LONDON — Electronic components distributor Premier Farnell plc has launched Live Edge for 2008/2009, a design competition now moving into its second year.

Premier Farnell said the competition is designed to provide a forum where electronic design engineers and students can design products that are environmentally friendly through the use of electronic components.

Registration for the competition and the chance to win the money can be made at the Live Edge website www.live-edge.com or via the Live Edge group on Facebook.

Entries can be submitted from Oct. 1, 2008 through to Jan. 31, 2009. Judging is set to start on Feb. 1, 2009 with the winners announced on April 2, 2009. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 years or older.

Engineers, students and inventors are invited to submit designs for an innovative product that utilizes electronic components and has a positive impact on the environment, for example by increasing energy efficiency or reducing carbon emissions.

Premier Farnell has promised to give the winning entrant for both the full-time student and the general a cash prize of $25,000 a design support package to move their design towards production. The support package, valued by Premier Farnell at $25,000 each, 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.

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 $5,000.

The panel of judges is due to be announced in June 2008. It is set to be chaired by Sir Peter Gershon, who chaired last year's event, and he will be joined by John Noble, last year's winner from Malaysia who is currently taking his energy-saving product to market.

"The Earth is facing environmental threats on an unprecedented scale and by unleashing the creativity that exists within the electronics industry, we can make a positive difference to these global challenges," said Harriet Green, CEO of Premier Farnell plc, in a statement.

"Our first ever Live Edge had over 3,500 registrants from over 102 countries last year, providing electronics design engineers the opportunity to have a true impact on our future and see their vision become a reality. We have listened to the feedback from last year's entrants and believe this year's challenge will be even better as a consequence, particularly by embracing the enormous role that universities and today's students will play in our future."

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