Maxxis sponsoring tire-design innovation competition

SUWANEE, Ga. — Maxxis International–USA, in a move to encourage qualified college students to consider the tire industry as a possible career, is sponsoring a tire design competition under the auspices of a broader innovation competition with roots in the Chinese-American business community.

Maxxis' involvement, known as "Future Tires," requires entrants to submit a tire design or prototype, along with supporting information. At stake are monetary prizes and potential opportunities for internships or mentoring from tire engineering professionals, Maxxis said.

Entries will be judged on criteria such as creativity, feasibility and marketability, Maxxis said. The first-prize winner will receive $2,500; two second-prize winners will get $1,500 each; and as many as five third-prize winners will receive $500 each.

The Future Tires competition is part of this year's Monte Jade Innovation Competition (MJIC), a program that seeks to identify creative, emerging young professionals by encouraging college and graduate students to pursue their innovative ideas in the fields of science and technology.

The competition is organized by Monte Jade Science and Technology Southeastern, a branch of the global Monte Jade Science and Technology Association.

The larger group, named after the highest mountain in Taiwan, was formed by a group of Chinese-American executives in Silicon Valley with the aim of encouraging technological development, entrepreneurship and awareness.

Based in Atlanta, Monte Jade Southeastern conducts seminars, conferences and other events throughout the year. Maxxis will host a workshop at its technology center in Suwanee to familiarize applicants with the innovation process.

Suwanee-based Maxxis USA is a subsidiary of Taipei, Taiwan-based Cheng Shin Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd.

MJIC is open to undergraduate and graduate students at any college or university in the U.S. Entries will be accepted from individuals and/or from teams of up to three members.

All entrants must be student members of Monte Jade Southeastern, the organization conducting the competition. Eligible students may join the group through its website montejadese.org.