DRS Technologies' Student Infrared Imaging competition officially underway with new viral video category

ARLINGTON, Va., June 11, 2013

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This year, 13 universities have submitted 27 unique projects, including, infrared-equipped robotics applications, a counterfeit detection tool, and a 3D virtualization tool for the visually impaired.  DRS will donate two of its tiny Tamarisk^®₃₂₀ thermal imaging cameras to each participating university to develop projects that portray the most innovative use of infrared imaging.

For schools that have submitted multiple entries, the top project from that college or university will receive $1,000.  A panel of DRS senior leadership and outside experts in the field of infrared technology will select the grand prize winner from the best entries chosen from each university.  Finalists are then selected for an expense-paid trip to Melbourne, Fla., where DRS will announce the winner of the $10,000 grand prize.

This year, a new prize category has been added with the intent to inspire even more creative uses of thermal imaging. The "Most Viral Video" category encourages students to upload videos onto YouTube that highlight an imaginative application of the Tamarisk^®_320.  The 17 submitted videos will compete for the "Most Viral Video" top prize of $5,000.

"The Student Infrared Imaging Competition is an investment in the future of thermal imaging," said NIS President Mike Sarrica. "Infrared technology is becoming an increasingly important part of our lives, and teaching the public about its advantages is something we are proud to be a part of. This process begins in the classroom, engaging some of the brightest minds in the country and providing them with the tools to experiment. With this initiative, we hope to evoke creative thinking around new applications while cultivating a greater understanding of the infrared imaging industry," Sarrica said.

The participating universities include: University of Toledo, University of Texas-Dallas, University of Texas-Arlington, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Norwich University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Boston University, University of California-San Diego, University of California-Los Angeles, Oklahoma State University, University of Memphis, Florida Institute of Technology, and Ohio University.