Environmental design competition opens for entries

Electronics engineers, students and inventors around the world are invited to submit designs for an innovative product that uses electronic components and which has a positive impact on the environment – for example, by increasing energy efficiency or reducing carbon emissions. Harriet Green, Premier Farnell’s ceo, pictured, said: “Our first Live EDGE had more than 3500 registrants from 102 countries. We have listened to the feedback from last year’s entrants and believe this year’s challenge will be even better, particularly by embracing the enormous role that universities and today’s students will play in our future.” The winning entrant for both the full time student and the general/open category will receive a cash prize of $25,000, as well as a support package worth another $25,000 to move their design towards production. This includes the services of an electronic design consultancy, assistance with legal matters and IP registration, marketing and publicity assistance and help in securing investment funding. In addition, up to three entrants for both categories will be eligible for ‘honourable mentions’, each receiving a cash prize of $5000. A prestigious and influential panel of judges from around the world will be announced in June 2008. It will feature a mix of innovators, engineers, entrepreneurs, academics, industry leaders and environmental campaigners; it will be chaired by Sir Peter Gershon, who chaired last year’s event, and he will be joined by John Noble, last year’s winner from Malaysia who is enjoying Premier Farnell’s support currently to take his unique energy saving product to market.