Intel hosts science fair to find tomorrow’s innovators

Young scientists from around the world traveled to in Reno, NV in May to compete in the world's largest pre-college science competition: the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2009. More than 1,500 students from 56 countries, regions and territories shared ideas, showcased cutting-edge research and inventions, and competed for almost $4 million in scholarships and awards. The top three winners were each awarded a $50,000 scholarship from the Intel Foundation.

More than 20 percent of 2009 participants had a patent or are considering applying for one for their research, despite their youth. Intel Chairman Craig Barrett opened the fair at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

"It is encouraging to see how the young men and women at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair have developed novel solutions to some of the world's toughest problems," Barrett says. "I've been learning from these young scientists since Intel began sponsorship in 1996 and look forward to seeing how their innovations will improve the global economy in the years to come."

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair finalists are selected annually from more than 550 International Science and Engineering Fair-affiliated fairs around the world. Their projects are then evaluated on site by more than 1,000 judges from nearly every scientific discipline.