Satellite-Based Remote Sensing for Smallholder Farms

ABSTRACT

Smallholder farms, farms of less than five acres and often less than a single acre, account for 80% of the world’s food supply. Typically located in developing regions and run by families using limited resources, these farms have not benefited from advances in automation and digitalization the way large farms in other parts of the world have benefited. Bayer Crop Science, the Seeker for this Challenge, is searching for technology providers to help them bring such advances to smallholder farms in Asia.

This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge; the Solver will only need to submit a written proposal to be evaluated by the Seeker with the goal of establishing a collaborative partnership.

OVERVIEW

Smallholder farms are vital producers of food for the world. These farms are often less than an acre in size and are farmed by resident families. Located world-wide, most are located in developing regions with limited resources and limited or no access to advances occurring in agriculture that are available to large farms in other regions of the world. To support these farmers in making the cultivation of their fields more efficient and sustainable, advances in automation and digitalization must be made accessible and affordable. One route to bring these advances is through field analysis and monitoring via satellite-based remote sensing. Bayer Crop Science, the Seeker for this Challenge, is searching for technology providers to help make this technology accessible and affordable to smallholder farmers in Asia.

This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge. The Solver will write a preliminary proposal (about 2-4 pages, including supporting non-confidential information and contact details) to be evaluated by the Seeker with a goal of establishing a collaborative partnership. Upon completion of the evaluation, the Seeker may contact selected Solvers directly to work out terms for a collaboration contract. The monetary value of the contract will vary depending on the amount of work to be delivered and the agreed time frame.

NOTE: Only proposals from Solvers who have the ability to work as a collaboration partner will be considered.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on 07-Feb-2022.
Late submissions will not be considered.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2020, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 41.4 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 4.9 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an eRFP Challenge?

An InnoCentive eRFP Challenge allows Seekers to submit Requests for Proposals for a partner or supplier to provide materials or expertise to solve a business challenge by leveraging the InnoCentive Solver network. This global community includes organizations and individuals, such as contract research organizations, scientists, university researchers, and technology companies.

After a Solver submits an eRFP response, the Seeker evaluates the responses to determine which Solver(s) to contact for further business discussions. With eRFPs, the Solver must not provide any confidential information in the eRFP response. If your eRFP response is selected, you negotiate the terms of the contract (including scope of work, tasks and duration) directly with the Seeker.

This Challenge type does not require Intellectual Property (IP) transfer. However, sometimes Seekers request that certain IP arrangements be made should a partnership be formed.