1. Freudenberg Launches the “ideaTrophy” Competition
Plymouth, Mich., May 13, 2013 - Freudenberg has launched the “ideaTrophy”, a business idea
competition open to both Freudenberg employees and outside applicants such as new technology
providers, research institutes and start-ups. Ideas in the fields of renewable energy, water purification,
medical devices and technology, renewable resources, solvent-free surface coatings, sealing
solutions for oil and gas industry, vibration control in railway and general industry can be submitted at
the Freudenberg ideaTrophy website by October 28, 2013. The ideaTrophy competition winners will
be announced on November 28, 2013.
”At Freudenberg, we recognize that constant innovation in everything we do is essential for our long-
term financial success,“ says Leesa Smith, president and regional representative for North America,
and adds, “ That is why we have a concentrated and sustained effort to actively promote innovation.
In 2007, we introduced the Freudenberg-wide campaign Your Idea – Our Star, and the ideaTrophy
expands it to outside applicants.“
New idea applications can be submitted through the ideaTrophy website. A jury made of subject area
experts and top Company executives will evaluate all received ideas, considering, among others,
customer value, business and technical feasibility, financial impact, scope and maturity. Everyone
who submits an idea will receive feedback.
“We are giving a chance to creative minds worldwide to realize their ultimate dream of turning their
idea into a successful startup,” says Dr. Matthias Messer, Star Campaign manager and ideaTrophy
coordinator. “We should not forget to mention that the competition also involves monetary prizes for
the best three ideas in each field of research,” Messer adds.”
“This program is a wonderful opportunity for creative and entrepreneurial minds in our Region.
Successful startup of a business based on someone’s brilliant idea – that fits right into the American
Dream,” Leesa Smith points out.
The ideaTrophy campaign is managed by the New Business Development Division. As part of the
Freudenberg New Technologies Business, Freudenberg research services, the New Business
Development Division, and Freudenberg Venture Capital investigate and develop new applications
and new business areas and analyze new technologies.
contact:
New Business Development
Dr. Matthias Messer
Corporate Communications Manager
Freudenberg New Technologies
69465 Weinheim, Deutschland / Germany
phone +49 (6201) 80 3550
fax +49 (6201) 88 3550