'Star Trek' in reality: the Tricorder X PRIZE

Donna Cusano

The X PRIZE Foundation and Qualcomm have funded a $10 million X PRIZE to develop a working model of what Star Trek aficionados know as the Tricorder (wielded most memorably by ‘Bones’)–in their words, a prize to ‘develop a mobile solution that can diagnose patients better than or equal to a panel of board certified physicians.’ Eugene Wesley “Rod” Roddenberry, Jr., son of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, commented, “It is great to see two amazing organizations — the X PRIZE Foundation and Qualcomm — bring the technology of Star Trek to life and make the Tricorder a reality for people everywhere.” Competition to launch in early 2012. Release