Sponsors support design competition

Farnell says that National Semiconductor, Ohmrite Manufacturing and Vishay have become global sponsors for its 2008 Live EDGE Electronic Design Competition for the global environment.

Electronics engineers, students and inventors around the world are invited to submit designs for an innovative product that uses electronic components and has a positive impact on the environment. Entries can be submitted between 1 October 2008 and 31 January 2009. Judging will start on 1 February 2009 and winners will be announced on 2 April 2009.

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over.

The winning entrant for both the full-time student and the general/open category will receive a cash prize of US$25,000 as well as a design support package valued at an additional $25,000 to move their design towards production.

The support package will include the services of an electronic design consultancy to help develop the design to prototype stage, assistance with legal matters and IP registration, some marketing and publicity, as well as Premier Farnell’s help in securing investment funding.

The group will market the end product to millions of customers globally through their website, catalogue and direct marketing.

In addition, up to three entrants for the full-time student category and three entrants for the general/open category will be eligible for ‘honourable mentions’, each receiving a cash prize of US$5000.