Microsoft is having yet another embeded development contest.  This ons is cenetered on the .Net Microframework.  For more details see the contest web site.  The contest has three phases with each phase eliminating contestants.

• October 8 – December 15th : Present your idea
• January 15 – May 15th : Build your idea
• April 15 – May 31: Present your idea.

The final round sounds tough; has to be presented before a board of industry experts.  But if you survive the first round Microsoft will provide for you the hardware and the software that you need for the next round.  The prices are worth over $100k.  I don’t know what they are but if nothing else the community recognition would make the contest worth the effort.