University of Maryland to Host American Semi-Final of the $500K International Security Innovation Competition

American Start-Ups Urged to Apply by June 15 Deadline

COLLEGE PARK, Md. , June 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Maryland will host the American Regional Semi-Final of the 2008 Global Security Challenge (GSC), the world's largest international security innovation competition, which offers entrepreneurs and start-ups the opportunity to showcase their security inventions and compete for more than $500,000 in cash-grants.

The Semi-Final will be held in College Park, Maryland on September 15, 2008 . However the deadline for entering the competition is June 15 . For more information or to enter the GSC, go to: http://www.globalsecuritychallenge.com/competition/competition.html

Prizes are offered in a number of different categories, and all Global Security Challenge entrants will receive feedback on their submission. Booz Allen Hamilton , a global leader in technology, is the local sponsor for the American Regional Semi-Final.

"The world increasingly faces risks from a variety of sources, and finding new innovations to protect public security needs is an important mission of the competition," said Melvin Bernstein , vice president for research at the University of Maryland. "We encourage innovators and start-ups in security technology throughout America to enter the GSC to benefit their companies and the world."

The Global Security Challenge partners with leading research universities around the world. The American Regional Semi-Final will be hosted by the University of Maryland. The European Regional Semi-Final held in Brussels will be hosted by the University of Kent . The Asian Regional Semi-Final will be hosted by the National University of Singapore. All semi-finals are in September. The Global Security Challenge Grand Final, hosted by London Business School, will be held in London in November.

According to Brian Darmody , associate vice president for research and economic development, "The University of Maryland has a long and distinguished history in working with both governmental and private sectors in homeland and national security sectors, and the area's many companies focused on this sector make Maryland and the National Capital region the perfect site to host the U.S. competition."

Third Annual GSC

The Global Security Challenge aims to identify, explore and foster innovation in the field of homeland and national security. It was started in 2006 by London Business School students who wanted to empower security entrepreneurs, and thus support the successful development and commercialization of novel security technologies.

"The Global Security Challenge brings together many leading edge technologies and methodologies to improve homeland security and fight terrorism worldwide," said Tom Fuhrman , a Vice President of Booz Allen Hamilton . "Along with proven service offerings, Booz Allen is dedicated to staying at the forefront of security capabilities and is proud to sponsor the Global Security Challenge being held at the University of Maryland."

GSC Co-President Janeen Chupa said, "The GSC is happy to partner with the University of Maryland and Booz Allen Hamilton to support innovators working to make us all safer."

According to the Global Security Challenge, finalists and winners from the first two competitions subsequently raised $20 million in new venture capital, grants and angel investments. The grand prize winners of the first two GSC competitions, Ingenia Technology and NoblePeak Vision, report substantial new investments, growth and further development of their security technologies since winning the award.

Cliff King , founder of NoblePeak Vision, a U.S. start-up company that is developing germanium-enhanced sensors for powerful night vision imaging, has said that ccustomer interest in their technology soared from the publicity received after winning the 2007 Global Security Challenge.

Key dates

Submission Deadline for Start-ups & Ideas: June 15th 2008