must enter your username and email address in the fields provided and press the submit button. You will recieve an email with instructions to reset your password.

For your username: Please go to: http://www.innocentive.com/forgotpassword. Enter you email mail address in the field provided and press the submit button. You will receive an email with your username(s).

How do I print a Challenge?

Select the “View Printable Version” link to print a copy of a Challenge. If there is no link available, simply click the print button in your browser to print the page.

How do I submit a solution?

• Go to http://www.innocentive.com.
• Choose My InnoCentive from the menu. Log in using your user name and password.
• Select the InnoCentive Challenge you want to submit a solution proposal for to open your online project room*.
• Scroll down the challenge - on the bottom left notice “Project Files” and the browse and upload buttons.
• Use browse to locate your solution proposal on your computer.
• Use the upload button to upload your proposal for submission to InnoCentive.

*Note: You must be a registered Solver and accept the Solver Agreement to submit a solution proposal. If you need assistance with solution submissions, please email us at click here.

May I submit more than one solution?

Absolutely! As you know, there can be multiple solutions to any problem. The key with InnoCentive is to help the Seeker find the “best” one. So if you have more than one solution proposal, we encourage you to submit them all.

How much do I get paid for submitting a solution?

Only a solution deemed “best” by the Seeker will receive a financial award. The Seeker pays the financial award as outlined in the challenge.

How much time after I submit a solution will it take to receive notification?

It depends. The Challenge usually has a deadline for solution submission. The Seeker typically validates the proposed solution. If a solution to the challenge is received, the award is typically paid 2-6 months after the deadline date, and some challenges may have longer or shorter time frames for paying the award. Because it takes time to review and validate solution proposals, you may opt to receive email notification of the status of the InnoCentive Challenge. This notification is sent when the challenge is closed, awarded or withdrawn. If no solution is found, the Seeker may choose to modify the challenge criteria and post the problem again. As a registered user you may opt to receive an email notification when new challenges are posted to the site that matches your interests.

How do I submit a solution?

• Go to http://www.innocentive.com
• Choose My InnoCentive from the menu. Log in using your user name and password.
• Select the InnoCentive Challenge you want to submit a solution proposal for to open your online project room*.
• Select the “Submit a Solution” button.
• Use “Browse” to locate your solution proposal on your computer
• Use the “Add” button to place your solution proposal in your project room for the Challenge
• Press the “Send to InnoCentive” button to submit your solution proposal(s).

*Note: You must be a registered Solver and accept the Solver Agreement to submit a solution proposal. If you need assistance with solution submissions, please email us here.

Why do I need to provide my full name and contact information before I can view Challenge Details?

When you view Challenge Details, you will be viewing confidential information posted by InnoCentive Seekers. In order to ensure security for both the Solver and Seeker, we need your legal name and contact information.