Economy and Ecology Focus of Microsoft Code Contest

Microsoft, the behemoth PC software maker, is launching a “Will Code for Green” contest aimed at helping the Good Earth and the stumbling U.S. economy.

And, hey, if the contest happens to promote Microsoft's new Bing search engine as well, that's fine. But the company states that its primary goal is to make things greener all around.

Software makers working on economy- or ecology-related Web applications are invited to submit an application that could win them $10,000 and an opportunity to have their software make a mark on the world.

Developers can enter once for each category now through Aug. 12. Winners of the contest, which is open to all US residents, will be announced at the 2009 gnomedex.com conference being held Aug. 20 to 22, 2009.

According to the rules, the contest is "skill-based," with the goal of creating a publicly accessible Web site application or “mashup” that will provide users with tools and information to deal with the still-recovering global economy and how to take steps to improve the Earth’s ecology.

To be eligible, entries must meet the following content requirements:

Winning software will be determined by both colleagues and a panel of Microsoft judges.

Five semi-finalists — two from each category, and one from either category — will win.

The semi-finalists will be demonstrated at the Gnomedex conference and attendees will be invited to vote to determine the grand prize winner.

The grand prize winners not only get $10,000 in cash, they also get a three-year BizSpark membership for eligible start ups. Runners-up will get $3,000 in cash and the same membership. Check out the Will Code For Green site listed above for details.