€50K NavCert-IFEN prize for best product prototype based on Galileo

In this year's European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC), the NavCert/IFEN Special Topic Prize is offering entrants the chance to get a head start on testing product prototypes based on Galileo - Europe's satellite navigation system of the future - and obtaining corresponding certification. The NavCert seal from Germany's Technical Inspection Authority (TÜV SÜD) will give the winner a mark of quality and functionality recognised by consumers all over the world.

At the Galileo test environment GATE in Berchtesgaden, Germany, relay stations positioned on eight mountain peaks are already broadcasting signals compatible with those that Galileo satellites will begin transmitting from Earth's orbit in 2014. This enables developers to test their applications today under operational and environmental conditions. GATE is run by IFEN Gmbh, which - along with NavCert, a TÜV SÜD Group company - is looking for ideas for applications that could be tested in Berchtesgaden as part of the ESNC. With GATE's stations covering a surface area of 65 square kilometres, room for innovation is hardly in short supply.

The GATE Prize is also presenting participants with a number of challenges to go along with these new opportunities. Up until now, the ESNC has mainly awarded ideas; finished products have not been absolutely essential. Considering how difficult purely theoretical innovations are to test, however, IFEN and NavCert are searching for solutions that are already functional. In addition, priority will be given to solutions that are designed for Galileo or make use of the American navigation system GPS in connection with the European enhancement system EGNOS.

Coming up with such solutions is no easy task, but the effort is worth it: Applications that complete a three-day test programme will receive the TÜV SÜD NavCert seal. Trusted and recognised by consumers all over the world, this blue, eight-sided seal offers a competitive edge - particularly to modern technologies and unknown products. Meanwhile, TÜV SÜD's commitment to the ESNC does not end with the NavCert/IFEN Prize. The international technical service provider is the official main sponsor of the competition, which itself is being organised by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen, and its motto - "Choose certainty. Add value." - is a perfect match for the ESNC. "Satellite navigation is improving safety in many areas of our everyday lives," states Thorsten Rudolph, CEO of Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen. "In years past, the ESNC has awarded ideas for a flood warning system, a life jacket equipped with a tracking beacon, a method of locating avalanche victims, an alternative routing programme for the transport of hazardous materials, and much more."

A EUR 50,000 value, the Gate prize is just one many ESNC awards promising a total of EUR 1 million in incentives. Those interested in entering can submit descriptions of their products and other innovations until 30 June 2011 at www.galileo-masters.eu.