Do you have what it takes to tap into your competitive and entrepreneurial spirit to solve the most challenging problems facing humanity? The X Prize Foundation has set up multiple prizes targeted at specific problems in energy and environment, education and global development, space exploration, and life sciences. Prizes of over $10 million are awarded to the first team that is able to solve the targeted problem.

The FED proudly sponsors the X Prize Foundation and realizes that the X Prize is a unique competition that focuses contestants on specific challenges. One of the challenges created was the Ansari X Prize, which led the first private team to build and launch a spacecraft capable of carrying three people to 100 kilometers above the earth's surface. More than 30 teams competed for the Ansari Prize and spent over $100 million, collectively, for a $10 million prize with the hope of creating a billion dollar industry.

The FED supports the X Prize Lab@MIT to engage students in designing prizes to address challenges in energy, water, and genomics, and to consider ways for inspiring and incentivizing open innovation through ownership. This Fall, the Lab@MIT is focused on energy storage.

Are you a young, entrepreneurial undergraduate or graduate student? Join a university-based business plan competition. Situated in one of the leading research universities in the world, the UC San Diego Entrepreneur Challenge fosters community involvement and technological innovation by bringing multi-disciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and business-minded students together with local area entrepreneurs and professionals.

The FED is a sponsor, and has been for the past 2 years. The FED took part in a panel that discussed entrepreneurial employee ownership and also served on the judging panel for six competitions in the last two years. What is really unique about this student-run competition is that unlike most of the other top-notch university competitions, the UC San Diego Entrepreneur Challenge was created outside of the business school from within the sciences. In addition to the $80,000 Business Plan Competition, the Entrepreneur Challenge provides many resources, including workshops, experienced mentors, and incentives for competition. More Information

First Place, $40,000, Biologicial Dynamics:

Point-of-Care multi-cancer screening tool that detects early cancer biomarker directly from whole blood. More Information

Now entering its 23rd year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. Do you know an experienced entrepreneur with a track record? Consider suggesting him/her to the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program. The FED is a proud sponsor, served on a regional judging panel, and has been involved for more than 10 years. More Information