Case Study: AstraZeneca achieves rapid, validated solutions for targeted oligonucleotide delivery and retrievable islet-transplant devices with Wazoku

AstraZeneca - Customer Case Study

AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical company with more than 70,000 employees (including 3,100+ PhDs), needed novel solutions for two complex problems: targeted delivery of short-chain oligonucleotides and a simple, retrievable device for islet transplantation to treat diabetes. To accelerate innovation and attract specialist ideas worldwide, AstraZeneca partnered with InnoCentive/Wazoku to run structured open Challenges designed to make participation attractive to expert Solvers.

Using a two-stage design (a Theoretical Challenge followed by a Reduction-to-Practice/RTP round), AstraZeneca received 50+ submissions for the oligonucleotide challenge and 25 for the islet device, then invited winners to provide in vitro proof-of-concept and clinically relevant validation. The staged approach yielded validated, practical prototypes and platform technologies, reduced development risk, clarified final requirements, and boosted Solver engagement—demonstrating effective challenge design as a fast route to viable scientific solutions.

AstraZeneca

Rob Albert

Collaboration Specialist