Sparks will Fly
2009 Challenge

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The who, what, where and why of the Windows Embedded community offering.

This was the official website for the Sparks will Fly 2009 Challenge.
The content below is taken from the site's 2009 archived pages.

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2008 Microsoft Confidential POST:

Windows Embedded team, not to be outdone by the .NET Micro Framework marketing hacks with their Dare to Dream Different challenge, have their own challenge. At least they’ve been sensible enough to admit it is a contest.

It’s call the Sparks will Fly 2009 Challenge, and it involves

• Submitting a 3 page paper with your idea
• Building a working prototype (and providing a 3 minute video)
• Demonstrating it (if one of the 3 finalists)

As usual there’s a stack of cash ($15K) and a trip to TechEd 2009 (which they seem to include in all their competitions these days since it makes to the total $50K prize value seems so much bigger!)

 

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Entries are taken from now until January 9, 2009.

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It is inevitable. The home of the future will generate the waste of the future.

Recycling is fast becoming a vital part of modern living. Unfortunately, recycling is neither easy nor cool, so people will avoid it unless there are good incentives to do it.

Binn-E proposes a way to assist the future home owner to sort, process and recycle domestic waste in a way that’s environmentally responsible and dare I say it, even fun.

3/10/2009

Sparks will Fly 2009 Challenge

Show us your “home of the future” and win $15,000, plus a trip to TechEd 2009!

We know you've got great ideas – and we want to see them in action. So go to your quiet place, think big and enter the Sparks Will Fly 2009 Challenge. Here’s how the contest works:

Round 1

Submit a 1-3-page paper that outlines an embedded project that will help realize the home of the future. Maybe you envision a thermostat that sets itself according to the latest weather forecast, or a refrigerator that re-orders groceries. Be creative, but make sure it’s an embedded device that you could actually build.

Deadline: January 7, 2009 at 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (GMT -8)

On January 9, 2009, we’ll announce the 50 participants who will advance to round two.

 Round 2

It’s time to put your skills to the test. All 50 finalists will receive a free SPARK Your Imagination kit, based on the VIA Artigo Pico-ITX board. Build a working prototype of your idea and submit a 4-8-page paper that describes your solution. You’ll also need to create a 2-minute video that summarizes your project.

Deadline: March 11, 2009 at 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (GMT -8)

Round 3

On March 13, 2009, we’ll reveal the top 3 finalists. Each of the 3 finalists will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a flight to ESC Silicon Valley, where they’ll demonstrate their project during the Microsoft keynote.

The winner will be announced at the end of the keynote, and will receive an additional cash prize of $15,000 and a trip to TechEd 2009 in Los Angeles.

ABOUT SPARK

Take advantage of a comprehensive set of powerful embedded development tools, technologies, and resources. Microsoft’s partnership with several of the world’s premier hardware vendors gives hobbyists access to the same enterprise-class tools used by professionals – at an attractive price. It’s just one of the ways Microsoft is nurturing its vision to grow and support this important developer community.

SPARK Your Imagination offers a kit that combines Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2, Visual Studio 2005 Professional, and an embedded device. Backed by Microsoft and a large, active community of embedded developers, Windows Embedded CE provides you with industry-leading tools to help you build an endless variety of embedded solutions.

Whether you’re a student who dabbled in Windows Embedded at school, a hobbyist who likes to test the latest technology in your spare time, or a casual developer who wants to see what you can create with the right tools, SPARK Your Imagination and start building your vision today. Master the skills that professionals around the globe use to build smart, connected, and service-oriented devices.

 

THE MICROSOFT SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION CONTEST

OFFICIAL RULES

Common terms used in these rules:

These are the official rules that govern how the Microsoft SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION contest promotion will operate. This promotion will be simply referred to as the “Contest” throughout the rest of these rules. 

In these rules, “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Microsoft Corporation, the sponsor of the Contest. “You,” “yourself” refers to an eligible Contest entrant.  

1. CONTEST DESCRIPTION: 

This is a skill-based Contest and chance plays no part in the determination of the winner(s). The object of this Contest is to provide a forum for Windows Embedded CE enthusiasts to showcase their skills, help Build the Windows Embedded community and drive awareness of the SPARK Your Imagination program. 

For purpose of this Contest, the proposal and supporting materials that you create and submit in the Contest will be called an “entry.” All eligible entries received will be judged using the criteria described below to determine winners.  

2. WHAT ARE THE START AND END DATES? 

The Contest starts at 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (“PST”) on October 27th, 2008, and ends on  March 29th,  2009 (“Entry Period”).  The Entry Period consists of the three (3) Rounds described below.   You must enter by the close of Round 1 to be eligible for subsequent Rounds. All required entry materials must be received within the designated Round in order to be eligible for judging.  At the end of Round 1, up to 50 of the top entrants will be selected to advance to Round 2.

3. CAN YOU ENTER?

You are eligible to enter this Contest if you meet the following requirements:

• You are a Internet technology enthusiast or specialist and are at least 18 years of age or older at the time of entry; and
• You are NOT a resident of Cuba, Iran, North Korea or Sudan and
• You are NOT an employee of Microsoft Corporation or an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary; and
• You are NOT involved in any part of the administration and execution of this Contest; and

 

You are NOT an immediate family (parent, sibling, spouse, child) or household member of a Microsoft employee, an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary, or a person involved in any part of the administration and execution of this Contest.

This Contest is void in the Province of Quebec, Canada; and wherever else prohibited by law.

4. HOW TO ENTER / ENTRY CRITERIA

Round 1:

You’ll be asked to submit a 1 to 3 page report detailing your idea for an embedded project that will help realize the home of the future. Entries must be submitted as an electronic file in the .doc, .docx, .pdf or .txt format, and report should address the following Project Vision:

• What problem are you trying to solve? 
• What is your proposed solution to the problem?
• Why would the solution be best implemented as an embedded solution?

Judges will review all eligible entries based on the criteria described in section 5 below and select up to 50 entries to move on to Round 2.

You must create and upload a 4 to 8 page report and a 2- minute video each detailing the implementation of your project. Entry materials must meet the following content and technical requirements.

You must build the Embedded Solution using the hardware tools and software tools described below:

Hardware Tools

VIA Artigo embedded platform device provided by Microsoft

Software Tools

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 Windows Embedded CE Platform Builder

At the conclusion of the Round 2 Entry Period, all eligible entries received will be reviewed by a panel (or panels) of qualified judges based on the judging criteria set forth below to select up to 3 Entries (each, a “Finalist”) to compete in the live Finals event. 

 

Finals Round:

 

All three Finalists will be awarded a trip to ESC Silicon Valley in San Jose, California, USA to present their idea and demonstrate their project in a 3-minute Presentation to ESC SV attendees. 

A panel of experts will judge all presentations based on the criteria described below and announce 1 Grand Prize Winner. 

For all Rounds: All Entry materials must be submitted in English. For the Finals event an interpreter will be provided for non-English speaking contestants. 

 

Limit one entry per person and e-mail address. We are not responsible for entries that we do not receive for any reason, or for entries that we receive but are not decipherable for any reason.

We will automatically disqualify:

(1) Incomplete or illegible entries; and

(2) Entries that we receive in excess of the entry limit described above.

• your entry is your own original work; and
• your entry only includes material (including music, video or images) that you own, or that you have permission from the copyright / trademark owner to use; and
• you have obtained permission from any recognizable person (parent/guardian, if a minor) that appears in your entry to submit your entry in this Contest and to use their personal data in the entry for the purposes of the Contest (if applicable); and
• your entry has not been selected as a prize winner in any other contest.

 5. HOW WILL ENTRIES BE JUDGED?

 

Round 1:

At the conclusion of the Round 1 Entry Period, all eligible entries received will be reviewed by a panel (or panels) of qualified judges based on the following judging criteria, and select up to 50 of the top Entries to advance to in Round 2.

Round 1 Judging Criteria

• 25% Innovation: Originality and creativity
• 25% Impact and Relevance of the Solution
• 25% Feasibility and Adherence Theme
• 25% Quality of the Project Vision

Round 2:

At the conclusion of the Round 2 Entry Period, all eligible entries received will be reviewed by a panel (or panels) of qualified judges based on the judging criteria set forth below to determine up to 3 Entries (each, a “Finalist”) to compete in the live Finals event. 

 

Round 2 Judging Criteria

• 20%  Clear explanation of the problem and its solution
• 20% Relevance of the problem to the Home of future theme
• 20% Clear explanation of the Technology: components, purpose and connection/Communicate
• 20% Is the solution a realistic, efficient and a good way to solve the problem?
• 20% Demonstrated familiarity with Windows embedded CE 6.0, as measured by building an image.

Ties: In the event of a tie between any eligible entries, the tie will be broken by an additional judge who will the judge the tied entries based on the criteria listed above.

All Rounds: The decisions of these judges are final and binding. The Grand Prize winner will be announced at the Finals event in ESC Silicon Valley 2009. If we do not receive a sufficient number of entries meeting the entry requirements in any Round, we may, at our discretion based on the above criteria, select fewer than stated number of winners.

6. HOW WILL MY ENTRY BE POTENTIALLY USED? 

Other than what is set forth below, we are not claiming any ownership rights to your entry. However, by submitting your entry, you:

• are granting us an irrevocable, worldwide right and license, for which you have received a sufficient remuneration, for the duration of the protection of the copyrights to: (i) reproduce, copy, modify or alter your entry with all known all later developed means; (ii) use, review, assess, test and otherwise analyze your entry and all its content in connection with this and any future contests sponsored by Microsoft; and (ii) feature your entry and all its content in connection with the promotion of this Contest in all media (now known or later developed); 
• except where prohibited, hereby waive any and all so-called “moral rights” or any similar right that you may have or hereinafter acquire in the entry and all its content, and to the extent that you cannot, you hereby consent to us doing or omitting to do any act that would otherwise infringe such “moral rights” or any such similar rights;
• agree to sign any necessary documentation that may be required for us and our designees to make use of the rights you granted above;
• understand and acknowledge that Microsoft and other entrants  may have developed or commissioned materials similar or identical to your submission and you waive any claims you may have resulting from any similarities to your entry; 
• understand that we cannot control the incoming information you will disclose to our representatives in the course of entering, or what our representatives will remember about your entry. You also understand that we will not restrict work assignments of representatives who have had access to your entry. By entering this Contest, you agree that use of information in our representatives’ unaided memories in the development or deployment of our products or services does not create liability for us under this agreement or copyright or trade secret law; 
• understand that you will not receive any compensation or credit for use of your entry, other than what is described in these Official Rules.

Please note that following the end of this Contest your entry may be posted on a website selected by us for viewing by visitors to that website. We are not responsible for any unauthorized use of your entry by visitors to this website. While we reserve these rights, we are not obligated to use your entry for any purpose, even if it has been selected as a winning entry. 

If you do not want to grant us these rights to your entry, please do not enter this Contest. 

7. WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?

Round 1 Prize (50): Each entrant moving on to compete in Round 2 will win VIA Artigo embedded platform device (Estimated Retail Value US $400.00) 

Finalist Prize: (3) Each finalist will win a trip to the ESC Silicon Valley event to compete for the Grand Prize. Trip includes round trip coach airfare for one from major airport closest to winner's home to San Jose, CA., 5 night single occupancy hotel accommodations, and admission into the ESC Silicon Valley event  (Estimated Retail Value US $2,095.00)  Each of the three finalists will receive a $1,000 cash prize. 

Grand Prize (1): One winner will be selected to win US $15,000 cash, plus a trip to the Techˆ™Ed North America event. Trip includes round trip coach airfare for one from major airport closest to winner's home to Los Angeles, California, USA, 4 night’s single occupancy hotel accommodations, and admission into the Microsoft Techˆ™Ed North America 2009 event.  (Estimated Retail Value US $2,000.00)

Travel prize winners are responsible for providing all required travel documents, including, but not limited to required Visa, passport etc.If winner lives within 100 miles of travel destination, Sponsor reserves the right to provide alternative transportation.

If the ESC Silicon Valley or Microsoft Techˆ™Ed North America events are cancelled for any reason, Sponsor shall have no further obligation to the winner other than to provide the travel portion of the prize minus the opportunity to attend the cancelled event.

Actual value depends on date/time/destination, and difference between actual value and stated value will not be awarded. 

Travel subject to availability and must be completed on dates specified by the Sponsor or prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner.  Some restrictions may apply. No cancellation of reservation, or transfer of reservation to another date after reservation has been made.

The odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received and the level of skill of each entrant.

If for any reason the advertised prize is unavailable, unless to do so would be prohibited by law, we reserve the right to substitute a prize(s) of equal or greater value, as permitted. We will only award one (1) prize per person. If you are selected as a potential winner of this Contest:

(1) You may not exchange your prize for cash or any other merchandise or services.

(2) You may not designate someone else as the winner. If you are unable or unwilling to accept your prize, we will award it to an alternate potential winner.

(3) If you accept a prize, you will be solely responsible for all applicable taxes related to accepting the prize.

(4) If you are a minor in your place of residence, we may award the prize to your parent/legal guardian on your behalf and your parent/legal guardian shall be designated as the winner.

8. HOW WILL YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE A WINNER?

If you are a potential winner, we will notify you by sending a message to the e-mail address, the phone number, or mailing address (if any) listed on your entry within seven (7) days following the determination of winners. If the notification that we send is returned as undeliverable, or you are otherwise unreachable for any reason, we may award the prize to an alternate winner. However, if the potential winner is a resident of Portugal, no alternate winner will be chosen and the prize will revert to the charitable institution designated by the Civil Governor, as required under Portuguese law.

If there is a dispute as to who is the potential winner, we will consider the potential winner to be the authorized account holder of the e-mail address used to enter the Contest.

If you are a potential winner, we may require you to sign a declaration of eligibility, use, indemnity and liability/publicity release. If you are a potential winner and are a minor in your place of residence, and we require that your parent or legal guardian shall be designated as the winner pursuant to clause 8(4) above, we may require that they sign a declaration of eligibility, use, indemnity and liability/publicity release on your behalf. If you, (or your parent/legal guardian if applicable), do not sign and return these required forms within the time period listed on the winner notification message, we may disqualify you (or the designated parent/legal guardian) and select an alternate selected winner.

9.   WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS ARE YOU ARE AGREEING TO BY ENTERING THIS CONTEST?

By entering this Contest you agree:

(1.) To abide by these Official Rules;

(2.) To the extent allowable under applicable law, to release and hold harmless Microsoft, their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees and agents from any and all liability or any injury, loss, damage, right, claim or action of any kind arising from or in connection with this Contest or any prize won save for residents of the United Kingdom, Chile, Korea, Greece, Brazil, Turkey, Hong Kong, France and Germany with respect to claims resulting from death or personal injury arising from Microsoft’s negligence, for residents of the United Kingdom with respect to claims resulting from the tort of deceit or any other liabilities that may not be excluded by law, and for residents of Australia in respect of any implied condition or warranty the exclusion of which from these Official Rules would contravene any statute or cause any part of these Official Rules to be void;

(3.)  That Microsoft’s decisions will be final and binding on all matters related to this Contest; and

(4.) That by accepting a prize, Microsoft may use your name and place of residence online and in print, or in any other media, in connection with this Contest, without payment or compensation to you. The declaration of eligibility, use, indemnity and liability/publicity release provided to the potential winner (pursuant to clause 9 above) will make reference to obtaining his/her free consent to use his/her name and place of residence. In any case, the lack of such consent does not prevent the winner from receiving the prize.

This Contest will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of Washington for any disputes arising out of this Contest.

10.  WHAT IF SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS AND THE CONTEST CAN’T RUN AS PLANNED?

If someone cheats, or a virus, bug, catastrophic event, or any other unforeseen or unexpected event that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled, (also referred to as force majeure)affects the fairness and / or integrity of this Contest, we reserve the right to cancel, change or suspend this Contest. This right is reserved whether the event is due to human or technical error. If a solution cannot be found to restore the integrity of the Contest, we reserve the right to select winners based on the criteria specified above from among all eligible entries received before we had to cancel, change or suspend the Contest.  Computer “hacking” is unlawful. If you attempt to compromise the integrity or the legitimate operation of this Contest by hacking or by cheating or committing fraud in ANY way, we may seek damages from you to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, we may ban you from participating in any of our future Contests, so please play fairly.

11. HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT WHO WON?

We will post the names of confirmed winners online afterMarch 29th 2009 at www.sparkcontest.com. This list will remain posted until May 30th 2009.

12.  WHO IS SPONSORING THIS CONTEST?

Microsoft Corporation is the sponsor of this Contest.
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052

13. PRIVACY

Microsoft’s Privacy Policy will apply to this Contest and to all information that we receive from your entry. Please read the Privacy Policy on the Contest entry page before accepting the Official Rules and submitting your entry. Please note that by accepting the Official Rules you are also accepting the terms of the Privacy Policy.

 

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More Background on SparkContest.com

 

SparkContest.com served as the official online hub for the “Sparks Will Fly 2009 Challenge,” a global embedded systems contest sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. Active primarily between late 2008 and early 2009, the site documented the rules, goals, prizes, and philosophy behind a competition designed to energize the Windows Embedded developer community and promote Microsoft’s SPARK Your Imagination program.

Although no longer active in its original form, archived versions of SparkContest.com—preserved through web archiving platforms—provide insight into a unique moment in Microsoft’s strategy: the push to cultivate a grassroots ecosystem around Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 and hobbyist-to-professional embedded development.

This article explores the site’s origins, structure, contest mechanics, corporate objectives, technological framework, cultural significance, and lasting impact.

The Historical Context: Microsoft and the Embedded Systems Race

In 2008–2009, embedded computing was undergoing rapid transformation. Consumer expectations were shifting toward “smart” devices, and the phrase “Internet of Things” (IoT) was just beginning to enter mainstream vocabulary.

Microsoft had already established a presence in embedded operating systems through Windows Embedded CE. However, it faced strong competition from Linux-based embedded systems and proprietary firmware platforms. To expand adoption, Microsoft needed:

• A vibrant developer community

• Hardware partnerships

• Educational outreach

• High-visibility technical showcases

The Sparks Will Fly 2009 Challenge was designed to address all of these goals simultaneously.

SparkContest.com became the digital front door for that initiative.

The Contest Theme: “The Home of the Future”

At the core of the competition was a single guiding question:

What does the home of the future look like—and how can embedded devices make it real?

Participants were asked to design embedded systems that addressed everyday domestic challenges. Examples proposed on the site included:

• Weather-adaptive thermostats

• Smart refrigerators that reorder groceries

• Waste-sorting systems

• Connected energy monitors

The emphasis was clear: practical innovation grounded in realistic, buildable technology.

One archived example described an intelligent recycling system designed to make environmental responsibility easier and more engaging. The project illustrated how Microsoft envisioned embedded computing not merely as industrial infrastructure, but as a lifestyle-enhancing consumer layer.

How the Contest Worked: Three Rounds of Technical Escalation

SparkContest.com carefully detailed the contest’s structured progression across three rounds.

Round 1: Vision and Feasibility

Participants submitted a 1–3 page proposal describing:

• The problem they intended to solve

• Their proposed embedded solution

• Why an embedded implementation was appropriate

Judging criteria were evenly weighted:

• 25% Innovation

• 25% Impact and relevance

• 25% Feasibility

• 25% Quality of vision

From all entries, up to 50 finalists were selected to advance.

This first round emphasized conceptual clarity and real-world practicality over marketing flair.

Round 2: Build the Prototype

The 50 selected entrants each received a VIA Artigo Pico-ITX embedded platform device—a compact, energy-efficient computing board suitable for embedded applications.

Participants were required to:

• Build a working prototype

• Submit a 4–8 page technical report

• Produce a 2-minute demonstration video

The hardware requirement ensured standardization while reinforcing Microsoft’s hardware partnerships. The software stack mandated use of:

• Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2

• Windows Embedded CE Platform Builder

• Visual Studio 2005 Professional

Judging criteria now emphasized:

• Technical clarity

• Practicality

• Relevance to the “home of the future” theme

• Demonstrated familiarity with Windows Embedded CE

This stage transformed the contest from theoretical to tangible.

Final Round: Live Demonstration at ESC Silicon Valley

The top three finalists were flown to ESC Silicon Valley in San Jose, California—one of the premier embedded systems trade shows of the era.

ESC Silicon Valley

There, finalists delivered a 3-minute live presentation during a Microsoft keynote. Judges selected a single grand prize winner at the event.

The grand prize included:

• $15,000 cash

• A trip to Microsoft TechEd North America 2009

• Travel and hotel accommodations

Finalists also received $1,000 cash and event travel packages.

By tying the final round to major conferences, Microsoft cleverly integrated community building, marketing exposure, and developer recognition.

The SPARK Your Imagination Program

The contest was closely tied to Microsoft’s broader SPARK Your Imagination initiative.

SPARK offered:

• Discounted development kits

• Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2

• Professional-grade tools

• Access to community forums and resources

The messaging on SparkContest.com positioned SPARK as democratizing enterprise-level embedded development tools.

Rather than targeting only established engineers, the program explicitly welcomed:

• Students

• Hobbyists

• Casual developers

• Technology enthusiasts

This inclusive positioning reflected Microsoft’s desire to expand beyond enterprise contracts and into maker-level innovation.

Ownership and Sponsorship

SparkContest.com was sponsored and operated by Microsoft Corporation.

The official rules clearly stated:

Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052

The contest was governed under the laws of Washington State and included extensive eligibility clauses, privacy provisions, intellectual property licensing, and liability waivers.

Microsoft retained broad promotional rights to submitted entries, including the ability to:

• Reproduce

• Modify

• Feature in marketing materials

• Showcase online

Participants granted Microsoft a worldwide license while retaining original ownership.

This licensing language was consistent with corporate innovation contests of the time.

Eligibility and Global Reach

The contest was open internationally, with notable exclusions including:

• Cuba

• Iran

• North Korea

• Sudan

• Quebec (due to specific provincial regulations)

Participants had to be at least 18 years old and not employees or family members of Microsoft staff.

The contest’s structure and English-language requirement indicate that while global in scope, it primarily targeted the English-speaking developer community.

Popularity and Community Impact

While exact participation numbers are not publicly archived, the fact that up to 50 finalists advanced to Round 2 suggests significant entry volume.

The contest’s integration with ESC Silicon Valley and TechEd North America ensured strong visibility within:

• Embedded systems professionals

• Corporate engineers

• Technology students

• Conference attendees

During this period, Microsoft was actively competing with open-source embedded ecosystems. By offering hardware kits, travel prizes, and cash awards, SparkContest.com functioned as both:

• A developer recruitment pipeline

• A brand awareness campaign

Proximity and Geographic Significance

Two major U.S. tech centers played important roles:

Redmond, Washington
Headquarters of Microsoft Corporation
Strategic center of Windows Embedded development.

San Jose, California
Host city of ESC Silicon Valley.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley’s hardware innovation corridor.

Los Angeles, California
Location of Microsoft TechEd North America 2009

These locations reinforced Microsoft’s integration into both software and hardware innovation communities.

Legal and Structural Sophistication

SparkContest.com included a comprehensive 13-section Official Rules document covering:

• Entry requirements

• Judging criteria

• Prize substitution policies

• Tax responsibility

• Intellectual property licensing

• Force majeure clauses

• Governing law

• Winner notification process

The detailed structure reflects Microsoft’s experience running global promotional contests.

Interestingly, the rules explicitly described the contest as:

A skill-based Contest and chance plays no part in the determination of the winner(s).

This distinction was important for regulatory compliance in many jurisdictions.

Cultural and Technological Significance

SparkContest.com represents a transitional moment in consumer technology:

• Pre-IoT terminology, but IoT-like ambitions

• Embedded CE before Windows IoT Core

• Physical prototyping before cloud-native dominance

In 2009, the idea of:

• Smart thermostats

• Connected refrigerators

• Intelligent recycling bins

felt forward-looking. Today, many of these ideas are commonplace.

The contest encouraged innovation in:

• Sustainability

• Home automation

• Energy efficiency

• Smart living

It also reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy to make Windows relevant beyond desktops.

Media and Press Coverage

While not as widely publicized as major Microsoft product launches, the contest received visibility within:

• Embedded systems blogs

• Developer newsletters

• Microsoft community channels

• ESC conference programming

Its strongest media moment likely occurred during the live keynote at ESC Silicon Valley, where finalists demonstrated prototypes before industry professionals.

Awards and Recognition

Prizes included:

• 50 VIA Artigo boards (~$400 value each)

• 3 finalist travel packages (~$2,095 value each)

• 3 $1,000 cash prizes

• 1 $15,000 grand prize

• TechEd North America 2009 attendance

The total promotional value was marketed as approximately $50,000.

The prize structure rewarded:

• Conceptual excellence

• Technical execution

• Presentation ability

Audience Profile

The target audience included:

• Embedded developers

• Students in engineering programs

• Hardware hobbyists

• Microsoft ecosystem enthusiasts

• Windows CE practitioners

The contest’s educational tone suggests Microsoft intended SparkContest.com to function as both competition and onboarding funnel.

The Decline and Archival Status

SparkContest.com’s activity ended in 2009 after the conclusion of the contest cycle. The domain no longer hosts active contest content.

Archived pages now serve as a historical snapshot of:

• Microsoft’s embedded strategy

• Early smart home innovation concepts

• Pre-IoT branding language

• Developer engagement models of the late 2000s

The site stands as an artifact of a transitional era in computing.

Broader Strategic Insights

SparkContest.com illustrates several strategic themes:

• Community Building Through Competition
  Microsoft used contests to stimulate innovation while deepening platform adoption.

• Hardware–Software Integration
  By bundling hardware kits with Windows Embedded CE, Microsoft reduced friction for developers.

• Event-Driven Marketing
  Integrating contest finals into major conferences amplified visibility.

• Global Developer Outreach
  The contest was open internationally, reflecting Microsoft’s worldwide ambitions.

SparkContest.com may have been active for only a brief period, but it encapsulates an important chapter in Microsoft’s embedded systems evolution.

The Sparks Will Fly 2009 Challenge was more than a contest—it was:

• A recruitment strategy

• A marketing initiative

• A developer education program

• A glimpse into early smart home imagination

At a time when embedded systems were transitioning from industrial invisibility to consumer prominence, SparkContest.com invited innovators to imagine—and build—the connected home of tomorrow.

While the site itself is now an archive, its goals anticipated many technologies that define modern smart living.

 

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