AMD Announces the "Connecting the World" Contest Projects Finalists
- Distributing prizes over 60 thousand dollars, the contest is part of the company's 50x15 global initiative to foster Internet access -
São Paulo, -- October 24, 2006 -- AMD (NYSE: AMD), leading global provider in innovative microprocessors solutions, announced the finalists projects to "Connecting the World" contest for Latin America university students.
The projects Fly Tech, Gota, Eco Red, Interaction in Movement from Chilean Universities and E-Cipo, from the Brazilian University Unicenp, were selected among around 30 projects from universities located in Brazil, Argentina and Chile, respectively. These five projects are now part of the finalists projects from this contest.
Starting now, the finalists have one month to develop a non-working prototype of their projects. In this phase, the students will have AMD's financial support for each team to work on manufacturing their products and projects.
To choose the contest winners, there is a judging commission including Hector Ruiz, council president and AMD CEO; Billy Edwards, senior vice-president and AMD Innovation director; Gustavo Arenas, AMD corporate vice-president for Sales and Marketing; Rob Enderle, Enderle Group chief-annalist; Judith Várhelyi, Hungarian Design Council director; and Guilhermo Winnicki, Buenos Aires City Hall Metropolitan Center manager for the Interactive Design brand.
The winners of "Connecting the World" will be announced during an award ceremony to be held in December, in São Paulo.
About CTW
In support of AMD's 50x15 initiative, AMD is challenging university students to develop innovative solutions for Internet access devices based on AMD processing technology. Aside from stimulating creativity, the goal of the "Connecting the World" contest is to also promote integration among multiple disciplines and the relationship between teachers and students in the creation of a work aimed at contributing to the social well-being and digital inclusion process of the countries in the region.
Students from all over Latin America have submitted their proposals for providing technology access to populations located in regions where currently there is no Internet access. Projects must include a description of the product as well as the strategies for the successful implementation of the program; along with a business plan presenting the technology and commercial feasibility of the project, compatible with the social and economic reality of the target market.
Awards
The judges will select three winning teams, two of which will be awarded a cash prize of US$30,000 each; and the third team will receive an honorable mention as a special tribute.
Chairman's Award: One winning project will be selected by Hector Ruiz, AMD chairman and chief executive officer, and it will receive a cash prize of US$30,000 total; US$10,000 of which will be directed to the school.
Judge's Award: One winning team will be selected by a panel of judges, including AMD executives, industry leaders and design specialists. The winning team will receive a prize of US$30,000; US$10,000 of which will be directed to the school.
About 50x15
AMD's 50x15 initiative is a bold and far-reaching effort to develop new technology and solutions that will help enable affordable Internet access and computing capability for 50 percent of the world's population by the year 2015. Based on this initiative, AMD has recently opened two computer labs at Associação Meninos do Morumbi, a non-governmental organization comprised of over 4,000 children and teenagers in the city of Sao Paulo. It also has contributed with the E-Poupatempo implementation, which offers public services for the population in São Paulo through internet access.
The contest contributes with the 50x15 initiative's efforts, encouraging the intelligence and regional view of students; at the same time gathering the specific view of a growing region which is ready for broad Internet connectivity.
About AMD
AMD (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions for computing, communications and consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1969, AMD is dedicated to delivering superior computing solutions based on consumer needs that empower users worldwide. For more information visit www.amd.com.
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