The World Economic Forum has given out 36 awards for innovation in commercially viable technology. The award per country breakdown is as follows: US: 17, UK: 8, Germany: 3, Israel: 3, Canada: 1, France: 1, Hungary: 1, Sweden: 1, Iceland: 1. Judges considered several categories when selecting "Technology Pioneers 2006" recipients, the breakthrough must have the potential for life changing impact, its technology must be proven, and the innovation must demonstrate leadership in its field. Separated into three categories; Biotechnology/Health, Energy, and Information Technology, the innovations range from a handheld device that uses lasers to detect thousands of hazardous airborne chemicals, to the first mass produced rooftop photovoltaic solar cell system projected to bring the cost of this renewable energy source beneath utility0supplied electricity, and an indoor/outdoor GPS system that utilizes TV signals from existing towers for a cost-effective wide-range location solution.

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