New Compounds2nd generation surfactants deriving from existing compounds

Challenge prizes
for all categories
  • Winner 1 • CHF 10,000
  • Winner 2 • CHF 5,000
Learn more

Details of the challenge


Glucamides are the next generation of natural surfactants derived from glucose and natural oils, with a Renewable Carbon Index of up to 96% and with a top cleaning performance that matches current non-green alternatives in the market. They are extremely mild and create formulations that are gentle to hands and surface materials, and their excellent eco-toxicological profile makes it suitable for products with ecolabels.

Due to all these amazing benefits we want to extend their reach, hence Clariant is calling for academic and industry partners from the open innovation ecosystem to join us to explore new opportunities with our sugar surfactant technology. By participating in this challenge, the top two finalists will stand a chance to win CHF 10k and 5K respectively. All finalists will be considered for various partnership and funding opportunities, as well as access to our in-house expertise and global markets.

Category Desired outcome

You are invited to provide synthesis protocol for compound derived from N-methyl glucamine (NMG).

Category requirements

What we are looking for:

  • Highest interest is in new surfactants and polymers but not limited to​
  • Preferably sustainable compounds ​
  • Estimation of Cost of your synthesis [CHF/kg]​
  • Solution with limited number of synthesis steps (preferably < 3, maximum 5)​
  • Physical compounds must be available for testing along with supporting analytical data and evidence that synthesis is reproducible (250 g)