InnoCentive, the first online, incentive-based initiative created specifically for the global R&D community has included Procter & Gamble Company as one of its members of the online forum.

With this, P&G can utilize the services of more than 18,000 scientists from 125 countries to help solve its R&D Challenges. InnoCentive is an e-business venture of Eli Lilly and Company, a leading innovation-driven pharmaceutical company.

InnoCentive offers companies the opportunity to increase their R&D potential by posting challenges without compromising their confidentiality and intellectual property interests to the worldwide scientific community.

According to a press release, companies like P&G, that sign up to become "Seekers," post their tough R&D challenges on the confidential InnoCentive Web site, www.innocentive.com. More than 18,000 leading scientists and researchers in 125 countries around the world can then submit solutions to scientific challenges and receive a financial award for delivering the best solutions.

"Innovation is central to P&G's success. We view InnoCentive's global forum of world-class scientists as an R&D multiplier. InnoCentive will enable us to enhance our current research initiatives and innovate faster and more cost efficiently," said G. Gilbert Cloyd, chief technology officer, Procter & Gamble. "Moreover, InnoCentive understands how to balance the needs and interests of everyone involved."

Each scientific challenge submitted by a Seeker company includes a detailed description and requirements, a deadline and an award for the best solution. InnoCentive publishes the scientific challenges on its Web site, www.innocentive.com, and works with scientists around the world to generate high quality solutions. The Seeker company reviews all submissions, and awards are issued by InnoCentive for only the best solutions that meet the Seeker's requirements. Award amounts typically range from USD $5,000 to $100,000. The name of the Seeker company remains completely confidential and secure for any scientific challenge posted on Innocentive.com. Intellectual property rights associated with rewarded solutions are transferred to the Seeker company.

"The fact that an R&D leader of Procter & Gamble's stature has joined InnoCentive's Seeker community underscores the value of our core mission to accelerate scientific innovation," said Darren J. Carroll, chief executive officer, InnoCentive. "We look forward to further expanding our global community of Seekers and Solvers and empowering companies to develop innovative products more efficiently,”he added.