Microsoft has launched a Code7 Contest (Silverlight required) that aims to recognize and reward software applications running on Windows 7 that are innovative, provide value to users, and which utilize technology features in Windows 7. Entries, which consist of an application and demonstration video, can be made until 11:59pm PT on October 10, 2009. Up to three entries per person will be accepted, but each must be unique. The contest is open to technology students, professionals, or enthusiasts that are 18 years of age or older. The contest is void in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and the province of Quebec, Canada.

To enter, you must build an original consumer-oriented client application that runs natively on Windows 7 (for example Win32, WPF, MFC, or Winforms) and addresses one or more of the following category topics: Simplify My Life, More Media More Places, Gaming, Work From Anywhere, Safeguard Your Work, and/or Applications for a Better Tomorrow. The application must utilize at least one of the following Windows 7 technology features (the more, the better): Libraries, Windows Touch, Shell Integration, DirectX 11, and/or Sensor and Location Platform. Once you've written your application, you must create a .wmv video in English that describes and demonstrates it. The video cannot exceed three minutes in length or 10MB in file size.

Entries will be divided into seven geographic pools:

China

Europe and United Kingdom

India and Southeast Asia

Japan, Australia, Antarctica, and New Zealand

Middle East and Africa

North America

South and Central America

After October 10, a panel of judges will select Early Bird winners (videos received no later than 11:59pm PT on August 15, 2009), two runner-up winners, and one finalist from each region based on the following judging criteria: the application performs as described in the videos and aligns with one of the six scenarios, showcases technology innovation and business feasibility, and utilizes Windows 7 technology features. All winners and finalists will be notified and provided instructions for submitting their application to Microsoft for evaluation; finalists will be invited to present their application to a panel of judges at the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference 2009 (PDC09) in Los Angeles. Following the finalist presentations, the judges will select winners based on the same judging criteria, plus 10 percent for the overall presentation.

Finally, the prizes are as follows:

Early Bird Prize (seven selected from among all eligible entries): a Code7 award and $1,000 cash paid in the form of a check from the sponsor or an American Express gift card

(seven selected from among all eligible entries): a Code7 award and $1,000 cash paid in the form of a check from the sponsor or an American Express gift card Runner-up Prize (two selected per region): a Code7 award and a laptop computer

(two selected per region): a Code7 award and a laptop computer Finalist Prize (one selected per region): a Code7 award and an invitation and travel to present their application at PDC09 in Los Angeles and a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate signed by a Microsoft VP

(one selected per region): a Code7 award and an invitation and travel to present their application at PDC09 in Los Angeles and a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate signed by a Microsoft VP PDC09 Runner-up Prize (six selected): $7,777 cash paid in the form of a check from the sponsor or an American Express gift card

(six selected): $7,777 cash paid in the form of a check from the sponsor or an American Express gift card Grand Prize (one selected): $17,777 cash paid in the form of a check from the sponsor or an American Express gift card, the opportunity to discuss your application with Microsoft executives at PDC09, winners video featured on Channel 9 and promoted on various Microsoft portals, and an invitation to visit the Microsoft Campus in Redmond to meet members of the Windows 7 development team (winner is responsible for all travel related costs)

If all that sounds good, head over to the Windows SDK page on MSDN and get cracking.