update: CNBC had an interview with Branson where he says it was no hoax.

update: Google posts blog saying it all was fake

Virgin founder Richard Branson and Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin are funding Project Virgle, designed to offer a Noah's Ark type one way trip to Mars. When Branson called for volunteers at the CTIA show in Las Vegas, more than 100 audience goers rushed the stage ready to depart.

Although he was speaking on April 1, Branson was straight-faced as he outlined the plan and called for audience volunteers to become the first Mars colonizers. Branson did not treat the topic in a prank manner; the audience took it seriously and I think he was serious.

Google has set up a page that outlines the Mars project.

Sign up now before all the seats are gone.