2011 winners
The
Call for Innovation Projects 2011 has awarded the winning place to the French
brand Coblas Skimboard Concept,
which is based on the Basque coast.
This
young skimboard brand, created by three enthusiasts, developed a range of boards specifically designed to
ride in flat conditions and declined this to other disciplines as well
(shore break skimboarding, kitesurf…).
Often
seen as a just a beach game, skimboarding nevertheless has strong athletic,
educational and economic potential.
Beyond
the opportunities for development, Coblas Skimboard Concept also provides innovative technology. In addition to a
central length rocker, some Coblas boards are also concave in their width. This innovation allows riders to better
control the board and to perform more complex figures. Furthermore, the
manufacturing process provides a lighter, yet more resistant and more reactive
product.
Coblas
has also shown efforts in terms of environmental
awareness by trying to mostly work with local companies and suppliers.
The
brand only uses wood from sustainably managed forests (PEFC norms). Paints and
glues are water based and coatings are made from bamboo. Prospection of new
client shops is mainly carried out during promotional events and initiations to
reduce emissions generated by transportation. Finally, the company is looking
into solutions to maximize scraps that fall from panels during manufacturing as
well as how to recycle end of life or defective products.
2010 winners
The 2nd Call for Innovation projects organized by EuroSIMA Cluster rewarded NEWTIS, the company based in the Landes.
That young innovative company has produced a range of custom surfboards eco-designed based on polycarbonates, JAB Surfboards, accessible to all, efficient, impact resistant, with attractive designs; all at an affordable price (from 480 € to 580 €).
NEWTIS has received a grant of 10,000 € and benefited from networking with stakeholders in the innovation and industry of boardsports in France and Europe.
2009 winners
2 initiatives were rewarded in 2009 following the EuroSIMA Innovation Call for Project: one for technological innovation and the other for environmental innovation.
Technological innovation project winner
This association of skills from Stark Surfboards and Atua.Cores proved to be a success since it enabled these two companies to work together towards improving technical qualities of foams used in surfboard manufacturing.
The result was the birth of the « Pheno EPS foam » technology, which consists in replacing the central interior foam by carbon tubes, thus creating a more dynamic surfboard, while providing increased flexibility.
Environmental innovation project winner
GreenFIX wax is a product developed from non toxic renewable natural resources as opposed to the traditional petrochemical waxes. Beyond its environmental qualities that in no way decrease the performance of the product this wax is innovative in that it is heat resistant. Indeed, the melting point of GreenFIX wax is over 60°C, which is a temperature that has yet to be met. In addition, the design in the shape of a comb, which can be broken down in its centre provides easier use and therefore ideal for surfers.
Both projects have been given a 5,000 € grant and will each receive personalized assistance from EuroSIMA Cluster partners.