Their innovation was on the adhesives portfolio of Henkel. The team proposed to create an adhesive from a bacterium that is super strong and would serve as an ideal adhesive especially at an industrial level. This strain of bacteria has a property to withstand a force equivalent to five tons per square inch. The technology is both sustainable and innovative, besides industrial use, can be used as construction, for reinforcing links and joints especially those built in water or moisture-rich regions. This would be a huge innovation for the latest renewable sources of energy which involves making use of tidal energy.
Karan Kamath, the member for the winning team from IIT Delhi said “The journey to the finals was an exciting one. Consisting of two rounds, it was comprehensive and we were evaluated on several parameters. We were constantly trying to refine our ideas and thoughts for the presentation”.
The challenge was open to students of all subjects, including economics, engineering and natural sciences. The task was to develop a concept for a product under a Henkel brand or for an innovative technology which will meet the needs of customers in the year 2030. A total of 72 projects were submitted out of which eight teams were shortlisted for the national finals.
The international final will be held on April 25th, 2012 in Poland. The winning team will receive an around-the-world ticket and a travel voucher worth euro 1000. For more details please click on Henkel Innovation Challenge.