'Revenge of the Nerds' meets 'American Idol'

Mar. 29 is launch day for the Spirit of Innovation Awards Public Voting campaign. You can help 25 of the top high school innovators to design the future. The Spirit of Innovation Awards challenges YOU to vote for your favorite teams and help select this year's "Pete Conrad Scholars!" Not only will these teams be honored at the Innovation Summit, but they will also get an opportunity to experience the thrill of a ride in space. Winners will be awarded a ride on a  Zero G flight. Please see www.conradawards.org

Over the past six months, 25 finalist teams have created real products to solve some of the grand challenges facing society. From the depths of the oceans to the edges of space, these students will rock your world! Piezo-electric wallpaper, robotic astronaut assistants, advanced water purification systems and Navajo Solar "Frybread" ovens; these are just a few of the amazing products high school students are designing. To see all of the teams check out www.conradawards.org, and remember, online voting is open March 29 through April 9. You can vote multiple times and for multiple teams. The winners will be announced April 10t during the 2010 Innovation Summit at NASA Ames Research Center.

Image courtesy Conrad Foundation.