MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Feb. 1, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. and BT will host a press reception to kick off the Imagine Cup Innovation Accelerator 2008, a prize and unique opportunity awarded to the six finalist teams from the Imagine Cup software design competition. The program is designed to inspire new generations of students to apply their skills and creativity to make a difference, both globally and locally, through technology.

The six teams were selected for the Innovation Accelerator program to create the must-have technology and communications applications of the future. Students will receive in-depth guidance from Silicon Valley experts such as Guy Kawasaki, John Danner and Chris Gill, as well as Microsoft and BT executives on how to develop a business plan, secure venture capital and in what it takes to bring their ideas to market. More information can be found at http://www.imaginecup.com.

Imagine Cup Innovation Accelerator Press Reception

When:

Tuesday, Feb. 5, 5–7 p.m. PST

What:

View and discuss the top six Imagine Cup finalists projects with the international student teams. Executives from Microsoft and BT will be on hand to discuss the Imagine Cup and Innovation Accelerator programs:

Where:

Computer History Museum

1401 N. Shoreline Blvd.

Mountain View, CA 94043

Contact:

Miriam Blackwell, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, for details and to R.S.V.P.

For more information, press only:

Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide for Microsoft, (503) 443-7070.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.