So what's it all about?
The Software Design Challenge is the most high profile Imagine Cup competition. This year, teams of young technologists are challenged to create the an innovative, impactful, and elegant piece of software to help people live healthier lives.
If you already know the score and are good to go, get started!
This challenge starts with a Canadian regional round to find the best team to represent the Canada at the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals in Delhi from August 6, 2006 through August 12, 2006 .
Teaming up: This is also the one Challenge where you want to be in a team of two to four. More brain power dedicated to the problem will help you build the best solution!
Turning skills into solutions: Using Microsoft tools and technology, this is the Challenge where you and your team apply your genius to create software applications on the Microsoft .NET framework and Windows platform ... with the prospect of having your idea translated into a solution that's seen and appreciated worldwide.
Are you up to it? Are you ready to fuse your creativity with your technology know-how to solve some of the toughest problems on the planet? Then go get started! |
The Canadian Software Design Challenge is split into three stages: |
Registration & Executive Summary:
December, 2005 - April 7, 2006
Competing against entries from all over the country, you have until April 1, 2006 to register your team and submit a one page Executive Summary using the Microsoft Word template provided describing the solution you intend to build. Ideally, you should get this in as soon as possible so you have ample time to build your solution!
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First Round Submissions:
April 14, 2006 - April 21, 2006
Each team that submits their entry will be required to submit a design specification of their project (maximum 10 pages). Teams are expected to have a working prototype to demonstrate their idea and the feasibility of their project. Teams will present their projects via a Live meeting demonstration to 2-3 judges (occurring between April 10-April 20th).
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Canadian Finals:
May 4, 2006 - May 6, 2006
Held at Microsoft Canada's Headquarters in Toronto, Three teams will present, exhibit and demonstrate their initial solutions to an audience of press, academics, and Microsoft employees. The winning team from this round will go on to represent Canada at the Worldwide Finals in Delhi!
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Each submitted application must:
- Use a web service created by the team
- Be designed on .NET Framework 2.0
- Make use of the Visual Studio family (Express, Standard or Team System) for development
- Demonstrate innovation using the Microsoft .NET platform
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Remember!
- Teams need to be of 2 to 4 individuals aged 16 or older currently enrolled in an academic institution.
- Each application must address this year's theme: "Imagine a world where technology enables us to live healthier lives"
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Stage three participants will be flown to and from Toronto, Ontario. Hotel accommodations during the trip will be provided by Microsoft.
In addition three teams will win: |
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First Place
$8,000 and a trip to Delhi
The ultimate Canadian winner of the Software Design Challenge will travel to Delhi to represent Canada in the world finals. During the trip there will also be time to explore and have fun in this great Indian city.
Second Place
$4,000
Third Place
$2,000 |
Inclusive Delhi package for the Canadian winning team: | |
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On qualifying to participate in the World Final of the Imagine Cup 2006 in Delhi, India from August 6 to August 12 , 2006, each team member, will receive return scheduled flights (including taxes) from a US airport to Delhi, India, return transfers from their home to the airport in Canada and from the airport to their accommodation in Delhi, hotel accommodation for 6 nights on a room only basis and breakfast, lunch and dinner at the venue. |
Terms and Conditions
All invitationals including the Worldwide Finals are subject to Microsoft Corporation's terms and conditions. Please note that by participating in the Canadian Software Design Challenge you acknowledge acceptance of these terms and conditions. |
| December 15, 2006 |
Registration Opens
Register your team as soon as possible. |
| February 1, 2006 |
Submission period opens.
Your executive summary created using Microsoft Word template must be submitted by email to ICcan@microsoft.com |
| April 7, 2006 |
Executive summaries due
Make sure you've registered and mailed your executive summary to ICcan@microsoft.com by April 7, 2006, or you'll have to wait until 2007 to compete! |
| April 14, 2006 - April 21, 2006 |
Canadian final round qualifying submissions due.
Design Specifications & Prototype of the project will be required. A panel will review all submissions.
The top three teams selected by the judges will qualify for the final round in Toronto!
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| April 28, 2006 |
Canadian Finalists Announced.
The top three entries will qualify for the Canadian final round in Toronto, Ontario May 4-6, 2006.
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| May 4, 2006 - May 6, 2006 |
Canadian Software Design Challenge Final Round.
Each of the three teams qualifying for the US final round will prepare a 20 minute presentation as well as materials for a science fair-style poster session. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three entries. The first place entry will represent Canada in the worldwide Imagine Cup finals in Delhi, India.
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| August 6, 2006 - August 12, 2006 |
Worldwide Final in Delhi, India.
The overall event will be an action packed agenda of activities, presentations and competitions with students from all around the world meeting for the first time and competing to take home their respective titles in each of the competitions.
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So you want to get ahead with Imagine Cup 2006? Because THIS is where it all starts. We've broken the process into seven simple steps, but ALL it takes is the first step to get you on your way...
#1: GET GOING:
Register your team for the Software Design Challenge - you can register until April 7, 2006. Create your executive summary and submit it using the required submission template to ICcan@microsoft.com by midnight April 7, 2006. THIS is all you need do to secure your team a place in the most high profile category of Imagine Cup 2006.
#2: GET THE LOWDOWN:
Check out the Competition Guide (Word document) for the download on everything you need to know. The Competition Guide includes:
- FAQs on the competition
- Project Overview outline
- Sample ideas
- Presentation guides
#3: GET THE TOOLS:
If your school doesn't have an MSDN Academic Alliance, subscription then you'll need to download a copy of Visual Studio Express Edition to get the tools you need.
#4: GET CLEAR:
View the Microsoft Corporation Contest Guidelines and Legal Notice. And while you're at it, make sure you've read the official rules. These items are so important, we mentioned them twice!
#5: GET THINKING:
Start thinking about an inspiring application that could be used to improve health around the world... and that uses technology in an innovative way to make a real difference of the lives of people everywhere.
And while you're at it...
#6: GET TALKING:
Why keep it to yourself? Tell your friends about Imagine Cup. Especially if you need members for your team.
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