Canadian inventor Ben Gulak receives 2013 Microsoft Canada Alumni Award

Microsoft Canada recognizes youth entrepreneur for excellence in innovation, science and technology at Canada-Wide Science Fair

LETHBRIDGE, AB, May 14, 2013 /CNW/ - Microsoft Canada was proud to present Canadian inventor Ben Gulak with the first-ever Microsoft Canada Alumni Award at Youth Science Canada's annual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) on Sunday, May 12, 2013, hosted at the University of Lethbridge. In connection with Youth Science Canada, the Microsoft Canada Alumni Award recognizes past science fair winners who best personify excellence in innovation, science and technology.

"Participating in science fairs across the country is what got me to where I am today, so I am incredibly honoured to receive the 2013 Alumni Award from Microsoft Canada and Youth Science Canada," said Gulak, who is best known for creating the Uno - an eco-friendly electric unicycle that he debuted at age 18 during the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

The Uno captured people's imaginations around the world— including Popular Science magazine and CBC's Dragon's Den.  Gulak, now 24, has since gone on to co-found BPG Werks, a North American alternative vehicle company.

"There are brilliant young people all over this country who dream of making the world a better place but don't have access to the resources they need to make it happen, so it's incredibly important for companies like Microsoft Canada to continue to support youth, and for organizations like CWSF to inspire young people to innovate," said Gulak.

This award is a part of Microsoft's YouthSpark initiative, a companywide initiative designed to create opportunities for hundreds of millions of youth around the world. Through relationships with governments, nonprofits and businesses, Microsoft aims to empower youth to imagine and realize their full potential by connecting them with greater education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities

"Youth like Ben, who are excited about new discoveries and innovations, are the future of Canada and our global economy," said Mike Eisen, Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft Canada ."Through YouthSpark, the Microsoft team is committed to using Microsoft technology, talent, time and resources to empower young people to realize their full potential and change their world."

Youth Science Canada is proud to work with Microsoft Canada because of the large impact the company continues to have on youth and educators across the globe.

"There are more young people on earth than ever before and it is important to nurture their scientific impulse," said Reni Barlow, Executive Director, Youth Science Canada. "We hope that highlighting the successes of past science fair winners will inspire and encourage younger generations to continue to invest in their creativity."

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. At Microsoft Canada, we are passionate about helping people, businesses and communities thrive both socially and economically. There is nothing more rewarding than coming together and sharing ideas across our organization and working with government, business and communities to foster economic growth and to have a positive impact on Canadians. For more information, please visit www.microsoft.com/en-ca/citizenship.

About Youth Science Canada

Since 1962, Youth Science Canada has been Canada's leading organization for the promotion of innovation and celebration of excellence in science, engineering and technology among our nation's youth. A national, registered charitable organization, Youth Science Canada provides or partners in programs to increase awareness and involvement of youth in science, engineering and technology, to engage, mentor and recognize Canada's young scientists, and to engage leading public and private sector organizations in the development of a national science, engineering and technology network of Canadian youth. For more information, please visit youthscience.ca.

SOURCE: Microsoft Canada Inc.

or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Allison Colalillo on behalf of Microsoft Canada
[email protected]
416-644-1644