Jakarta, IO – Global science company 3M has launched its second 3M Inspire Challenge case competition. Previously held across Southeast Asian countries, the case competition is now open to undergraduates from all disciplines and backgrounds across ten countries in Asia-Pacific–Australia and New Zealand, India, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The challenge is simple – to showcase 3M business and improve lives, exploiting three themes: (1) Sustainable Materials, (2) The New Paradigm (A Pandemic Aware World), and (3) Equity (Through Science and Technology). These themes are aligned to three of the five key trends showcased in the 3M Futures platform, which identifies trends, insights and perspectives of the most exciting aspects of science today – and the “futures” of tomorrow. 3M’s annual science perception survey, the 3M State of Science Index 2022, also found sustainability and equity as top priorities among Asia-Pacific respondents.
Laying out the motivations for the challenge, Jim Falteisek, Senior Vice President, 3M Asia Corporate Affairs and Managing Director, 3M Korea said: “We are passionate about unlocking the power of people, ideas, and science. Through 3M Inspire Challenge 2022, we want to uncover solutions to create a more positive world for the future, while tapping in our expertise to cultivate the next generation of diverse leaders, thinkers, and creators.”
To guide shortlisted teams in fine-tuning their ideas in preparation for the competition finals, professionals from 3M will mentor shortlisted participating teams from September 2022 onwards.
Kicking off with the Country Level Semi – Finals, three shortlisted teams will compete with local peers in a live judging panel this October. Awarded the title of “Country Champions”, the winning team from each country will win a cash prize of USD$ 2,000, and secure internships at local 3M offices.