SIX STRIKING IDEAS IN

THIS YEAR'S GREEN CHALLENGE

Amsterdam, 10 September 2009 – The preliminary jury of the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge has chosen six finalists who will have a go at winning 500,000 Euro or one of the two extra 100,000 Euro prizes. The nominees were selected from 313 entrants from all over the world, who sent in detailed plans for inventions that combat climate change. Three finalists are from Great Britain, one from the Netherlands, one from Belgium and one is from the United States.

Hotlinks:
finalists 2009 introduction
video behind the scenes

Six ideas that can change the world

The Dutch Sanne Castro aims at creating a revolution in developing countries with a biogas system that can provide millions of people with energy. American Robin Chase wants to introduce innovation and flexibility into the existing and future rolling stock of cars, buses, trucks and transit vehicles. Englishman Dean Gregory is dedicated to producing low-cost rooftop turbines that capture wind power in low-wind conditions. Michael Mathres from the UK developed a feed extracted from a natural product that reduces carbon emissions emanating from ruminants such as cows. His fellow countryman Robert Matthams brings individuals who purchase items and transport providers together, making use of current overcapacity. Belgian Hjalmar van Raemdonck developed an aerodynamic solution for truck trailers that reduces fuel consumption, increases traffic safety and has a lower noise level.

"Its inspiring to see how many people across the globe are dedicating their time and expertise to finding solutions for the environmental challenge we are facing today. Especially the category Energy had a lot of brilliant ideas and we've had a hard time selecting the six best ideas", says Femke Rotteveel, chairwoman Preliminary Jury. "However, there is one wish I have yet to see fulfilled – as many female entries in the reen Challenge as there are male entries."

The Finals

The finals take place during the multimedia event PICNIC'09 at the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam. During the Deciding Round on 24 September 2009, the contestants will present their ideas to an international jury of acclaimed individuals with expertise in the areas of entrepreneurship, environment, politics and innovation. The winner of the Green Challenge 2009 will be announced at the Award Ceremony the following day.

Final jury

Members of the Final Jury are Liesbeth van Tongeren (Greenpeace), Niklas Zennström (Kazaa, Skype, Joost), Bas Verhart (Media Republic, PICNIC) and Jim Walker (The Climate Group).

The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge seeks to engage creative, innovative people prepared to instigate change.

2009 finalists

One bright idea can make a big difference. The entrant with the best idea for a greenhouse-gas-reducing product or service will win €500,000, expert coaching and a starting list of customers! Read all about it »

How to win
Think you're too young to enter this contest? You lack a track record as an inventor? Or your idea's too wacky to fly? Read this »


For more information on attending the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge Deciding Round and Awards Ceremony in September 2010, please click here »


"I'm pleased that the Dutch Postcode Lottery has launched the Green Challenge to encourage entrepreneurs to develop new ways to fight one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change." Read more »