Case Study: New Zealand Defence Force improves naval biofouling control with Wazoku

New Zealand Defence Force engages nearly 300 Solvers in months with Wazoku

The New Zealand Defence Force's Defence Technology Agency faced a critical biosecurity challenge: preventing biofouling on naval vessel hulls in an environmentally sustainable way. They partnered with the open innovation platform Wazoku to run an Ideation Challenge, seeking non-toxic, long-lasting preventative solutions for hard-to-reach areas.

Wazoku engaged nearly 300 Solvers, generating over 100 submissions. The awarded solutions included adapting a laser system from salmon farming and developing a novel enzyme-based coating. These innovations from Wazoku's Crowd provided the agency with practical, non-toxic approaches to reduce maintenance, ensure biosecurity, and minimize environmental impact, leading them to plan further challenges with the vendor.

New Zealand Defence Force