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Amazon Web Services (AWS) – programmatic access to Amazon’s data and infrastructure via open APIs – have announced a contest to find the next hot web start-up.
Contenders must leverage the pay-as-you-use AWS solutions and submit their idea or existing application by October 28. Five budding entrepreneurs will then be selected as finalists based on…
originality and creativity of the idea, likelihood of long-term success, how well it addresses a need in the marketplace…
and, oh yes, one other criteria… US residency. Doh! I just booked my ticket to Seattle.
[The finalists] will pitch their business to VCs, mingle with industry leaders and Amazon executives, and be featured at the AWS Awards Ceremony
The grand prize winner will get $50k in cash, $50k credit toward Amazon Web Services (mmm… would prefer the cash), and an investment offer from Amazon — that’s if you haven’t already bagged an offer over dinner. 
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