| Student technology competition offers $170,000 in prizes |
Nov. 30, 2006
 The first round of the Imagine Cup 2007 student technology competition has officially begun, according to contest sponsor Microsoft. The annual Imagine Cup event invites small teams of students to compete in nine technology areas, one of which replaces the former "Windows Embedded Student ChallengE."
Each annual Imagine Cup competition has a theme, and this year's is "Imagine a world where technology enables a better education for all," according to the competition's website. 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."
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
Deadlines, deliverables, and judging criteria are set by each individual competition. The finals are scheduled to take place in late July or early August in Seoul, South Korea.
Prizes
In eight of the nine competition categories, three teams will receive cash awards totaling $15,000: - $8,000 -- First place
- $4,000 -- Second place
- $3,000 -- Third place
In the software design category, the top three prizes are: - $25,000 -- First place
- $15,000 -- Second place
- $10,000 -- 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.
New Imagine Cup website resources
Microsoft touts a number of new resources available at the Imagine Cup web site including: - New search functionality that offers the ability to search for potential team members.
- Updated “My Competition” pages with a redesigned dashboard to check the status of the competition and upload a project.
- Resources, FAQs, and helpful links managed by the "captains" for the individual competitions.
Upcoming content features will include detailed competition FAQs, interviews with judges, tips from former champions, "fun facts, and more," according to Microsoft.
Further information is available here.
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