"Connecting the World" Design Contest Joins Students and Teachers in the 50x15 Initiative
9/19/2006

University students in Latin America are ready to connect the world. In support of AMD's 50x15 initiative, AMD is challenging the students to develop innovative Internet access devices based on AMD processing technology. It's designed to do more than stimulate creativity. The goal of the "Connecting the World" contest is to also promote integration among multiple disciplines and the relationship between teachers and students. All will be focused on the creation of an Internet access device that helps bridge the digital divide in emerging growth countries. The contest is just the first in a series of contests to be held in regions throughout the world.

Students from all over Latin America have until October 2nd to submit design proposals. Projects will include a detailed design description, strategies for the successful implementation of the product, and a business plan presenting the technology and commercial feasibility compatible with the social and economic reality of the target market.

"The vision for 50x15 is a connected global population," said Gustavo Arenas, Corporate Vice President, High Growth Markets, AMD. "Efforts such as 'Connect the World' are a means of harnessing the incredible energy of the brightest students across the globe to confront this challenge head on. AMD is asking these students to apply their unique knowledge and life experiences to address the issues they face on a daily basis. In doing so, we expect they will play a pivotal role in making the 50x15 vision a reality."

"Connecting the World" will announce the five finalist projects on October 13th. Each of the finalist teams will have AMD's full support, including financial assistance for the manufacturing process of a non-working prototype to be presented within 30 days to the contest's organizing committee. The winners of "Connecting the World" will be announced during an award ceremony to be held on December 13th in São Paulo, Brazil.

Awards Two winning teams will be awarded cash prizes; a third team receives an honorable mention. The top two project awards are the Chairman's Award, and the Judges Award. Both awards include a cash prize of US$30,000, with US$10,000 of the award given to the winning team's university. Proposals are due October 2nd, and the final projects are due November 13th, 2006.