We are searching for topics and funders for the next Longitude Prize. This idea is a draft for discussion about one possible prize focus that we are exploring.
What is the problem? Global electronics manufacturing relies on scarce minerals like indium and gallium. This creates extreme supply chain fragility, price volatility, and geopolitical risk for national security, as well as substantial environmental impacts from mining. Why does the solution contribute to solving this? Current alternatives are inefficient or costly. A synthetic breakthrough using abundant elements secures technology sovereignty and ensures economic stability by decoupling industrial growth from volatile, finite resource markets. Who is the prize awarded to? Awarded to the team that develops a synthetic material capable of functionally replacing a critical mineral in high-volume electronics with zero performance loss. Check out the other ideas
The best prize ideas are developed through extensive research and engagement with experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of the problems they are focused on. We start with a first draft like the one above – then work to improve, refine and validate our thinking. If you are interested in sharing your expertise, or helping us secure funding for the next Longitude Prize, please reach out.