NineSigma,an open innovation services provider,has announced that it is partnering with Scientists Without Borders-a web-based collaborative community,to find more sustainable packaging for micronutrient powders(MNPs).
Other partners in the project include The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy of Sciences,and DSM's nutrition think tank,Sight and Life.
Under this initiative,the partners are inviting small businesses,researchers,inventors,and others worldwide to provide novel,feasible,and cost-effective sustainable packaging ideas,or new methods of MNP delivery.A reward of$25,000 will be awarded to the companies/individuals providing the novel ideas.
MNPs are small sachets of essential vitamins and minerals and one of the most widely-distributed and cost-effective nutrition interventions in resource-poor settings.
Scientists Without Borders executive director Shaifali Puri said that micronutrient supplementation is one of the best ways to improve human health and well-being,and identifying effective solutions to this challenge will require many new ideas from diverse perspectives.
"Through NineSigma's proven technology search process and vast technical network,we are confident that we will find promising new approaches to advance our ability to combat malnutrition,"Puri added.
