Industrial Agricultural Products Center
Biopolymers, Biochemicals, Biofuels, Biopower
Contestants can win cash prizes for identifying new ways to use soybeans. $2,500 will be awarded for first place, $1,500 for the runner-up, and $500 for honorable mention. The contest is designed to help students expand their knowledge of the soybean industry, learn about the process of developing and marketing a commercial product, and gain experience in presenting a proposal for funding. Previous winners have explored the patent process, and received additional funds for market research on their product.
Victor Buhoslavsky, Executive Director of the Nebraska Soybean Board, says "The contest gives [students] an additional chance to focus on their strengths and interests outside school and develop a commercial product or idea before they even graduate." According to Loren Isom, Technical Assistance Coordinator of the Industrial Agricultural Products Center, "Students might combine their contest entry with a research or marketing project, or make it the basis for an independent study course. It could even give them a great start on a master's thesis."
Related Articles: Students Develop Lip Smacking Good Use for Soy --Scarlet, November 30, 2000
UNL Grad Student's Automotive Care Product Wins Soybean Contest --IANR News Service, October 30, 2001
Two UNL Graduate Students Win Innovative Uses of Soybean Contest--IANR New Service, October 17, 2002
There is no entry fee. Entries are evaluated by University of Nebraska faculty and Nebraska Soybean Board members. Finalists will be asked to make a presentation to the Nebraska Soybean Board as part of the selection process, and the board will present awards to the winners at its Fall meeting. Contestants may work with an advisor or professor, individually or as a team, to develop and submit their product entry. Entries are accepted at the address below and must include the following: