Not sure if you guys are aware of this site but they run lots of contests and it seems like a lot of the projects Techworks has done would be eligible. I've won a few 2nd and 3rd prizes a couple years ago so it is possible.
Heres one for a really expensive 3D printer:
http://www.instructables.com/contest/makeitreal/
Instructables
Re: Instructables
Got this in an email, seems like it could be a good way to get some gear:
http://www.instructables.com/sponsorship/details.jsp
http://www.instructables.com/sponsorship/details.jsp