IC08: Imagine Cup 2008 – Day 1
Today was, as they say, a hard working day. One of those days when you focus and get into flow, and if you could, would lose track of time. Which is to say I’m totally knackered right now.
Today the competition started. For those in the Software Design category (e.g. Team SOAK from Australia) that meant 1 of 3 possible rounds of competition. Round one itself is run over 2 heats, which gives as many judges the opportunity to see as many teams as possible.
Each heat consists of the team presenting their solution in a 20 minute timeslot, with up to 10 mins for questions. As Team SOAK weren’t presenting until 7:05 pm, we decided to make the most of the day, and practice the presentation a couple more times.
First though were the day’s briefings: Student Briefing, Competitor Briefing, Security Briefing, Teleportation Briefing (ok – I made up that last one). Then the competition started, and for those teams later on in the draw, nervous practice.
We did a dry run, sans technology, in the boys’ hotel room – then headed for lunch – today a packed affair to cater for teams hunkering down and practicing their stuff.
Whilst the team transferred their technology to my apartment - essentially because the apartment provided more space (such as you get in Paris) and an LCD TV to practice the presentation – I ducked into the Expo Hall to look at some of the solutions from competing countries. I actually think this competition may be pretty tight. A lot of considered thought has gone into every application, and there is an air of excited industriousness.
After a couple more cable-strewn and intense practices, I called a time out for the team, and we ducked out into the fresh air for an ice-cream and a drink. Then it was SOAK time.
The judging schedule has been ingeniously arranged to maximise time for competing teams. There are 12 rooms, with 6 being used at any one time. The 6 that aren’t being used are free for students to setup their infrastructure. Then the judges shift from their current presentation, to their next appointment.
After the competition we hit the dining hall and caught up with our new-found Canadian friends. Their two teams are taking part in other categories. The Short Film team had started at 2pm, and would be competing for 30 hours. The Interface Design team on the other hand had just 24 hours to accomplish their solution.
So whilst the Software Design teams have to present a number of times, at least they’ll be sleeping tonight…
The team is feeling buoyant right now. Their first presentation went well, and they received good feedback. But it’s not over, as they say and Team SOAK are not taking this lightly. I’m looking forward to tomorrows presentation, then it’s the nerve wracking wait until 5:30pm to see if we’ve made it to the “final 12.”
So until tomorrow….
R42
