Google launches the fifth installment of its annual Google RISE (Roots in Science and Engineering) Awards to inspire a new wave of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and CS (Computer Science) education of school pre-university students across the globe. The tech giant is encouraging international organizations that foster CS studies among K12 students to submit for a chance to receive a $15,000-$50,000 grant for their expansion.

Mercedes-Benz USA is holding a social media competition, “Take the Wheel,” to promote the new Mercedes CLA for the younger audience. The brand has commissioned five best Instagram photographers for a 5-day drive across the United States behind the CLA’s wheel. The author of the the most «liked» photos will win a 3-year lease on the new Mercedes-Benz car.

Intel and Toshiba team up again for a social film, The Power Inside, which will combine Hollywood talent and fans’ acting power. The six-episode project is about an invasion of aliens called Uricks that get thrown back by brave and young guys with the help of the Ultrabook technology. The project follows Intel/Toshiba’s Emmy-winning film, “The Beauty Inside” (2012) and the first social thriller “Inside” (2011) that also put fans in the heart of the production.

Unlike many car manufacturers that hope to engage with the multimillion Facebook or Twitter audiences, Honda Australia has chosen a less popular, professional social-media networking site LinkedIn to promote its new Accord. The brand has collaborated with Leo Burnett Melbourne and ZenithOptimedia to launch a promotional website Honda Accord A-Team, where users (residents of Australia) can sign in with their LinkedIn accounts to enter a contest and win business-technology products worth AUD$3,000.

As the 60th Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity has entered its second day after the opening this Sunday, June 16th,  the shortlists in five more categories (Creative Effectiveness, Media, Mobile, Outdoor, PR and Press) have been revealed today, following the announcement of the shortlisted finalists in the Direct, Innovation and Promo & Activation categories. The first winners are to be named tomorrow, on Tuesday, June 18th.

Versace is adding some fresh vibe to the ladies watches niche with a new contest for aspiring designers, Versace Watch Talent. Twelve participants —design students selected from the Swiss horological university École d’Arts Appliqués de La Chaux-de-Fond —have been tasked to create a new ladies watch that combines fashion with horology in a signature Versace style.