1 Feb - Open Innovation Workshop

Discover the power of Open Innovation A workshop hosted by The Innovation Hub | 1 February 2017 The Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), is inviting Gauteng companies of all sizes

RESPOND NOW: REDUCING COST OF ALCOHOL PRODUCTION

To respond: 1. REGISTER an account on SOLEX. 2. LOGIN 3. Click on the link in the banner or the READ MORE LINK below to view the Challenge Brief 4. Click on the SUBMIT A PROPOSAL link at the top of the page 5. Follow onscreen instructions.

Call for Proposals

Do you want to be informed of new challenges that launched? Please REGISTER on SOLEX and you will be the first to receive notification of any new challenges published!

The Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability

RIIS is a leading Innovation Consultancy, headquartered in South Africa. We have an extensive track record of supporting our clients to drive innovation excellence across their organisation. We are driven by a single goal – to help build resilient companies over the long term by ensuring sustainable, profitable innovation.

About Challenges

What is a Challenge?

A Challenge is a specific business problem within an organisation, that has been clearly defined either by a technological or organisational need. It is defined in collaboration with the organisation itself (the solution seeker), and is documented in a two to three page Challenge Brief. This Brief is used to invite a diverse range of potential solutions providers to propose answers to the needs identified.

How does a Challenge Work?

A Challenge is identified and defined by the Challenge owner, with the SOLEX team guiding and facilitating the process. The RIIS C4^TM Process is followed from the definition phase through to where the solution seeker and solution provider begin the deal-making process.

Challenge Definition

A Challenge is defined by a carefully selected team of experts familiar with the Challenge topic. The Challenge and key specifications are explained in a document called a Challenge Brief that is published on the SOLEX platform.

Connect to the Innovation Ecosystem

The Connection stage involves SOLEX specialists searching for, engaging with, and inviting solution providers from a global scientific, industrial and innovation community to submit proposals.

Consider the Proposal

Proposals are evaluated using a simple validation dashboard, based on the unique requirements of each Challenge.

Commit to Make the Deal

When a potential solution provider has been selected, a normal engagement process will be followed by the Challenge owner, whether procurement or partnership. The SOLEX team continues to play an active role in making connections to funders, markets and expertise to support innovation development and implementation.

How do I respond to a Challenge / submit a proposal?

Online Submission

To submit a Challenge proposal, you first register on SOLEX and log in.
Carefully read through the Challenge Brief and ensure that you can address all the key specifications highlighted in the brief.
Complete the online form on the submissions page with all the details regarding your proposal.
You can save your proposal during the submission process as a draft and access it again through your Dashboard.
Once you are happy with your proposal, accept the terms and conditions and click on the Submit button.
Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique reference number.

Having Problems to submit your proposal online?

Follow the instructions on the Submiisions page to complete some of the proposal details offline.
Still need help - contact the Challenge Helpdesk as indicated on the Challenge brief.

What Happens Once I have Submitted a Response to a Challenge?

A confirmation email will be sent to your email address to notify you that the submission was received and provide you with a reference number.
Once the review process has been completed (this can take up to 8 weeks after the submission deadline has been reached, the Challenge Review Team will contact you to give feedback on the progress of the evaluation.
If the Challenge response/proposal meets the requirements of the solution seeker, you will be contacted to discuss next steps, which normally entails a presentation to the client / solution owner.

SOLEX and Intellectual Property

All information submitted must be non-confidential. SOLEX will not be liable for any loss or compromise of information. It is therefore vital that you help us ensure the confidentiality of your information.

Your proposal should focus on WHAT you are capable of doing, not HOW you will do it! This information will only be important once your proposal has been shortlisted and confidential information is disclosed under mutually agreed non-disclosure agreements between yourself and the Challenge owner.

SOLEX will by no means have claims over any idea/product. SOLEX is committed to ensuring the confidentiality of your Challenge proposal and will not share your information with third parties other than the Challenge owner without your consent.

SOLEX aims to be an inclusive, supportive, and visible innovation tool to all innovation players on the continent. If you are interested in learning more about SOLEX or how to create your own "innovation window" or run a challenge, please contact us.