Have you heard about Imagine Cup? This is the worldwide competition organized by Microsoft where students just like you use technology to try and solve some of the worlds problems. What matters to you? Could text recognition software on a windows phone help someone with dyslexia? Can we build a stronger First Nations community with Kinect sensors and cameras connecting different bands? Can you help your local food bank spread the word on what they need restocking on their shelves with an Azure service that can be accessed by phone applications or screen displays at the local grocery stores? Can we find an easier way to determine if water is safe to drink? Can we predict the spread of malaria through mosquitos so we can take preventive measures? The world is faced with so many problems, big and small, and we have a world of technology at our fingertips. Technology that in the past was only available in high end research labs is now accessible to all of us through smart phones and Kinect! YOU can use this incredible technology to solve a problem and this year, we’re going to shine the spotlight brighter than ever on Canadian students with our Canadian Imagine Cup!
It starts with your imagination, just take a problem and imagine how you could solve that problem. Next July, you might find yourself on a stage in Sydney, Australia sharing your problem and solution with students from around the world! Sound intimidating? It shouldn’t, honestly, these are students just like you! We’ll have a Canadian site up and running soon with all the details. For now check out Imagine Cup and learn more. Last year 400 students from 70 countries participated in the WorldWide Finals, this year Canada could be one of those countries. Teams who enter the Software Design Competition in Canada will first compete for the right to attend the Canadian finals in Toronto. In Toronto, they will present their projects on stage along with other top teams from across Canada, an incredible opportunity to showcase your idea, your solution on a national stage! At the Canadian finals , a panel of judges will be faced with the difficult task of selecting the top team. We will also select the top 3 entries in the Game Design: Phone competition to come to Toronto for the Canadian finals as well and compete for first place! Although not featured at the Canadian finals, there are other ways to compete: Game Design: XBOX/Windows and the IT Challenge where you complete a quiz, and a case study for a chance to enter the final round where you complete a virtual hands on lab challenge to win prizes of $3000, $4000, and $8000 USD. So many opportunities for you to show the world your idea! If you need some ideas, check out this video from some Australian innovators to get you in the mood, enter as a team, or as an individual, but start your engines, and get ready to show Canada and the world the power of Canadian students!
those fonts are annoying. just saying.