X-Prize for world's 'Holy Grails'

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By Jo Twist
BBC News Online science and technology staff

A series of X-Prizes for the scientific or technological breakthroughs that tackle the most important challenges facing humans are being planned.

The World Technology Network (WTN) and X-Prize foundation are asking the public to help them decide on bids.

The multi-million dollar prizes intend to emulate the space X-Prize, which kick-started private space tourism.

Although currently at the planning stage, it is hoped the prizes would be won in the next five to 10 years. "The basic idea is that the X-Prize for spaceflight taught or reaffirmed some previous lessons about how to jump-start fields and focus people around certain technological challenges," James Clark, WTN chairman told BBC News Online.
More:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3739894.stm