Due: March 13, 2025
ABSTRACT
TechConnect’s client seeks technology to rapidly inject small volumes of liquid into a rubbery polymer substrate and desires pilot-scale testing during the second half of 2025.
BACKGROUND
TechConnect’s global client produces a variety of polymer-based consumer products. One such product is a small cube with a liquid reservoir at its center. To produce the cubes, liquid is injected into a large slab of polymer in dozens of locations. The slab is approximately 1cm thick, ranges in width from 22 to 46cm and has a density of roughly 1.1 to 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter. The slab is then divided into cubes roughly 1cm square prior to further processing.
With current capabilities, the client can process roughly 800kg of polymer per hour, producing 705,000 cubes. The client seeks innovative injection technology to permit higher throughput of their products with a minimum improvement of 50% to 1200kg/hour.
Characteristics of injected liquid:
- Primarily comprised of mono/polysaccharides and water
- Viscosity range: ~0.15 – 5 Pa*s (150-5000 cP) at 40 °C
- Temperature range: 40 – 50 °C
Proposed technologies must rapidly inject 0.27 – 0.34 mL of liquid per injection site and process at least 1200 kg per hour.
The client is open to all relevant technologies from any industry including pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers and food equipment providers.
Technologies at or near commercial readiness are strongly preferred. Technologies should be at TRL 4 at minimum. Less mature technologies may be considered if promising performance is anticipated.
Pilot-scale testing is desired during the second half of 2025. The location and scope of pilot testing will be determined jointly by the client and select respondents.
Client production facilities are located globally but initial deployment is anticipated in Latin America. Consequently, respondents currently able to support deployment to that region are strongly preferred.
The goal of this sprint is to facilitate contact and interactions between the Sprint sponsor and commercial entities (including startups), technology developers or research organization/university in this space.
REQUIREMENTS
TechConnect encourages solvers who submit an entry to highlight capabilities in their submission that meet criteria including:
- Overall description of proposed technology
- Performance overview:
- Injection volume
- Injection speed
- Throughput speed
- Ability to support deployments in Latin America
- Technical maturity
- Ability to conduct pilot-scale testing in 2025.
- Commercialization plan and timeline
- Ability to inject other materials: powders, gels, etc.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR SOLVERS
TechConnect will include all complete and eligible entries in an exclusive opportunity report for the client. Solvers with well-matched capabilities may be contacted directly by either TechConnect 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 event or pitch program.