Identify Problems that National Geographic can create innovative new products to help solve. Tell us an activity you love and describe a Problem you face that could potentially be solved by an innovative new feature.

National Geographic is a brand that isn’t afraid to experiment and take risks. For over 130 years, the brand has empowered explorers to go further and seek out new physical and intellectual frontiers. To aid these adventurers on their quests, National Geographic offers a variety of apparel and equipment to make sure explorers have everything they need as they pursue their passions.

But just like explorers constantly push their limits further, National Geographic wants to offer a variety of products that go further, too. They’re looking to pack their products and possible future products with innovative features and they need your help to do it, Tongalers.

National Geographic has offerings in the following categories so consider these when you’re thinking about which Problems the brand could potentially solve:

• Apparel, Outerwear, Footwear, Accessories (Eyewear, Headwear, socks)
• Bags/Luggage
• Sporting Goods (camping gear, mountain bikes, optics, etc.)
• Sporting Accessories (drinking bottles, waist packs, bandanas, etc.)
• Travel

We want to know what Problems have cropped up while you’re exploring your interests that fall into one of the above subject areas. What Problems do you often encounter that you wish there was a solve for? What missing feature or build on a current feature would make your life easier? Really think about the issues you’ve faced and then give us a specific, addressable Problem in 250 characters or less. Also, tell us the type of activity where you find this Problem popping up.

Note: National Geographic is specifically looking for Problems. If you have a potential solution feature, you can suggest it in your Problem description but it’s definitely not required. Check out the Objectives tab for more info.

The goal of this project is to identify Problems that National Geographic can create innovative new products to help solve. Tell us an activity that falls within the designated subject areas listed above and describe a Problem you face that could potentially be solved by an innovative new feature.

--Key Marketing Messages: National Geographic is the only brand that brings out the Explorer in all of us and actively supports science, exploration and conservation.

--Target Audience: Curious Explorers who seek out authentic and enriching products and experiences that give back.

• Primary: Men and women, aged 18-34.
• Secondary: Families with children.

This Project will be worth a total of $1,500 and consists of a Problem Phase.  Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

PHASE 1: PROBLEM – In 250 characters or less, describe a Problem that affects you face when pursuing your favorite interest or activity. Tell us the activity and describe the Problem as specifically as possible. The most relevant Problems will be selected as the winners and those creators will be awarded $500 each.

1. Unless provided otherwise, all work must be your own original creation and free of any copyrighted material. You shall provide detailed information of your work regarding the source, the creator and background information as requested by Tongal.

2. BY SUBMITTING AN ENTRY, YOUR SUBMISSION IMMEDIATELY BECOMES THE SOLE PROPERTY OF TONGAL OR ITS ASSIGNEES – SEE OFFICIAL RULES FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT OWNERSHIP OF ENTRIES. YOU MAY NOT PUBLICLY SHARE OR PUBLISH YOUR SUBMISSION IN ANY MANNER AND YOU MAY NOT POST OR UPLOAD YOUR SUBMISSION TO ANY WEBSITE OR VIDEO HOSTING SITE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE OR VIMEO), WITHOUT THE PRIOR EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF TONGAL. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF YOUR ENTRY IN THE PROJECT.

3. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.

4. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.

5. By submitting to this project, you acknowledge that your work may become subject to public voting on the Tongal site. Public voting may be used to help the project sponsor determine the final rank order.

6. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

7. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.

8. In the event that fewer than 100 Problems are received, the Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest for up to fourteen (14) days at their discretion.

9. Winners must complete the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment.

10. See OFFICIAL RULES for additional contest information, terms and conditions. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between these requirements and the Official Rules, the terms and conditions of these requirements shall prevail.