Core77 is proud to be the media sponsor for Betacup, a design competition in search of a solution to the rampant wastage of unrecyclable paper coffee cups through an open innovation platform.

Starbucks is throwing their weight behind Betacup as well, sponsoring the competition as part of its aim to serve 100 percent of its coffee in reusable or recyclable cups by 2015. From Jim Hanna, Starbucks director of Environmental Impact:

Given the complexity of the disposable cup waste issue, we need a broad range of stakeholders to become involved in finding solutions. in addition to working with local municipal governments, materials suppliers and cup manufacturers to improve recycling infrastructures, we believe in harnessing the creativity of environmentally conscious individuals to identify new alternatives. We're looking forward to seeing how people respond to the challenge.

The coffee company will provide $20,000 in cash prizes for the most innovative ideas. other sponsors include Denuo, community management experts, and Jovoto, a mass collaboration community for creatives.

The contest launches April 1st with a final deadline of June 15th, We'll announce it as soon as it's live; for now, keep up with betacup here.

Starbucks helps eliminate coffee cup waste with Betacup - Core77