NextEnergy Launches Lighting Competition For Ford, RecoveryPark

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - NextEnergy has launched a global challenge aimed at inspiring the development of innovative energy solutions.

The Detroit-based nonprofit organization created to drive advanced energy investment and job creation in Michigan launched NextChallenge to address the unique lighting technology needs of Ford Motor Company and RecoveryPark, a major urban farming operation located in Detroit.

"NextChallenge was developed as a way to source ideas, concepts and intellectual properties that will drive technology innovation and economic development," Said Jean Redfield, president and CEO, NextEnergy, in a release. "We are confident that the challenge will encourage the development of advanced lighting solutions and that local advanced lighting manufacturers will rise to the challenge with innovative solutions that will spur economic and industry growth in Michigan."

Innovators can submit an online Request for Solutions proposal to one, or both, lighting challenges by 11:59 pm EST on March 6, 2015, according to NextEnergy. A judging panel will review the submissions based on the following objectives: innovation, partnerships, qualifications, competitive advantage, scalability, and Michigan-based intellectual property and investment.

Those selected as semi-finalists will present their proposals to the sponsors in early spring, with awards to be announced in May 2015.

Ford Motor Company is seeking innovative interior and exterior vehicle automotive lighting concepts that will add value and differentiation to its portfolio of products.

"Our goal is to find solutions that help us maintain our leadership in lighting innovation," said Dean Stevenson, chief engineer, Ford Global Design Engineering, in a release. "We are particularly interested in receiving concepts related to weight and luminosity, cost-effective production, innovative interior and exterior LEDs, and recyclable lighting."

And for RecoveryPark, the urban farming initiative is seeking solutions that optimize agricultural lighting systems for greenhouses and hydroponic operations, according to organizers.

"We are interested in optimizing our plant yield through advanced lighting technologies," said Gary Wozniak, president and CEO of RecoveryPark, in a release. "Our objective is to find a cost-effective, energy-efficient, customized lighting system that will react to various environmental conditions."

For each challenge, up to $80,000 in the form of cash or in-kind support will be awarded to further the development and demonstration of the selected initiatives. Michigan-based winners are eligible for up to $80,000 cash and/or in-kind and non-Michigan-based winners are eligible for up to $40,000 in-kind support, organizers said.

For more information about the competition, visit nextenergy.org/nextchallenge.