BioE and EECS teams collect top prizes at the Berkeley Technology Breakthrough Competition

At the third annual Berkeley Technology Breakthrough Competition hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (CET), 14 teams of finalists endured scrutiny from judges in an evening of competition that culminated in the awarding of $25,000 in prize money. The competition, which took place November 15 at Sibley Auditorium, featured projects that can be applied within the next five years and “will significantly make the world a better place.” Though it wasn’t a business plan competition, the event was judged by venture capitalists, investors and industry representatives to ensure real-world applicability and market potential.

This year, faculty and lab scientists also competed, yet in the end, judges chose two student teams, which each walked away with a $10,000 check. “The projects were impressive,” said In Sik Rhee (B.S.’93 EECS), one of the judges and a venture advisor with Accel Partners. “The entries really surprised me by how innovative and applicable they are now.” [FULL STORY]

RAD Lab opens to great expectations
New research center builds tools for next-generation Internet services

On Thursday, November 9, the RAD (Reliable, Adaptive and Distributed systems) Lab opened in Soda Hall to great flourish. Representatives from underwriters Google, Microsoft and Sun Microsystems cut the ribbon with Chancellor Robert Birgeneau and founding EECS faculty, as well-wishers packed the lab’s halls and toasted its success.

A year in the making and located on the fourth floor of Soda Hall, the lab will “help the next generation of Internet services scale up to a large size without the need for a large development organization,” said EECS professor and lab founder David Patterson in his welcoming remarks. [FULL STORY]

Season of giving
Engineers dedicate free time to helping others beyond campus borders

While engineering students may have a reputation for looking inward to their books rather than outward to the community, three students have managed to fit community service into their schedules. Engineering News commends them and all students who take time out of their busy lives to help others. [FULL STORY]

Departments

• Pop Quiz: If your major were a car, what type of car would it be?

• Events and Announcements:

• Faculty Honors

• Professor Minute

• Genius Corner

To submit a seminar listing, please fill out the electronic form.

Win an award? Have an event coming up that you want publicized? E-mail news items and suggestions to the editor at Engineering News.

College of Engineering Home Page

Send comments to editnews@coe.berkeley.edu © 2003 UC Regents