UBQ Materials Named a Finalist for 2022 SXSW Innovation Awards
UBQ Materials, cleantech developer of advanced materials made from waste, announced today that it was selected as a finalist for the 24th annual SXSW Innovation Awards, taking place Monday, March 14 at 6:00 pm CT at the Austin Convention Center during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals (March 11-20, 2022).
UBQ Materials is a finalist under the Speculative Design category for the first ever waste-based 3D printing filament made with UBQ™, the company’s novel climate-positive thermoplastic. The SXSW Innovation Awards recognize and celebrate the most exciting tech developments in the connected world.
“It is an honor to be shortlisted for the 2022 SXSW Innovation Awards in the category of Speculative Design,” said Albert Douer, Chairman and Co-CEO of UBQ Materials. “One of society’s greatest design flaws lies in the untapped value of the waste we create. By introducing waste back into the material supply chain, we empower brands and manufacturers to reach their net-zero goals and contribute to a more sustainable world.”
UBQ Materials converts 100% of unsorted municipal solid waste (MSW) into a fully recyclable thermoplastic that substitutes oil-based resins for manufacturing. Through its role in these 3D filaments, UBQ™ entered the world of prototyping, enabling manufacturers to match the look, feel and performance of prototypes with those of sustainable end products.
In 2021, the company partnered with Plastics App, a leading R&D company in tailor-made applicative innovation for polymers and plastics, to launch a novel filament with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. This 3D filament, which arose to better enable sustainable and eco-conscious manufacturing, is the first of its kind to be made with unsortedlandfill-destined waste.
“SXSW is thrilled to honor this year’s most innovative projects and give each finalist the opportunity to showcase their inventions to all SXSW attendees through interactive demos at the Finalist Showcase,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer.
In advance of the Awards Ceremony, finalists will have the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Innovation Awards Finalist Showcase on Saturday, March 12, 12 pm-6 pm CT, at the JW Marriott Downtown Austin (Griffin Hall). The Finalist Showcase offers SXSW Interactive, Music, Film, and Platinum badge holders a first look at the most exciting tech developments, including achievements in AI and machine learning, health technology, robotics and hardware, wearable tech, and virtual and augmented reality, plus a chance to place their votes for the People’s Choice Award. Registered media and official Finalist Judges will have exclusive access to the Showcase and finalist demos that morning, 11 am-12 pm CT.
Of hundreds of applications submitted, UBQ Materials was one of 65 finalists selected across 13 categories by a panel of judges composed of industry peers and experts. Each entry was graded on four criteria: creativity, form, function and overall experience. The Finalist Showcase provides an in-person experience for the judges to complete their second round of voting to determine the winner of all 13 categories. Categories include: AI & Machine Learning, Culture & Social Impact, Health, Med, & BioTech, Innovation in Connecting People, Music & Audio Innovation, New Economy, Robotics & Hardware, Smart Cities, Transportation, & Delivery, Speculative Design, Student Innovation, Visual Media Experience, Wearable Tech, and VR, AR & MR.
