September 28, 2005

Students sought for soy product development contest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University students can learn how to be entrepreneurs and win prize money by participating in the Product Innovation Competition.

An information session for students interested in the contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 5) in Beering Hall, Room 1268. The contest, sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Board, pits teams of students against each other in developing innovative products that utilize soybeans. Examples of previous products developed for the competition include crayons, candles, crackers, markers and heating oil.

"The Product Innovation Competition provides great opportunities for students to learn, discover and practice in their chosen career field," said Bernie Tao, Indiana Soybean Board Professor in Soybean Utilization Research and contest organizer. "As students in the past have learned, participation in this contest really impresses future employers.

"Over the last five years, this contest has produced two commercialized products and numerous ideas that have stimulated industrial interest. It has also produced graduates who understand the value and importance of utilizing renewable resources, such as soybeans, for industrial and food products."

Information on the contest is available online or by contacting Tao at (765) 494-1183, tao@purdue.edu. Students who plan to attend the information session should contact Cari Brady at (765) 496-8326, bradycl@purdue.edu. Free pizza will be provided.

Winning team members can receive up to $2,500 per person. Teams may consist of two to three undergraduate students with a faculty adviser. Faculty advisers provide technical advice and lab facilities in which to work. Each team will receive a budget of $500 to start and may consist of students from any academic discipline.

Tao said products developed for the competition should be novel and not currently commercialized or in industrial development.

Products are judged based on feasibility and use of soybeans, how well they perform or function, packaging, technical merit, and marketing and commercialization potential. Final products and reports are due March 12.

Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722; forbes@purdue.edu

Source: Bernie Tao, (765) 494-1183, tao@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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