The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® launched a technology event and competition designed to uncover the most innovative new consumer technology products coming to market. Co-located with CEA’s Industry Forum, scheduled October 19-22, 2008, in Las Vegas, i-stage will feature product demonstrations and presentations of cutting-edge technologies ready for launch. The top prize for the winning i-stage product will include funding to assist with product deployment and a showcase booth at the 2009 International CES ®.

“New products not only fuel the consumer technology industry, but also the entire global economy,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “ This new competition provides an incredible opportunity for inventors and innovators to show our industry the next generation of dynamic companies and products emerging in the marketplace.”

A call for entries is now live and runs through August 1, 2008. Submissions are free of charge and available at www.CE.org/istage/EntryForm.aspx.

Products selected for the final round will compete in live demonstrations on Monday, October 20, 2008 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. The event will be part of CEA’s Industry Forum, giving exhibitors instant exposure in front of leading CE engineers and executives, retail buyers and venture capitalists. The winning company of the i-stage competition will receive $50,000 to develop its product line, as well as a turnkey booth at the 2009 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology. All products chosen for final round demonstrations will be highlighted on www.CESweb.org leading up to the 2009 International CES.

For more information on CEA’s i-stage event and Industry Forum, visit www.CE.org/i-stage .