NIU’s Technology Commercialization Center is accepting contest entries for the Inventor’s Award Contest, sponsored by the Inventor’s Council.

A $10,000 grand prize is being offered for the top winner, to be determined at the Inventor’s Showcase on Feb. 7. The competition for this Chicago area contest was officially opened Sept. 3, 1990 and officially closes Jan. 3, 1991.

The contest is open to all students, faculty members, local businessmen and entrepreneurs with original inventions or improvements of existing products. The theme for this first annual event is “show how to reduce waste.”

The Inventor’s Council is looking for those inventions that reduce waste or save energy. Susan Cochran, assistant director of TCC, said it is very easy to make inventions fit into that category.

In order to qualify for the Invention Awards, one must submit a one-page entry. This entry must have eight parts, including a 5-inch by 7-inch photograph or graphic design showing the product in use.

Also, applicants must give their names, addresses and phone numbers. The entry fee is $75. Entries can be sent to: Inventor’s Council, 53 W. Jackson, Suite 1643, Chicago, Il, 60604.