The Tech Museum Awards Honors Muhammad Yunus With 2008 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian...

The Tech Museum Awards Honors Muhammad Yunus With 2008 James C. Morgan Global
Humanitarian Award
Yunus to be awarded at annual gala for applying technology to benefit humanity

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tech Museum Awards, a
signature program of The Tech Museum of Innovation (The Tech), today announced
that Professor Muhammad Yunus, pioneer of microcredit and founder of Grameen
Bank, is the recipient of the 2008 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award,
sponsored by Applied Materials (Nasdaq: AMAT). Yunus will accept this
distinguished honor during the annual Tech Museum Awards Gala on November 12,
where he and 25 innovators from around the world will be celebrated for
applying technology to solve the most urgent issues facing humanity. The Tech
Museum Awards program is presented by Applied Materials, whose Chairman, Jim
Morgan, was the inspiration for the prestigious Global Humanitarian Award.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080324/AQM038)
"For more than three decades, Muhammad Yunus' broad vision, creativity and
leadership have improved the lives of millions through innovative,
micro-financing practices," said Mike Splinter, president and chief executive
officer of Applied Materials. "We are pleased to honor Muhammad Yunus, whose
selfless mission and ability to inspire others to take action exemplifies the
spirit of the Tech Awards."
Often referred to as "the world's banker to the poor," Yunus developed a
benchmark microcredit application through his Grameen Bank which allows the
rural poor access to micro-loans for entrepreneurial enterprises such as
purchasing livestock and procuring weaving materials. Yunus' vision of a
world without poverty has been the inspiration for his life's work. Yunus and
Grameen Bank were awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for their significant
contributions in the field of microcredit.
In 1976, Yunus determined that a mere $27 loan could transform the lives
of many of the poorest villagers in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Since then, under
Yunus' leadership his bank has provided more than $6.8 billion in small loans
to would-be entrepreneurs who conventionally would not qualify for such loans
from traditional banks, the majority of whom are women in businesses such as
street vending and farming. Today, Grameen Bank operates 2,499 branches in
more than 81,000 villages throughout rural Bangladesh.
"I am honored to be named the recipient of this year's James C. Morgan
Humanitarian Award," said Muhammad Yunus. "Through Grameen Bank, we are
demonstrating our commitment to obtain social justice for all and receiving
this award further recognizes the great work of all those who have strived to
make this a reality."
The Global Humanitarian Award honors individuals whose broad vision and
leadership are helping to address humanity's greatest challenges. Past winners
include Microsoft co-founder and chairman Bill Gates and Intel co-founder and
technology luminary Gordon Moore.
"Given that so many of our Awards Laureates are from other countries and
continents, it makes great sense to welcome someone from across the world to
our distinguished group of Global Humanitarian Award winners," said Peter
Friess, president of The Tech Museum of Innovation. "Like many of our
Laureates, Yunus started with a simple but profound idea that has since been
adopted by many institutions, creating a life-changing economic solution for
millions. He truly embodies the essence of a global humanitarian."
Nominations for the 2008 awards program have been extended through
April 7, and can be submitted through The Tech Museum's Awards Web site,
available at http://www.techawards.org. Individuals, non-profit and for-profit
organizations are eligible to apply. Nominations received after that date
will be considered for the 2009 program.
About the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award
The James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, sponsored by Applied
Materials (Nasdaq: AMAT) honors individuals whose broad vision and leadership
are helping to address humanity's greatest challenges. The Award was inspired
by Applied Materials Chairman, Jim Morgan. Morgan demonstrates in his work and
his philanthropy that technology can unleash the potential in all of us and
turn our ideas into concrete solutions for a better world. Morgan also shows
us that corporations can play a vital role in helping identify and extend the
benefits of technology to those who need them most. For more information about
Applied Materials' involvement in The Tech Museum Awards, visit
http://www.appliedmaterials.com.
About The Tech Museum Awards: Technology Benefiting Humanity
The Tech Museum Awards: Technology Benefiting Humanity, presented by
Applied Materials, Inc., is one of the premier annual humanitarian awards
programs in the world, recognizing technical solutions that benefit humanity
and address the most critical issues facing our planet and its people. The
awards program honors 25 scientists and innovators annually alongside the
recipient of the Global Humanitarian Awards. Award category sponsors include
Intel, Accenture, Microsoft and The Swanson Foundation.
For more information about The Tech Museum Awards or to make a nomination,
visit http://www.techawards.org.
About The Tech Museum of Innovation
The Tech Museum of Innovation is a hands-on technology and science museum
for people of all ages and backgrounds. Located in San Jose,
California -- the Capital of Silicon Valley -- its mission, as a
public-benefit corporation, is to inspire the innovator in everyone. Through
hands-on exhibits, educational programs, the annual Tech Challenge team
competition for youth, and the internationally recognized Tech Museum Awards,
presented by Applied Materials, Inc., The Tech Museum of Innovation honors the
past, celebrates the present, and encourages the development of innovative
ideas for a more promising future. For more information about The Tech Museum
of Innovation, visit http://www.thetech.org.
SOURCE The Tech Museum of Innovation

Lisa Croel of The Tech Museum of Innovation, +1-408-795-6219,
lcroel@thetech.org; or Analisa Schelle of Ogilvy PR, +1-415-677-2721,
analisa.schelle@ogilvypr.com, for The Tech Museum of Innovation