Intel's chairman, Craig Barrett, announced that his company is offering a prize for innovative technologies that can reduce energy inefficiencies. During Barrett's keynote address at last week's Intel Developer Forum, he announced the Intel Challenge. Intel will award four prizes of $100,000 each for new technology that can meet today's needs in four categories, including the environment. The other categories include education, health care and economic development.

The environmental facet of the challenge focuses on reducing emissions, primarily through reducing energy needs. Barrett pointed to Brian McCarthy, the third-place winner of the 2008 Intel Science Talent Search, and his project on improving plastic materials for solar cell technology as the direction Barrett hopes challenger participants will explore.

"Technology is a tool to address some of the world's most pressing challenges related to healthcare, education, economic development and the environment," Barrett said. "No nations or individuals are untouched by these issues. Get involved. Be part of the solution." The challenge is, in part, proof of Intel's commitment to solving the climate change crisis through technological innovations.

Further information about the challenge is available on the Intel Challenge website. Registration for the challenge is not yet open, but you can sign up to be notified when registration opens.