A new innovation challenge seeks to find the next big use for field corn. The National Corn Growers Association has partnered with NineSigma to launch the global competition. NCGA says the program was created to identify new and innovative uses for field corn as a renewable feedstock for making sustainable chemicals with significant market demand. The “Consider Corn Challenge” is geared to inspire new concepts, approaches and technologies that will help drive innovation, according to an NCGA spokesperson. United States corn production has increased from 105.5 million metric tons in 1970 to 345.5 million metric tons in 2015. NCGA is inviting innovators around the world from industry, academia and other research institutions to consider new ways to utilize corn and maximize its contributions to the economy. Up to six winning proposals will be selected, and winners will each receive $25,000. Winners will be announced in February 2018. The program is part of the NCGA strategic plan that includes a goal to establish three new uses of corn that each utilize 25 million bushels or more by 2020. Learn more online at www.ncga.com.