Cup Source Open Innovation invites researchers, designers, startups, and industry partners to collaborate on breakthrough solutions in sustainable packaging and smart cup technology.
At Cup Source, we believe the best ideas come from everywhere โ academic labs, maker spaces, startup garages, and customer feedback loops. Our Open Innovation program formalizes this belief by creating structured partnerships that accelerate breakthrough products.
Since launching in 2020, we've collaborated with over 150 innovators across 30 countries, resulting in 12 commercially launched products and 3 patented technologies.
Innovator Partners
Products Launched
R&D Invested
Patents Filed
Our streamlined process takes your concept from initial pitch to commercial launch with full support from Cup Source's engineering and manufacturing teams.
Share your idea through our portal. Include a concept brief, prototype data, or research summary.
Our review board assesses feasibility and impact. Qualified ideas are matched with internal teams.
Work side-by-side with our engineers, designers, and supply chain experts to bring the idea to life.
Manufacture at scale with Cup Source's global network. Revenue sharing or licensing as agreed.
These are our strategic focus areas. If your idea aligns with any of these, we'd love to hear from you.
New bio-based polymers, plant-derived liners, and compostable coatings that eliminate landfill waste.
High PriorityAdvanced insulation, phase-change materials, and structural innovations to keep drinks at perfect temperatures.
Core FocusDesigns for disassembly, mono-material solutions, and closed-loop systems that maximize recyclability.
High PriorityEmbedded sensors for temperature tracking, NFC-enabled cups for loyalty programs, and IoT integrations.
New AreaSoy-based inks, embossing techniques, texture innovations, and sustainable branding methods.
Core FocusProcess optimizations, waste reduction in production, automation ideas, and energy-saving techniques.
Core FocusWe're actively seeking solutions to these specific problems. Submit your approach and compete for partnerships, grants, and product co-development.
Design a hot beverage cup that is fully compostable (including the lid) within 90 days in industrial composting facilities, without compromising heat retention or leak resistance.
Create a cup wall structure or material innovation that provides adequate hand protection at 12oz+ without requiring a paper sleeve, reducing material use by 40%.
Develop a functional water-resistant barrier that dissolves completely in hot water during the recycling process, enabling cleaner fiber recovery from paper cups.
Whether you're a solo inventor or a multinational research institute, Cup Source Open Innovation is open to all.
Academic researchers with published work in materials science, polymer chemistry, or sustainable engineering.
Early-stage companies with prototypes or MVPs in the packaging, materials, or sustainability space.
Individual creators with novel ideas, patents, or functional prototypes ready for commercialization.
Material suppliers, machine manufacturers, and chemical companies looking for collaboration opportunities.
Fill out the form below to share your concept. Our review team responds within 5 business days.
Everything you need to know about participating in Cup Source Open Innovation.
No. Submitting an idea through Cup Source Open Innovation is completely free. We cover all evaluation and co-development costs. There are no hidden fees or obligations to use our products.
Your IP remains yours. We sign NDAs before detailed discussions. For co-developed products, we negotiate fair licensing or revenue-sharing agreements upfront โ always with your legal counsel involved.
Initial review takes 5 business days. If your idea advances, the full evaluation (feasibility, market fit, technical assessment) takes 4-6 weeks. You'll receive regular updates throughout.
Yes! You can submit as many ideas as you'd like. Each idea is evaluated independently. If multiple ideas are selected, we may bundle them into a single partnership agreement.
Not at all. We welcome ideas at any stage โ from early research to validated prototypes. Concept-stage ideas with strong potential often get selected for our internal R&D accelerator program.
You'll be paired with a dedicated Cup Source innovation team. Together you'll refine the concept, build prototypes, test at scale, and plan the commercial launch. You'll have a named point of contact throughout the entire process.