LAFAYETTE, Ind., July 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- With plans to capitalize on existing and new connections among international residents and their communities of origin, the Incubicity Network, Lafayette, Ind., is offering $15,000 in prize money in two technology and commercialization challenges.
The first, with a prize of $10,000, is for developing the best technology solution for creating a Hometown to Hometown (H2H) web-based portal that would link Greater Lafayette, Ind., and the hometowns of its international residents. The second is a $5,000 prize for a commercialization plan that would produce an income stream to maintain the portal.
"Incubicity wants to develop a way for residents from other countries to share their Indiana home with friends, family and businesses in their hometown, and to connect their new Indiana friends with their home communities," said Craig Lamb, executive director of workforce and economic development at Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette, one of the groups participating in the Incubicity Network.
"That, in turn, could make it easier for individuals and businesses interested in making connections or even launching a business to get a welcoming view of our community."
The site will initially focus on China and Japan, with capability to expand to other nations and languages. Contest parameters call for a friendly interface that allows communities to choose content; perhaps include webcams and electronic displays; and include a marketplace for products and service sales. The site should also include paid advertising, for-fee services, and be safe and secure.
The commercialization plan should outline how to optimize advertising, provide for-fee services, set up site licensing and offer market opportunities.
Those interested in participating should register at www.incubicity.com. Full contest details and submission criteria will be provided by response email. Participants may submit entries for one or both of the contests. Entry deadline is September 1, 2011.
Incubicity Network is a collaboration of groups working together to pool and develop resources needed to foster the region's next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Craig Lamb, executive director, Workforce and Economic Development, Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette
+1-765-269-5881
