Press release
North America
September 19, 2016

Evonik Launches Latest Crowd Sourcing Competition for College Students

Seeking new ideas for lubrication systems that reduce friction and improve durability

Evonik Corporation has launched the latest in a series of crowd sourcing competitions which seek unique solutions to societal problems using Evonik products or materials such as those produced by its Oil Additives business. Winners will be awarded cash prizes as well as opportunities to be considered for positions at Evonik.

Historically, Evonik’s oil additives help improve fuel efficiency while expanding the reliability and service life of engines and hydraulic systems. Looking ahead, Evonik envisions the use of its VISCOPLEX® and VISCOBASE® polymers in new “smart fluids”
with special flow, friction, wear and lubricant profiles with controlled release mechanisms.

This latest challenge from Evonik calls for students to submit original, innovative ideas (unpatented/unpublished) that contribute to improved fuel efficiency, increased lifetime and reduced wear by means of advanced lubricants, lubricant additives, new surface coatings or new materials. Students have the option to propose an experimental plan to demonstrate the efficacy of their idea as well as submit a concept diagram and schematic as supporting materials.

“This challenge offers students the opportunity to get their ideas heard and contribute right away on significant projects that could have lasting impact on the efficiency of engines and hydraulic lubrication system design,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, vice president and regional head of Corporate Innovation at Evonik.

The competition is conducted by MindSumo, a San Francisco, Calif.-based firm that connects companies and students through unique challenges, which are often in the field of science and technology. For more information on this particular challenge, and for competition rules, including for eligibility, please visit the MindSumo website at www.mindsumo.com. The Evonik challenge around lubricant technology runs until October 12.

Evonik markets its fuel-efficient VISCOPLEX® and VISCOBASE® product range under the technology brands of DRIVON™, DYNAVIS® and NUFLUX™, serving automotive, industrial and specialty applications.

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Company information

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2015 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €13.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.47 billion.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.