| Embedded Development student contest offers $15,000 in prizes |
Oct. 19, 2006
 Microsoft's annual Windows Embedded student competition, previously known as the "Windows Embedded Student ChallengE," has been integrated into a broader student competition: the Imagine Cup. The event, also sponsored by Microsoft, offers $15,000 in cash prizes to student teams that enter the Cup's Embedded Development category.
The annual Imagine Cup event invites small teams of students to compete in nine technology areas. The teams are asked to "[use] technology to improve education around the world and make a difference in their lives and the lives of others," and "help solve this problem for yourself, your country and yeah…even the planet."
Each annual Imagine Cup competition has a theme, and this year's is "Imagine a world where technology enables a better education for all."
The nine nine technology categories in which student teams can compete fall into three general areas:- Technology Solutions -- Software Design, Embedded Development, Web Development
- Skills Challenges -- Project Hoshimi, IT Challenge, Algorithm
- Digital Arts -- Photography, Short Film, Interface Design
Embedded Development
The objectives of the Cup's Embedded Development competition are similar to those of the Windows Embedded Student ChallengE that it replaces. Namely, to "build a complete hardware and software solution using Windows CE and the hardware provided."
"Create a team of three-four competitors, with a faculty mentor, to build a working prototype of a device that will have an impact on solving some of our world’s toughest problems," the website continues. "Compete against students from around the world while demonstrating your ability to be truly innovative. Like former winners, you could use your ideas to start your own company or you could leverage this experience to jumpstart you into your future career."
Ebox 2300
(Click to enlarge) | |
Teams that qualify for the finals will receive a kit that includes a hardware platform -- the Ebox 2300, pictured at right -- along with Windows CE development tools and other materials, as was the case in prior Student ChallengE competitions.
Of the teams that enter, 200 will be selected to advance to the second round. Of those, 15 will be selected to attend the worldwide finals in Korea, next summer.
The schedule for the competition is:- Sep. 1 -- Registration opened
- Nov. 15 -- Competition begins
- Feb. 15 -- First round closes
- Mar. 8 -- Second round begins
- May 11 - Second round Closes
- Jun. 8 - Worldwide finalists announced
- July or August -- Finals, in Korea
Prizes
Three teams will receive cash awards totaling $15,000:- $8,000 -- First place
- $4,000 -- Second place
- $3,000 -- Third place
Plus, competitors who are selected for and attend the worldwide finals will be awarded their travel and accommodations, enabling them to attend the event in Seoul, Korea.
Further details on the Imagine Cup Embedded Development competition are available here.
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