The Imagine Cup is one way Microsoft is encouraging young people to apply their imagination, their passion and their creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference in the world today. Now in its seventh year, the Imagine Cup has grown to be a truly global competition focused on finding solutions to real world issues.
People are starving. Diseases ravage communities. Basic education is out of reach for too many people. Dangerous shifts in the environment affect millions as countries struggle to develop in sustainable ways. It seems overwhelming - but we can't throw up our hands and give up. The answers are all around us in thousands of ideas that happen every day. Solutions might be in the next few lines of code, a compelling photo or even a simple video game that can teach the world a lesson.
These small sparks set the world's imagination on fire and lead to change that really matters. Technology can be the force that transforms these great ideas into real world solutions. And that's the point of the Imagine Cup every year - to use technology to make a difference.
We need everyone - software programmers, hardware developers, artists and dreamers - to imagine a better world, then make it happen. The Imagine Cup brings together more than 200,000 students from over 100 countries around the world where they compete to help find the answers. And no matter who comes up with the best solutions - everybody wins!
Each year the Finals are held in a different city of the world. Past World Finals include Paris, France (2008); Seoul, South Korea (2007); Delhi, India (2006); Yokohama, Japan (2005); Sao Paulo, Brazil (2004); and Barcelona, Spain (2003). The 2009 World Finals will be held in Cairo, Egypt in July 2009.
The world can't wait! Register now.
As an Imagine Cup contestant, you've got a great chance to give your ideas exposure, make critical contacts and fast-track your career.
Make it to the worldwide finals, and you'll also score a roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations at the World Finals in Cairo, Eqypt, and a shot at some great cash prizes.
The road leading up the Imagine Cup NZ Final is a tough but rewarding one. Here is why students are participating in Imagine Cup?
I get the opportunity to work on real life problems and issues which will ultimately make an impact in society. - Louis Sayers, University of Canterbury
Our team gets to learn, work and gain experience in a supportive environment with assistance from industry mentors as well as professionals and academics.- Tania Thompson, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT)
We have been able to meet industry influencers which will help us immensely with our future career options. - Paul Monigatti, The University of Waikato
Got to love a chance to travel overseas and win a share of NZD $25,000.00 worth of prizes from Microsoft New Zealand. - Ruwan Fernando, Victoria University of Wellington
Not only will you get the industry experience and knowledge, you will also have a serious shot at winning some valuable prizes and the opportunity to score a graduate position!
