Yes, another fucking competition from Microsoft.

As we recently posted, the .NET Micro Framework marketing hacks have their Dare to Dream Different challenge, and now the Windows Embedded team, not to be outdone, have their own challenge. At least they’ve been sensible enough to admit it is a contest.

It’s call the Sparks will Fly 2009 Challenge, and it involves

1. Submitting a 3 page paper with your idea
2. Building a working prototype (and providing a 3 minute video)
3. Demonstrating it (if one of the 3 finalists)

As usual there’s a stack of cash ($15K) and a trip to TechEd 2009 (which they seem to include in all their competitions these days since it makes to the total $50K prize value seems so much bigger!)

Yet another example of Microsoft trying to drum up interest in their products in entirely the wrong way. But this is just the beginning. Expect more and more ‘challenges’ from Microsoft in the coming months as it tries desperately to get the cool kids involved. Good luck with that one.

Entries are taken from now until January 9, 2009. Full details on the site.