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Crowdsourced Games to Understand Animal Camouflage

Feb-20-14 By IdeaConnection
Camouflage is the art of not being seen, and in nature it is vital for survival. Predators and prey are able to blend into the background via a number of techniques including coloring and changing body shape to appear similar to another object.

Scientists interested in learning more about camouflage in nature are turning to the crowds for help, and they're using a clutch of research-orientated games.

The Internet of Things: Predictions for Home Automation in 2014

Feb-19-14 By Tom Young
In its short but already prolific history, the Internet has enabled connections between billions of computers (and people) around the world. Thanks to the widespread use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and smart thermostats, the much-discussed Internet of Things (IoT) is on the horizon, if not already here.

Built on connections between digital devices and nearly anything that can be monitored or controlled electronically, the IoT holds promise for making homes smarter, improving safety and bolstering digital security. Because these technologies can be used to control everything from garage doors to HVAC systems to small appliances, their consumer implications are immense.

Open Innovation to Shape Vienna’s Future as a Tourist Destination

Feb-18-14 By IdeaConnection
The Vienna Tourist Board wants to put Vienna more firmly on the map by increasing the number of tourists to the beautiful city. So it is turning to the world for ideas through an open innovation competition.

Anyone, anywhere can take part whether or not you've actually been to the Austrian capital. There are prizes for the best ideas including an exclusive trip to the city. Not only are there prizes for the winners, but also for those who vote for them.

Novel Idea Wins Mental Health Open Innovation Contest

Feb-13-14 By IdeaConnection
Congratulations to the two winners of the $10,000 open innovation challenge for ideas to increase awareness and use of mental health services for people in developing countries.

The contest was looking for concepts to help people with depression and anxiety disorders and was hosted by Scientists Without Borders, a program of the New York Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson.

RoboCop Gets the Crowdsourced Treatment

Feb-10-14 By IdeaConnection
Here’s some light-hearted fun. Following on from the success of the crowdsourced "Star Wars" movie another group of film fans have put together a crowdsourced version of a film.  This time, it's a remake of “Robocop”.

The fan version coincides with the big-budget Hollywood reboot of the 1987 science fiction classic.

Open Innovation Hub to Combat Bacteria Threat

Feb-07-14 By IdeaConnection
Microbes will soon have a new enemy, a research and innovation hub to help businesses find novel ways to prevent the spread of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

The Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces in the UK will design and develop next generation surfaces and materials to inhibit growth of the germs.

Crowdsourcing a Cure for Cancer with a Space Game

Feb-05-14 By IdeaConnection
Cancer charity, Cancer Research UK has launched a free app to let citizen scientists help create new cures for cancers.

The software program is a game called Play to Cure: Genes in Space where players have to seek out a fictional substance that represents genetic cancer data. As they pilot their ship variations in the genetic data are being simultaneously studied.

Three Open Innovation Best Practices

Feb-03-14 By IdeaConnection
What does it take to generate positive results from engaging with open innovation? How can companies maximize the potential of external knowledge sources?

The European School of Management and Technology Berlin (ESMT) thinks it knows the answers. The institution has come up with three best practices following an exhaustive study of 23, 800 organizations that use online feedback mechanisms.

Crowdsourcing Help During Atlanta Snow Storm

Jan-30-14 By IdeaConnection
The huge snow storm hitting the southern United States continues to wreak havoc with gridlocked roads, abandoned cars and stranded motorists.

In Atlanta, one of the worst affected cities many residents have turned to crowdsourcing and social media to stay informed and offer assistance to others.

Have Your Say in Global Crowdsourcing Survey

Jan-28-14 By IdeaConnection
What are your views on crowdsourcing? Do you believe it can deliver better innovations at faster speeds and more cost effectively? Does your company make use of crowdsourcing initiatives and planning more or scaling back?

Now is your chance to have your say in the 1st annual Global Crowdsourcing Survey.