Ford, NextEnergy Launch LED Tech Challenge

Ford Motor Co. and Detroit-based technology accelerator NextEnergy are challenging researchers to come up with new ideas in automotive lighting.

Some $40,000 in prize money for the best ideas will be offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and NextEnergy. The contest will begin on Nov. 19 at the Michigan Advanced Lighting Conference in Lansing, Mich.

Ford says it is most interested in:

• Systems that deliver more light with less weight.
• Demonstrations of how advanced lighting technologies can be turned into viable mass-produced products.
• Interior LED and OLED systems that integrate into seats and door panels.
• LED-based ceiling lights that emulate sunlight.
• Recyclable and biodegradable lighting technologies.