NSWC Crane offering cash prize to solve problem

CRANE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane and the Office of Naval Research are offering a cash prize for a method to reduce the hazards of transporting small amounts of lithium batteries. The $750,000 challenge is the first for NSWC Crane, with open applications until May 7.

“The Department of Defense needs a safe and easy way to carry medium-sized lithium batteries aboard ships, along with other potential defense and commercial applications,” said NSWC Crane engineer Sam Stuart, a lead on the project. “This challenge will bring bright ideas and new innovations to solve this lithium battery problem for our warfighters – and maybe for us civilian travelers, as well!”

Lithium batteries in cargo holds are a fire hazard for commercial and military transportation and NSWC Crane is seeking development of a containment system to carry the batteries to mitigate the hazards. 

“With this Prize Challenge, we hope to attract ideas and technology to solve some of our most pressing obstacles,” said Anne Fields, Midwest Tech Bridge director. “Working together with our Innovation Ecosystem partners will result in better – and faster – solutions for all service members.”

More information on the containment challenge can be found here.