The Imagine Cup 2008
Those of you who have already hosted the Inspiration Tour will know that the Imagine Cup is a really exciting opportunity for students this year and includes some great new categories. In the UK we are even adding extra value. The key points are:
1. There are 9 competitions for all interests and skill levels and in the UK we are providing life-changing prizes for each UK category winner in addition to them winning a trip to the global finals. See prize table below.
2. It is really easy to register this year and fun too! Have your students take the online quiz and get your university at the top of the leader-board. Each registration is automatically entered into a monthly prize draw where the prize is an Xbox 360 Elite. As last year, registration is not a commitment to enter so EVERYONE should have a go.
3. Software Design has been split up into 3 sections –
- The Idea; spend the time between now and Christmas on the this
- The Innovation Accelerator; A unique opportunity for the students to learn entrepreneurship and higher level technology skills while developing their idea in the form of a 3 day event at our offices in Reading lead by business partners and key Microsoft staff . Think ‘Dragons Den’ meets ‘The Restaurant’ meets Silicon Valley!
- The Code Submission
4. The UK Imagine Cup culminates in a celebration day in London in June for the top competitors in all 9 competitions to meet and hear from leading industry speakers and employers to talk jobs. There will be a prize giving ceremony and maybe even a party at a club in London.
We know that students aren't always easy to motivate so here are some ways to help get them engaged:
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Order a box or two of glossy guides which explain all of the 'invitationals' (an invitational = a competition category)
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Software Design Challenge |
2 week work placement in Seattle with the Popfly team |
Prizes of Xbox 360 Elites, MP3 players for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams |
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Embedded |
2 week UK work placement with specialist Microsoft embedded partner |
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XNA |
2 week work placement with UK Microsoft Game Studio |
Xbox 360 Elite pack |
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Project Hoshimi |
2 week placement at UK MGS |
Xbox 360 Elite pack |
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Algorithm |
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Developer PC (top spec, e.g. Quad core, 24” LCD monitors) |
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IT Challenge
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Windows Home Server |
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Photography |
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Digital SLR camera, lens, bag and tripod |
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Short Film |
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HD video camera, accessories and tripod |
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Interface Design |
2 week work placement with major UK creative agency |
Designer PC (top spec, e.g. Quad core, 24” LCD monitors) |
(Note: Prize list was changed from the published list above. Please refer to the About section of the Imagine Cup UK website)
As always, if you have any questions then please get in touch
Claire
