Synaptics Joins Intel International Science and Engineering Fair to Inspire Future Generation of Technologists

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Synaptics Inc. (Nasdaq: SYNA), a leading developer of capacitive interface solutions for mobile computing, communications, and entertainment devices, is supporting the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to help ignite a passion among students for science, technology, engineering, and math.  The Intel ISEF is the world's largest international science competition for grades 9-12, bringing together more than 1,500 high school students from all corners of the globe.  This year's event takes place at the San Jose Convention Center, May 9-14.

"At Synaptics, we understand that the students sitting behind classroom desks today will be the engineers sitting in our labs tomorrow, inventing and then bringing to life the next lifestyle-changing technology," said Jim Harrington, Synaptics vice president of global human resources.  "These students are doing incredible work today and the Intel ISEF is an excellent way to recognize their efforts.  By showing them that their work matters and has real-world implications, we hope to inspire students to continue on that career path and uphold the Silicon Valley tradition of innovation."

Synaptics will be presenting three special awards for projects that contribute to scientifically sound research relevant to human interface technology.  The first place winner will receive $1,500 and an internship opportunity, the second place prize is $750, and the third place prize is $250.  The ceremony for special awards is presented by U.S. organizations, federal agencies, and colleges and universities.  The ceremony will be held at 7 pm on Thursday, May 13, at the San Jose State University Event Center.

Synaptics will also participate in several events at Intel ISEF. Dave Gillespie, R&D fellow at Synaptics, will give a Shop Talk for attendees on the "Evolution of the TouchPad™" on Monday, May 10, from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Synaptics and Google are co-hosting an Information Hunt at the fair where student teams can compete at Synaptics' or Google's booth.  Students will use Synaptics Scrybe™ gestures to browse the Internet, search, and submit answers into a program.  The student with the best time to answer all four questions correctly wins.  The top scoring team will receive a grand prize, including devices with a Synaptics-enabled touch interface.  

The latest touch-enabled product demos from Synaptics including mobile handsets, PC peripherals and the exciting new Scrybe Workflow technology for notebook PC TouchPads will also be on display at Synaptics' booth 107 and 109 in the South Hall of the convention center.  More details on Scrybe are available by visiting www.uscrybe.com.

About Synaptics

Synaptics (NASDAQ: SYNA) is a leading developer of human interface solutions for the mobile computing, communications, and entertainment industries. The company creates interface solutions for a variety of devices including notebook PCs, PC peripherals, digital music players, and mobile phones. The TouchPad™, Synaptics' flagship product, is integrated into a majority of today's notebook computers. Consumer electronics and computing manufacturers use Synaptics' solutions to enrich the interaction between humans and intelligent devices through improved usability, functionality, and industrial design. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. www.synaptics.com

Synaptics, TouchPad, Scrybe, and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries.

All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Synaptics Inc.