Left or Right Brained, All Innovators Are Welcome to Submit Their Genius for $10,000

Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University Launch Online Contest in Search of the Next Einstein

TORONTO, May 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Once again, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU), and the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University (CFHU) are on a mission to unlock everyone's inner Einstein. Any big thinker, 6 years or older, is welcome to submit their innovative, world-changing idea online at theNextEintstein.com. From feeding the hungry, to cleaning up pollution, or even curing the common cold, the contest hopes to double the 1,600 submissions it received its inaugural year in 2013. The Next Einstein contest returns with increased opportunities for grants, scholarships, and educational programs for its entrants.

"A great idea big or small can come from anywhere, from anyone," Says Rami Kleinmann, President and CEO, CFHU. "We want everyone to think bigger! We designed this contest to be the catalyst for progressive thought; creative ideas are the foundation and the key component of positive world change. The Next Einstein contest was launched to challenge and inspire North American innovators, creative-thinkers, and entrepreneurs to embrace their curious nature, and better yet, share it with the world!"

Now through June 8, 2014, all would be Einsteins, aged 6 years old and over, can submit their ideas online. A distinguished judging panel of top educators, celebrities and world renowned entrepreneurs participate in the search to find the next great idea. The judging panel led by Hebrew University's Nobel Laureate Professor Roger D. Kornberg includes NBA Basketball Star, Amar'e Stoudemire, Ryan Kavanaugh, film producer and financier, CEO of Relativity Media, global venture capitalist and founder of Draper University, Tim Draper, Chair and Trustee of the Asper Foundation, David Asper, and President & CEO of the United Negro College Fund, Dr. Michael Lomax. The judges will shortlist the submissions down to the top ten, after which public online voting commences from June 16 to June 29, 2014. The winner will be announced on June 30, 2014.  For more information on the full judging panel, please visit the website.

This year's genius and grand prize winner will receive $10,000 to help bring their idea to life.  New to the contest this year are two scholarship bonus prizes which include a $5,000 scholarship to the entrepreneurial school of Draper University located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California and a $5,000 fellowship to  Ryerson University's Digital Media Zone Accelerator Program. More details and official contest rules are available online.

Without the support of its generous partners and sponsors, which include, The Amar'e Stoudemire Foundation, Draper University of Heroes, , National Geographic, United Negro College Fund,  Ryerson University's Digital Media Zone, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Havas Worldwide Digital and our media sponsors, Shaw Media and Global TV, this contest and prizing would not be possible.

About Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem/Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Founded in 1944 by Canadian philanthropist Allan Bronfman, Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University (CFHU) promotes awareness, leadership and financial support for The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. CFHU facilitates academic and research partnerships between Canada and Israel as well as establishing scholarships, supporting research, cultivating student and faculty exchanges and recruiting Canadian students to attend the Rothberg International School.  CFHU has chapters in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. Visit www.cfhu.org

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU), founded in 1918, is Israel's leading university. Albert Einstein, Martin Buber, and Sigmund Freud, were among the university's founders; they were thinkers and visionaries whose genius inspired a university that would have no limits or borders. Ranked as one of the world's leading research universities (ranked 59th in 2013), Hebrew University lies at the forefront of the international academic and scientific communities. Many top prizes and awards have been won by its graduates and faculty including eight Nobel Prizes, and the Fields Medal in Mathematics. HU is a pluralistic institution where science and knowledge are advanced for the benefit of humankind in an atmosphere free of discrimination and prejudice. Visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en

SOURCE: Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

For more information and interviews, please contact: Miriam Pilc-Levine, National Director Communications & Marketing, Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, 416-485-8000 x 121 or [email protected]