"Henkel Innovation Challenge" for College Students is Underway

Henkel on the lookout for tomorrow's visionaries

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Nov 10, 2011, 11:45 ET

ROCKY HILL, Conn., Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The fifth annual "Henkel Innovation Challenge" international competition is underway. College students from all academic areas are invited to develop innovative ideas for new products or technologies in teams of two. Participants have until December 12, 2011 to submit their idea at www.henkelna.com/henkel-innovation-challenge-18379.htm.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091111/HENKELLOGO )

In North America, Henkel markets a wide range of well-known consumer and industrial brands, including Dial^® soaps, Purex^® laundry detergents, Right Guard^® antiperspirants, got2b^® hair gels, and Loctite^® adhesives.

Students from all over the world will participate in the "Henkel Innovation Challenge," as teams from 14 European countries, North America and the Asia/Pacific region will compete. The finalists from each country or region will win iPads and will be flown to the international finals in Poland, the home country of last year's winners, in April 2012. The winning two-person team will receive two around-the-world tickets and travel vouchers that total about $5,500 each.

The "Henkel Innovation Challenge" is open to college students in all subjects, including business, engineering or the natural sciences. The task is to develop a concept for a product under a Henkel brand or for an innovative technology that will meet the needs of customers in the year 2030 for one of Henkel's business areas: Cosmetics/Toiletries, Laundry & Home Care, or Adhesive Technologies. As a new requirement this year, the product ideas and technologies must contribute to sustainable development, such as reducing energy or water consumption.

In addition to exciting experiences and plenty of fun, the competition offers young talented minds an opportunity to establish valuable personal contacts with Henkel at an early stage in their careers. During the "Henkel Innovation Challenge," the best teams will be assisted by experienced Henkel managers, who will act as mentors and advisors. Henkel stays in touch with many participants even after the competition has ended; a number of talented students have already been recruited from among past participants.

Students interested in business and innovation who want to compete against other students on an international level must register at www.henkelchallenge.com by December 12, 2011. Additional details about the competition are available on the website.

Potential participants can also get more information about the competition by visiting the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/henkelchallenge). It also includes videos of the finals of previous competitions.

Further information on recruitment and careers at Henkel can be found at www.henkelna.com/careers

About Henkel:

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 48,000 people and reported sales of 15,092 million euros and adjusted operating profit of 1,862 million euros in fiscal 2010. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX and the company ranks among the Fortune Global 500.

Contact:
Natalie Violi
Corporate Communications
Ph: 480-754-5442
[email protected]

SOURCE Henkel