THE NEXT BUSINESS WEEK

摘要

Tech giant Cisco Systems will pay $250,000 for a big idea. Auto insurer Progressive is sponsoring a $10 million contest to foster ultra-fuel-efficient cars. Most companies spend gobs on their own R&D, but many are launching contests to lure outside ideas. Go to businessweek. com/go/08/prize for our Special Report on Innovation Prizes. Maybe you'll be inspired to enter the Virgin Earth Challenge, a $25 million prize for innovations that remove greenhouse gases from the environment. The idea of giving PCs to poor children has sparked a global debate. For a photo essay of a laptop program in Peru, go to businessweek.