Logitech’s Future Positive Challenge accepting applications

Consumer technology company Logitech International recently announced that its second annual Future Positive Challenge is now accepting applications for the 2024 season.

According to the company, which has headquarters in Switzerland and San Jose, California, the challenge searches the globe for entrepreneurs, startups and companies to help accelerate the development of more sustainable products within the consumer electronics industry.

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“Breakthrough, disruptive innovation is integral to advancing lower carbon impact technologies in the consumer electronics sector,” says Prakash Arunkundrum, Logitech’s chief operating officer. “By harnessing a global community of entrepreneurs and changemakers who defy what is possible today, Logitech’s Future Positive Challenge aims to reshape the way electronic devices will be manufactured in the future.”

Logitech says it continually seeks next-generation materials, components and processes to accelerate its design for sustainability capabilities. Still, it says the solutions needed to further drive down carbon reductions are either not available at scale today or require investment to become the breakthroughs needed in the future. In the consumer electronics industry, the company says there is a need to optimize printed circuit boards (PCBs), find alternative energy storage solutions and develop alternative materials that minimize waste and are sourced renewably to support circularity and decarbonization goals.

The Future Positive Challenge encompasses six categories to drive the biggest impact in the consumer electronics industry:

• PCBs: new solutions that use lower-impact materials and energy-efficient processes in the design and production of circuit boards which have traditionally taken a toll on the environment.
• Batteries: new solutions such as those featuring alternative materials to lithium or cobalt and techniques for battery recycling.
• Integrated circuits: improvements on the semiconductor wafer manufacturing process or improving production yields resulting in carbon emissions reduction.
• Materials: alternatives that reduce weight, increase strength, reduce carbon footprint and are renewable or biodegradable.
• Packaging: solutions that aim to protect products but minimize environmental impact such as moldable materials, renewable or recyclable materials and alternatives to foil printing.
• Business models: ideas for better structuring supply chains or programs that encourage the circular economy or collaborative economy specific to the technology device industry.

Applications are open through March 31. Startups wanting to scale their businesses while driving change in a multibillion-dollar industry are encouraged to apply on the portal designed in partnership with Tech Tour.

Logitech says this year’s distinguished panel of judges includes leaders in sustainability and manufacturing, including representatives from Logitech, BASF, Sony, Samsung and Swatch Group, among others. The selection process includes a series of pitch sessions and workshops designed to identify partners with the most promising, scalable solutions to integrate within Logitech products.

For a list of 2023 award recipients and to learn more about the 2024 Future Positive Challenge and hot to apply visit Logitech’s website or email futurepositive@logitech.com.