International environmental design engineering competition launched

Premier Farnell has launched a major international design competition called 'Live Edge' - Electronic Design for the Global Environment. The company will support the competition throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Electronics engineers, students and academics around the world are invited to submit designs for an innovative product that uses electronic components and has a positive impact on the environment, for example, by increasing energy efficiency or reducing carbon emissions.

The winning entrant will receive a cash prize of $59,000 as well as the support to move the design towards production. The support package, estimated to be worth an additional $59,000, will include the services of an electronic design consultancy that will develop the design to prototype stage, assistance with legal matters and IP registration, marketing and publicity, as well as Premier Farnell's help in securing investment funding. The group will actively market the end product to millions of customers globally through their leading edge web page, catalogue and direct marketing.

In addition, up to five entrants will be eligible for 'honourable mentions', each receiving a cash prize of $6,000.

Reflecting the environmentally friendly theme of the competition, Live Edge will be largely web-based to avoid unnecessary international travel and transportation. For example, the judges will confer online and it will be possible to view the award ceremony on the competition website.

The closing date for registration is 31 October 2007 and entries must be submitted by 30 November 2007. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over and the winner will be announced in January 2008.

For further information, visit www.live-edge.com.