logo

Official Rules

By submitting a proposal, participants agree to abide by the official rules, as well as, the decisions made by the judging panel, which are final.

1. PROGRAM PERIOD

The Open Innovation challenge will start on October 25th, 2022 and end by February 2023. The online launch will be conducted on October 25th, 2022. All proposal submissions must be completed by December 9th, 2022.

2. ELIGIBILITY

The Open Innovation challenge is open to participants; either as an individual or as an organization. Individuals must be at least eighteen (18) years old and with full legal capacity. Organizations, either as a business or academic entity, can submit more than one proposal. All participants must provide valid contact information

This challenge is not open to employees of Metalsa and members of their families

Participation in the open innovation challenge is free of charge

Before submitting a proposal, you will be asked to indicate that you have read the Official Rules and that you agree with them

Metalsa may at its sole discretion, remove or disqualify any submission and participant it deems inappropriate or non-compliant

3. CHALLENGE TOPICS AND SUBMISSION CRITERIA

Metalsa is seeking topcoat solutions to prevent or mitigate electrodeposited epoxy coating’s degradation after perods of UV light exposure

The Electrophoretic coating process, also known as E-coat, consists of the immersion of parts in a paint emulsion. Once there is full immersion, an electrical current is applied that causes the paint to adhere to the surface in a uniform and homogenous layer. Electrodeposited epoxy coatings (E-coat) are prone to UV light degradation after direct or indirect sunlight exposure. We seek topcoats that, when deposited over E-coated automotive chassis frames, are capable to enhance both the resistance to photolysis and autoxidation and provide similar to higher corrosion resistance as the original E-coat. Emphasis is given to environmentally friendly technologies not formulated with heavy metals. Approximate annual volume starts at 750,000 ft^2.

Submission criteria

Desired solution should fulfill the following criteria for UV degradation performance

  • 95% gloss retention after 2,500 hours of SAE J2527 or 95% gloss retention after 5 thermal cycles of Toyota’s TSH 1585G Method B, Xenon lamp testing.
  • 95% original E-coat thickness retention after the same testing requirements.

Desired solution should fulfill the following criteria for corrison and mechanical performance

  • Red rust rating of 7G or higher per ASTM D610 and a blistering rating of 9 per ASTM D714 after 120 cycles of SAE J2334.
  • Chip impact resistance of 8C or higher per SAE J400 (ambient temperature) or no peeling and rating 3 or higher per TSH 1553G.
  • Creepback from scribe should not exceed 2 mm in any direction from a 5 cm straight line after 120 cycles of SAE J2334.

Technical requirements

  • We seek solutions capable to be incorporated in a manufacturing line with restricted space (6 m^2) and no capability of a curing oven.
  • The cure state application must be suitable to store outdoors immediately after application.
  • Metal temperature right before application is in the range of 160 ºC (320 ºF) right after E-coat oven and down to 49 ºC (120 ºF).
  • Physical apperance should be black or a clearcoat with no drips or sags when cured.
  • The solution, when incorporated in line, should not negatively impact current cycle times.

4. AWARD CATEGORIES

a) Funding Awards

Relevant for research intensive companies (big and small), start-ups, research organisations and universities.

Through partnership with Metalsa you would benefit from up to 22,000€ in funding, market accessibility.

Metalsa will support grant applications by selected participants.

Participants are encouraged to indicate the type of funding programs and their requirements in their submitted proposal.

Metalsa will review funding request after the challenge ends and reach out to selected participants.

Subject to availability of funding/grant calls and eligibility of the participants.

Please provide sufficient detail in your proposal to allow us to evaluate your proposition.

b) Partnership and Research Collaboration

Metalsa Research Collaboration Model is particularly suited to academic (University) research organisations.

Metalsa will consider to fund up to 22,000€ for selected participants: whether to conduct a feasibility study; support on-going research; or enable applications for industry-focused research grants.

Through partnership with Metalsa you would benefit from:

  • Market accessibility – Metalsa global business network is available to amplify participants innovation for various regional markets. Accessibility is subject to Metalsa regional business focus and restrictions i.e. freedom to operate (FTO).
  • Expertise and Facilities – Metalsa in-house experts will support participates from scientific R&D and application knowledge to business development along the entire value chain. This may include access to our global labs and facilities as appropriate. Three partnership models are considered in this challenge call.
  • Joint-patent application will be considered if there is new intellectual property (IP), as well as, Metalsa support for IP generation:

5. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

All proposal submission must be completed on https://metalsaopeninnovationchallenge.innoget.com by December 9th, 2022.

All participants must register online and agreed on the Open Innovation Challenge Official Rules, Terms and Conditions and Data Privacy regulation before their proposals are accepted. An acknowledgement email will be provided within 24 hours after a successful submission.

All proposal must include at least the following information:

  • Contact name
  • Country
  • E-mail
  • Phone
  • Company
  • Designation
  • Title/Problem Statement and challenge focus
  • Technology Overview/Applications
  • Criteria/Technical Specifications (Please refer to #3. Challenge Topics and Selection Criteria for more information)
  • Stage of Development/TRL
  • Benefits/Business problem solved
  • Benefits/Business problem solved
  • IP information
  • Capacity to implement the proposed idea
  • Incomplete proposals may be subject to disqualification.

6. REVIEW PROCESS

Metalsa has sole discretion to select proposals and declare winner.

The selection of candidates to meet Metalsa experts to refine their proposal will happen in December 2022. And in February 2023 it will take place the selection of the Open Innovation Challenge winners.

Metalsa may alter the dates at their discretion. Any changes will be communicated to participants.

All participants must acknowledge and consent that Metalsa can use their personal submitted data for event publicity and marketing purposes.

7. APPLICABLE LAW

These Open Innovation Challenge Official Rules and thus your use of participation in the Metalsa Open Innovation Challenge shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Country and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts and Tribunals of City, Country.