The Millennium Technology Prize will be awarded every second year to honor "outstanding technological achievement specifically directed to the advancement of society and its ability to sustain people's quality of life", according to its web site.

Eight organizations, both public and private, are behind the award, including the Finnish Technology Agency, Finnish Confederation of Employers and Industry, Finnish Academies of Technology, award spokesman Ossi Kokkonen told AFP.

The first prizewinner will be named on April 15, and the award ceremony will be held two months later when the winner will receive a citation, a trophy and one million euros from Finnish President Tarja Halonen, Kokkonen said.

SPACE.WIRE