Innovate!2010 is a global competition created to identify a group of 100 top technology start-ups from around the world. The competition is presented by Guidewire Group, an analyst firm dedicated to start-ups and emerging markets. The winners will form the Innovate!100 – an elite listing of start-ups poised to receive global recognition and validation.

More than twenty regional ‘Pitch Slam’ events will drive Innovate!2010, where start-ups will present and network with prominent tech vendors. Customers and investors, such as Best Buy, HP, Microsoft, Motorola, O2, RIM, Sun, SWIFT, will be on hand to connect with start-ups demonstrating promise. Entrants will be evaluated by an expert panel of judges  on business components such as opportunity, execution, team and business model.

Participating start-ups in Innovate!2010 are open to several opportunities:

• Over $100,000 in cash and prizes from Microsoft, SWIFT, Guidewire Group and others
• Coverage in some of the world’s most influential business and technology media
• Incisive feedback from select investors, technology executives and successful entrepreneurs

Applications for start-up entrants, judges, partners and sponsors are being accepted now through March 2010. More program information and scheduling is available at www.innovate100.com.