The 13th edition of the Rolex’s Young Laureates program will be held at the highly respected Swiss University, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) on the 11th of November, 2010.  The previous edition of this prestigious ceremony was hosted by Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein in Dubai, UAE.  The event will be held at the Rolex Learning Center this year, which is considered to be one of the most important hubs of educational exchange in the world.

As a part of the selection process 27 young innovators were shortlisted for the awards. The Jury chose five candidates from this list of 27 on the basis of their contributions in science and technology, health, applied technology, exploration and environment and cultural preservation. The five visionaries chosen under the Rolex Young Laureates Program have been selected from United States, Nigeria, Ethiopia, India and the Philippines.

The Rolex Young Laureates program is an extension of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, honoring young men and women between the age 18 and 30, for original ideas that have the scope to make a difference on a global  level. The award consists of a $50,000 prize to be distributed over a period of two years. The first installment of $25,000 is to be used for developing the idea and the second installment is to be used during implementation. Innovators can also take the help of previous winners of the Rolex Young Laureates Program to help them in their endeavor.

According to Rebecca Irvin, Director of philanthropy at Rolex, the company was delighted to award the young men and women, who were the best of their generation. She added further that these young entrepreneurs are trying to tackle traditional problems using innovative solutions that could have a profound and positive effect on communities targeted by the program.

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise is a biennial award that fosters the spirit of enterprise throughout the world, sponsored by the pioneering watch company, Rolex, based in Switzerland. The awards are given to five Laureates and five associate laureates each year, with the winner taking home a grand first prize of $100,000, a Gold Rolex Chronometer and the benefits of immediate recognition. Since its initiation in 1976, 110 Laureates have been awarded till date.  A few of the Rolex Award Laureates in recent years include Alexis Belonio, Rory Wilson, Chanda Shroff, Pilai Poonswad and Brad Norman. The final selection is made by a jury of eminent individuals chosen from diverse fields. All individuals have to make nominations on their own behalf.

The Rolex Young Laureate program was launched in 2009, in order to foster innovation in the next generation.

Mankind has been gifted with a capacity for the extraordinary that lies in the realms of the spirit. However it is the choice of pursuing a higher purpose even though greatness demands continual effort and undying spirit. Rolex the forerunner of the watchmaking industry has been creating opportunities that recognize brilliance and determination of individuals across the world. For a hundred years now Rolex has been involved with several initiatives that honor the resilience of individuals who are committed to attaining excellence. The Rolex Awards for Enterprise is probably the most ambitious project Rolex has ever chosen to sponsor The Rolex Awards for Enterprise identifies the endeavor of individual Laureates who are on a quest of transforming the human society through their committed labor in various fields that include science, health, environment and cultural preservation, applied technology and exploration. Winner of the 2004 Rolex Awards for Enterprise, Lonnie Dupre battled extreme conditions to reach the far corners of this planet. Steadily making his way across the icy path riddled with snow storms and immensely cold weather, Lonnie Dupre left for the icy vicinity if this vast planet in April, 2009.

Honoring the resilience of early explorers and to commemorate the Peary-Henson expedition, Lonnie Dupre and his skilled team, made their way across the white continent to reach the North Pole. After a daunting trek across the snow covered terrain of the Arctic, Lonnie Dupre and his team that included the Lebanese adventurer Maxime Chaya and Texan mountaineer Stuart Smith reached the North Pole after 54 days of overwhelming difficulty. Travelling over 22,500 kilometers throughout the icy lands in a career that spans over 20 years on the Arctic using dog team, ski and kayak, Lonnie Dupre often traverses on the path of great explores like Robert E. Peary, Roald Amundsen, and Knud Rasmussen.

Lonnie Dupre and his team made their way from Ellesmere Island, in the Canadian Arctic to the North Pole enduring temperatures of -48 degree centigrade. The primary objective of this initiative was to study the impact of global warming on the climate and raise the awareness of people towards the consequences of their actions. Battling the Polar Treadmill factor that is a southward heading ice drift that grabs kilometers from the explorers as they come near the North Pole, Lonnie Dupre and his team had to push harder then ever in the final days of this campaign.

Finally returning to his home in Grand Marais, Minnesota in United States, Lonnie Dupre hopes to have generated enough attention about the enormity of the global warming and its dire consequences.

Supporting the cause of individuals like Lonnie Dupre the Rolex awards are aimed in developing the cumulative growth of mankind. Created in 1976 the Rolex Awards for Enterprise is an ambitious project has honored 110 Laureates form over 40 countries. Donating a large portion of its revenue for philanthropic purposes in various areas of the world, Rolex seeks to revolutionize the perceptions of humanity and inspire individuals to follow a greater ambition.

Commanding the respect of millions of people around the world, the Swiss brand Rolex is arguably the most valuable brands in the world. Generating revenues to the tune of 3 billion dollars, Rolex has been operating for more than a hundred years now.

Right from the time of its inception Rolex had a conspicuously different philosophy that aimed to lead the human race towards the collective celebration of the progress and work towards attaining perfection in every possible human endeavor. The essence of the Rolex principal was to propound the aspects of attaining perfection through devotion, focus and patience. More than inherent talent it is the will to achieve the extraordinary and the craving for excellence that drives the spirit to outperform. Armed with remarkable resilience Rolex brought with it changes that swept across the entire society and transformed more than just perception. It was responsible for alluring the hearts of men to the aspect of human attainment and the significance of honoring those who broke the barriers of pre-conceived notion. Over the years Rolex has been functioning it has been responsible for many changes that have completely changed the very essence of understanding the dimension of time. Even though numerous watch manufacturers have been in existence for many years now only a few can match the superior quality, the intricate craftsmanship and the unsurpassable performance of Rolex.

If ever there be a book written about the glorious achievements of mankind, it most definitely will mention Rolex and its incredible list of attainments. Responsible for many revolutionary changes Rolex has a list of firsts like being the first ever watch to ascend the slopes of the majestic Mt. Everest along with the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary. Creating the world fully functional waterproof watch by the name of Rolex Submariner, Rolex took the feature of water resistance much further and came out with the Rolex Sea Dweller, an incredibly powerful watch that is able to withstand water pressure at 12, 800 feet underwater. Also responsible for creating the first wristwatch with a date feature on the dial, along with the first watch that shows two time zones at once, Rolex has many such achievements to its credit. One of the most fantastic aspects of a Rolex timepiece is that it has one of the highest resale values and most of the earlier versions have become collector’s items. Proving its potentiality again and again, Rolex has been a vital part of many expeditions to the far corners of the world like the Moana expedition. Performing flawlessly in daunting weather conditions Rolex has become a favorite among the explorers and voyagers. If making the finest watches on this planets was not enough Rolex also supports a number of activities that promote the artistic vision and cultural pursuit of exceptional artists from around the world like the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative and the Rolex Institute that honors exceptionally brilliant people. The Rolex Awards for Enterprise is an ambitious endeavor that propounds the remarkable achievements of people and its impact on the society. A large part of the revenue that is generated from the sale of Rolex watches is donated to charity and for varied philanthropic purposes.

Rolex is not a mere brand it has evolved into an idea, a revolution, a movement, a symbol and a purposeful ambition that inspires mankind when ever the time is bleak and the spirits burdened.

The very essence of humanity lies in the ability of being able to render meaningful service to a fellow human being. Service is intrinsic to the core process of life itself and due to this crucial factor it becomes our duty, more so a responsibility to assist in the formation of a race that has equal opportunities. Rolex the world leader in luxury watches is known to be the fuel behind world class sporting and cultural events that promote the development of exceptional talents. However Rolex is actively involved in creating and organizing various charitable events that seek to assist the less fortunate. In tune with its philanthropic ambition Rolex generates and donates millions of dollars to various charitable trusts around the globe. The intricate fabric of a functioning human race is created on the ideals of attaining a common goal and assisting every one else to do the same.

The core rudiment was to provide for those individuals that lacked financial support. Whether the revenue generated benefits a section of the community by uniting them in pursuit of cultural excellence or for medical related purposes, Rolex has proudly been creating and participating in events that seek to positively impact the society. From identifying talent at the sporting events and awarding them with scholarships to generating revenue through auctions to benefit the poorer sections of the society, Rolex participates in every event that genuinely promotes the cause of humanity. The principal resolution of committing to the singular vision of championing the cause of mankind is deeply entrenched into the core of Rolex and its functioning. Right from assisting the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, to foster a collective understanding and promote harmony through the combined celebration of the cultural expression of humanity; to Rolex Award for Enterprise and the Young Laureates Program that aims to fund the pioneering vision of individuals that look to transform the state of society through their work, Rolex is constantly promoting the greater good of mankind.

Partnering the Fisher Foundation in the United States, Rolex helped them set up comfortable temporary accommodations for the family, when a member of the family who is enrolled is the American defense services, is undergoing a specialized treatment or requires extended medical attention. Organizing a Rolex Charity evening in Chennai, India at the Chennai Open by auctioning of tennis memorabilia, Rolex donated the proceeds to the Tanker Foundation (Tamil Nadu Kidney Research Foundation) and Balavidyalaya - School for Young Deaf Children. Rolex has played a tremendous role in improving the conditions of the less fortunate and assisting them in improving their livelihood. The most vital function of all of mankind is to ensure that fellow members of the society do not suffer due to human neglect and ignorance.

Serving the human race is an act that goes on beyond the affairs of the disordered complexities of our every day existence and enables us to finally comprehend the actual idea and purpose behind life and the existence of humanity. Rolex understands this idea and as a part of realizing this long term ambition, it assists legitimate associations in carving out a better future for all of mankind.

The capacity to view the entire human race as a single conglomerate or be able to realize that a single life force runs through all of us and binds us together as a part of the divine plan, is probably the first and the most vital prerequisite for being able to pioneer a movement that changes the way we function. The Rolex Award for Enterprise is an ambitious endeavor by Rolex to recognize the remarkable efforts of individuals that make an impact in the world. An initiative that started 32 years ago to foster a spirit of well-being and promote the essence of humanity, recognizes and awards remarkable visionaries that have been chosen from around the world by a distinguished panel of members. The objective of this ambitious initiative taken up by Rolex is to assist these brilliant individuals in their mission of humanity. Each Laureate that is chosen is awarded a cash prize of 100000 US dollars and a specially inscribed gold Rolex Chronometer that will be presented at a special awards ceremony. Each unique initiative is measured on its sustainability, functionality, impact, the spirit of enterprise and how does it benefit mankind. Judged by an independent panel of educators, scientists, economists and other experts the winners of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise are chosen from over a 127 countries.

The 2008 winner of the Rolex Award for Enterprise, Tim Bauer an American Citizen is the co-founder of Envirofit. Awarded for creating a direct injection retrofit kit that reduces toxic emissions and increases the fuel-efficiency of the two-stroke powered vehicles in developing countries, Tim Bauer was able to transform the lives of the people that were hugely affected by the increasing air pollution. Coupling this program with a loan guarantee, Tim Bauer made this life altering equipment available to poor drivers of these two stroke vehicles. Saluting the commitment of these original thinkers and innovators, Rolex awards them for their ingenuity and dedication. In order to take this program further Rolex created the Young Laureates Program that recognizes talented young thinkers that pursue the path of revolutionizing the world. This new endeavor seeks to support innovative thinking and implementation of original programs in the next generation and recognizes potential pioneers. The Young Laureates Program provides these talented young innovators with the finances and assists them in implementing their original ideas. The primary objective of this innovative program is to seek out young pioneers and assist them in transforming themselves into tomorrow’s leaders that will be able to lead the human race to a common goal of unambiguous harmony. This new variation will be held in 2010 and will alternate with the original version of the program the Rolex Awards for Enterprise on a two-yearly basis. The original concept of promoting brilliance the Rolex Awards for Enterprise will be held in 2012.

Rolex has evolved to become more than a brand and transformed into a way of life that encourages innovation, the pursuit of perfection, promotion of unity and development of a spirit that seeks to foster harmony through a revolutionary utilization of innovation.

Innovating to create something out of the ordinary which in turn will improve the underlying conditions is a principal we all need to follow. This rudiment is imperative in order to understand our place on this planet and by employing this remarkable gift of vision we all possess we can transform this world into a better and more sustainable place to live in. Rolex is regarded all over the world as a master workshop that condenses the finest elements and distils it into its marvelous watches. Continually striving to reach the pinnacle of perfection Rolex has been involved with numerous ground breaking events. Whether it is sports or culture Rolex has persistently tried to endorse and promote exceptional talent and remarkable achievement. The Rolex Awards for Entrepreneurs is an initiative that promotes enterprising talent and celebrates incredible brilliance. The Rolex Awards for Entrepreneurs recently underwent a change and was expanded to accommodate young talented innovators who have altered human perception through their revolutionary projects.

In the spring of 2010 Rolex will announce the names of five exceptional innovators and scientists from around the world who have made a significant impact in human history through their incredible projects. These five individuals will be the first recipients of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise: New Young Laureates Program. This program aims to honor these young men and women who have contributed to this world through their body of work. The Rolex Awards for Enterprise: Young Laureates Program recognizes and awards men and women from the age of 18 to 30 who made a significant contribution in solving tomorrow’s problem today through exceptional work in the fields of science and health, environment and cultural preservation, applied technology and exploration. Each of these young innovators will be awarded a cash prize of 50000 US dollars. The purpose of the cash award is to fuel their original projects and assist them in developing the program further for a greater impact. Apart from the award these awardees will now be a part of the network of Rolex scientists and innovators who would assist them in developing their projects. The Rolex Awards for Enterprise was conceptualized and created in 1976. From the time of its inception till date 110 awards have been presented to laureates from over 40 countries. This has consequently aided the development and implementation of these programs in over 60 countries.

This program does not seek to replace the earlier awards for laureates and assistant laureates but to a certain extent complements it. The Rolex Awards for Enterprise: New Young Laureates Program and the Rolex Awards for Enterprise for laureates and assistant laureates will be held on a rotational basis every two years. The primary focus of the program is to identify exceptional young talent which will bring in fresh approaches to tackle the complex problems of the future.

Rolex supports numerous initiatives that promote and encourage talent but unlike the rest of its programs the Rolex Awards for Enterprise: New Young Laureates Program is aimed at igniting the mind and utilizing the invigorating forces of innovation and creativity to transform this world for an improved life.