Detecting Depletion of Solid Termite Bait in Subterranean Bait Stations

ABSTRACT

Termites cause $5 billion of damage to structures in the United States and upwards of $40 billion worldwide annually. Termite bait stations are an effective means of monitoring and protecting structures from termite feeding and damage. Corteva Agriscience is seeking ideas for detecting the depletion of solid termite baits without physically opening and visually inspecting the bait housed within the plastic station to improve the efficiency of monitoring deployed baits. 

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

OVERVIEW

Termites are insects that feed on the cellulose found in wood, playing an important positive role in many ecosystems but also causing significant damage to wood used to construct homes and businesses. Termite bait stations provide an effective means of monitoring for termite activity and protecting structures from termite feeding and damage through cellulose baits impregnated with delayed action insecticide. When termites feed on the bait, they bring the insecticide back to the nest, eliminating the colony. 

To provide continuous protection to structures, in-ground termite baits are periodically monitored (typically annually) by pest management professionals to verify there is sufficient bait available for any termite activity until the next inspection.  This labor-intensive process involves locating and opening the plastic bait stations, visually inspecting the bait for depletion, and replacing it if more than 1/3 depleted. Corteva Agriscience is seeking solutions to detect the depletion of termite baits without physically opening and inspecting the bait housed within the plastic station to improve the efficiency of monitoring deployed baits. 

This is an Ideation Challenge, which has the following unique features:

• There is a guaranteed award. The award(s) will be paid to the best submission(s) as solely determined by the Seeker. The total payout will be $15,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $5,000 and no award being smaller than $2,500.

• The Solvers are not required to transfer exclusive intellectual property rights to the Seeker. Rather, by submitting a proposal, the Solver grants to the Seeker a royalty-free, perpetual and non-exclusive license to use any information included in this proposal, including for promotional purposes.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on March 31, 2023.
Late submissions will not be considered.

After the Challenge deadline, the Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the Winning Solution(s). All Solvers who submit a proposal will be notified about the status of their submissions; however, no evaluation of individual submissions will be provided.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, specialty products for urban pests, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.

What is the Wazoku Crowd?

Imagine a world where any problem you have can be looked at by millions of expert, motivated eyes. The Wazoku Crowd makes this possible. With twenty years of experience in crowdsourcing, the Wazoku Crowd is the gold standard for open talent and external innovation solutions. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with the Wazoku Crowd to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is a Wazoku Crowd Ideation™ Challenge?

A Wazoku Crowd Ideation™ Challenge is a broad question formulated to obtain access to new ideas, similar to a global brainstorm for producing a breakthrough idea or market survey which may include ideas for a new product line, a new commercial application for a current product, or even a viral marketing idea to recruit new customers. Ideation™ Challenge submissions are typically about two written pages, and Seekers receive a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use all submissions.

In an Ideation™ Challenge, Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own
• Submit third party information that they have the right to use and further the authority to convey that right and the right to use and develop derivative works to Seekers
• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use

Solvers should not reveal any confidential information in their submissions. Often the Ideation™ Challenge will be followed by one or more of the other three Challenge types to further develop the ideas and gain Intellectual Property protection when the concept has been well-defined.