To prove that 3D design isn't as cumbersome or time consuming as it used to be, MEMGen Corp. (www.memgen.com) has launched a micro-device design contest. This contest is open to all individuals who have commercial or research interest in micro-device design, manufacturing, or use. This includes electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, design contractors, university faculty, and students. There is no limit to the number of entries per person or organization.

MEMGen will award the top three contest winners with prototypes of their designs. In addition, those three contestants will receive cash prizes of $10,000, $5000, and $2500, respectively. The first-place winner also will receive a SolidWorks Office 2003 3D CAD package. Entries must be submitted to MEMGen by April 15, 2003. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter on May 1.

The submissions will be judged by a panel comprised of independent industry experts. These individuals include Al Pisano, Ph.D. of U.C. Berkeley; Elliott Brown, Ph.D. of UCLA; and Marlene Bourne, senior analyst at In-Stat/MDR. Selection will be based on design novelty, the creative use of 3D, and commercial utility.

The "3-D MEMS Design Challenge" is made possible by the company's proprietary EFAB micro-manufacturing technology. With this technology, micro-devices can be designed with commonly available 3D CAD software tools. They can be fabricated in a matter of a few weeks using the company's automated system.