Intel has launched a $1 million developer contest that runs throughout 2013 to create innovative applications that take advantage of the Intel Perceptual Computing SDK and a new interactive gesture camera from Creative.

Intel's Perceptual Computing SDK is a library of pattern detection and recognition algorithms exposed through standardized interfaces. According to its Getting Started Guide:

The library aims at lowering barriers of using these algorithms and shifting the application developers’ focus from coding the algorithm details to innovating on the usage of these algorithms for next generation human computer experience.

The contest requires developers to use Beta 2 of the latest SDK and also recommends using the Creative Interactive Gesture Camera Developer Kit a USB-powered camera optimized for close-range interactivity which includes an HD webcam, depth sensor and built-in dual-array microphones for capturing and recognizing voice, gestures and images. 

To be eligible for this contest you must have reached the age of majority in your country of residence and be legally resident in the fifty  United States (and D.C), Canada  (excluding  QC),
United Kingdom,  India, South Korea, Germany, Japan, People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Russia, or Israel. You can enter as an individual or as a team.

The challenge is to create innovative applications using natural human interfaces such as gestures, voice, and facial tracking.

The four categories for the competition are:

• Creative User Interface
• Productivity
• Multi-Modal
• Perceptual Gaming

There are two phases to the competition and Phase 1, which has a total of $185K in cash prizes and requires contestants  to create a video demonstrating a prototype of  their app, is now open for entries with a closing data of February 20, 2013.