No, this isn’t some hip car remodeling show coming to MTV, but an open innovation contest to help develop an infotainment system of the future. In order to research the potential use of apps for a next-generation vehicle infotainment system prototype, Volkswagen wants to collect as many new ideas as possible. That’s where you come in. You can upload your apps in a SWF file, share your ideas or provide input on someone else’s idea. And not only could your app be in a future VW, but you could win cash prizes.

Application programs can be submitted for these categories:

• Eco mobility
• Games and fun
• Networking and communication
• Productivity
• Travel utilities

The contest ends June 30.

Open innovation can be lucrative.

As in the $250,000 that Owens Corning is putting up for its Composite App Challenge.

Yes, $250K.

As Ashish Diwanji, vp of innovation for the Owens Corning Composite Solutions Business, put it, “As a company, we continually invest millions of dollars globally in innovation to enhance existing products and develop new technologies and solutions. This competition is about joining forces with other great thinkers with great ideas, and driving the speed at which composites is transforming the future of the materials market even more quickly.”

They’re looking for composite applications that address

• Infrastructure Durability—from bridges to streets
• Fuel Efficiency—Planes, trains, automobiles, etc.
• Renewable Energy—Wind and beyond
• Protection from Harm—Personal or vehicle protection

You’ve got to act quickly. Applications or ideas have to be submitted to the Challenge’s website by July 15, 2010.

The smart brand of Daimler has launched a open innovation design contest that you can participate in right now. Called “Style your smart,” the approach is to design a smart fortwo on a special website, where there is a design configurator. The website is here.

Designs can be put online until February 23, 2010. There will be community ratings—openness—and then there will be an independent expert jury.

There are prizes totaling 5,000 euro (which, as of today, is worth $7,208, so. . . .)