Naturipe® Farms LLC the global leader in growing and marketing blueberries, is challenging creative technology minds to innovate a better way to harvest blueberries.

As consumer demand for blueberries is at a record high, farmers are issuing a call for brainpower and offering $250,000 in prize incentives for new solutions that can improve automated blueberry harvesting. Worldwide technology transfer consultancy yet2 is managing the challenge and submissions for Naturipe Farms.

Naturipe’s goal is to develop an automated harvesting system that can be used in blueberry fields and optimize the quality and condition of fresh blueberries destined for the fresh produce departments of supermarkets and restaurants. Blueberries continue to grow in popularity due to their nutritional benefits, versatility and overall great flavor.  Today only blueberries destined to be frozen, juiced, dried or used as an ingredient item are harvested by machine which is not efficient and not well suited for fresh blueberries.

In addition to the $250,000 USD prize money available, the winner(s) will have the opportunity to establish a strategic partnership with Naturipe and to deliver the next generation in automated blueberry harvesting technologies worldwide.

Main proposed operating specifications include: size/color sensing for detecting fruit maturity, careful handling to avoid any damage to the fruit, ability to directly fill field trays/baskets, 24/7 harvesting capability, average production of 500 Kg/day, mobility capabilities on uneven ground or dusty conditions, and fabrication costs per unit <$500,000 USD. The initial proposal submission deadline is September 30, 2015 and all proposals submitted by this date ensure that they will receive thorough feedback from yet2 by Oct 16, 2015 to be incorporated into the final proposal submission. The final proposal submission deadline is on October 30, 2015. Semifinalists will be selected on December 16, 2015.