$100,000 Helps Turn Inspiration Into Reality

Innovation In Communication Award Seeks World-Changing Ideas for the Greater Good

As numerous design awards are distributed at this month's National Design Engineering Show in Chicago, here's another contest you still have time to enter. Might that stellar idea you've been dreaming about for the past few years make a formidable entry in the Saatchi & Saatchi Innovation in Communication Award contest? This global competition recognizes and rewards inventors whose creations have the potential to revolutionize communications among individuals, groups, businesses and other organizations, artists and audiences, or even nations. The prestigious award gives world-changing innovations the visibility and marketing support needed to break through into mainstream consciousness and widespread use.

This could be you!

"Turning inspiration into reality to benefit the greater good is the goal of this award," says Bob Isherwood, worldwide creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi. "Ideas are the currency of the future. Our challenge is maintaining the creative edginess that helped fuel innovation in the past."

This is the second time the award has been offered. The inaugural event in 1998 showcased an astounding number of innovations including the winning entry, KASPA, a first vision substitute for the blind that enables them to see with sound, developed by Sonic Vision's New Zealand inventor Leslie Kay. Among the finalists for the competition were: a prototype for Self-Adjusting Eyeglasses for use in developing countries; an Early Warning Seismic Detection Device that provided an accurate way for a homeowner to detect an oncoming tornado; a Quicktionary Translating Pen to instantly view translations in 13 languages; a Biomuse Hands-Free Computer Controller; and a Quadkey keyboard utilizing just four buttons and one finger.

The competition is open to innovators who work in a wide range of disciplines, including science and technology, the arts, mass communication and education. Entry requirements are available on the company's website, where the only stipulation is that the inventor provide a proof of patent, copyright or design registration, or pending status thereof for each entry. The $100,000 prize includes $50,000 in cash and $50,000 worth of marketing and advertising expertise from the company's worldwide network. Entries must be submitted by May 31, with winners and finalists to be announced in September.

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For more information: Circle 610 - Saatchi & Saatchi or connect directly to their website via the Online Reader Service Program at http://www.1rs.com/003df-610