Nike is seeking new approaches that may revolutionize the shoe industry in the nearest future. In partnership with NASA, the U.S. State Department, and USAID, the sportswear giant is announcing the fourth Launch Challenge, calling R&D textile manufacturers to submit their groundbreaking ideas on new sustainable materials and entrepreneurial practices. The LAUNCH System Challenge 2013 that runs from April 24 through July 15, will accept “early bird” submissions starting June 15.

SoBe, a Pepsico-owned brand, matches the multi-level tastes of its drinks with the impressive technique of creating three-dimensional paintings in its new campaign “SoBe 3D Worlds of Flavor” in the U.S. cities. The soft drinks brand collaborates with celebrated 3D street artist, Tracy Lee Stum, tapped to paint interactive 3D landscapes of the exotic destinations where SoBe drink ingredients come from. Each of the installations will be dedicated to one of the flavor, Yumberry Pomegranate, Blood Orange Mango, Strawberry Kiwi and Pacific Coconut, and various parts of the world.

Nestle Waters has collaborated with the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation to release a tribute to one of the world’s most celebrated opera singers and Italian culture. The company is releasing the limited-edition S.Pellegrino and Aqua Panna bottles with a specially designed silver label that features the photograph of Luciano Pavarotti. The new bottle, released as part of the brand’s Italian Talents project, arrives in fine dining restaurants throughout the U.S. starting in late April and will be available there till the supplies last.

Going against a basic principle of product design «form follows function», the American brewing giant Anheuser-Busch is experimenting with the packaging of its signature brand Budweiser for the sake of innovation. Starting May 6, the company will be rolling out nationwide a new format of cansa bow tie-shaped aluminum can that echoes Budwiser’s bow tie logo. The new product does not substitute traditional cans and will be available in an 8-pack in the US only.