Hydroseeding Tech Wins Student Soybean Competition
(photo courtesy Indiana Soybean Alliance)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA soy-based hydroseeding technology has taken the top prize in the Student Soybean Product Innovation Competition, hosted by Purdue University and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. The ISA says the competition encourages students to develop "novel applications for soybeans that meet a market need."
Team SoyTack, which consists of four Purdue students, won the $20,000 first place prize for their soy-based tackifier for hydroseeding. Hydroseeding, the ISA says, uses water as a carrier for seeds and their nutrients. Team SoyTack’s technology uses soy components as an adhesive ingredient, or tackifier, in the process.
"The Student Soybean Innovation Competition highlights two of Indiana’s greatest assets: soybeans and our innovative students at Purdue," said Jim Douglas, chair of the ISA’s grain marketing and utilization committee. "ISA is always looking for innovative uses for our soybeans that meet market needs. It is a pleasure to collaborate with Purdue students to meet this goal and we are excited about the hydroseeding product developed by Team SoyTack."
The second place team, Team I am BOBA, took home $10,000 for developing soy-based pearls for bubble tea. Team Soy Soft won third place and $1,500 for its charcoal face mask infused with beta carotene. The people’s choice award and $500 went to Team Soy Safe Solution for its soy-based food spray used to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
The competition featured nearly 40 students split among 11 teams this year.
Pictured left to right: Team SoyTack members Terry Babb, Jacob Semonis, Christopher Stichter and Susan Hubbard with ISA Chairman Tom Griffiths