X Prize Foundation Extends Reach

Alan Boyle over at Cosmic Log reports that the X Prize Foundation is extending its reach to Europe through a partnership with British Telecom. Over the next three years, BT will provide the X Prize Foundation with $7 million to cover operating expenses, and will also share its scientific and technological expertise as new prize initiatives are rolled out.

Boyle spoke with Peter Diamandis, Chairman of the X Prize Foundation, who wants to expand the X Prizes to become more global initiatives, instead of focusing mostly on the U.S. Diamandis also wants to launch two or three new prizes every year in one of five primary areas: exploration, life sciencies, energy and the environment, education, and global development. Diamandis expects to unveil one or two more prizes by the end of this year.