Imagine Cup 2008 Update

By Anna Liza Lomibao

We’ve had a brilliant response to Imagine Cup registrations across the country. Many of you are rising to the challenge to put your ideas into practice and in boosting your future careers. If you haven’t as yet registered – you still have time. Please note the deadline for the Software Design Invitational has been extended to the 9th Jan 2008 visit http://blogs.msdn.com/uk/academia.

Just by registering on www.imaginecup.co.uk you will be increasing your chances of winning the latest Xbox 360 Elite. Don’t miss out!

Microsoft Student Partners (MSPs) are doing their part in helping generate Imagine Cup registrations and in getting teams to compete for the nine invitationals that focus around the theme of ‘Imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment.’ MSPs have been organising registration drop in sessions, arranging sign up stalls, working with their Student Union to create awareness around the campus through the websites, newspapers, notice boards and in setting up Mix: On Campus events. Others are using personal blogs and facebook sites to get students involved in the largest student global competition.

If you want to take part and also have friends that could step up to the challenge then discover more on www.imaginecup.com where you will be able to find more details on the competitions, entry requirements and the fantastic prizes. Below are just some of great prizes you could win for each of the nine invitationals:

Software Design: 2 weeks in Seattle working alongside the Popfly team. A great work experience opportunity to see how Microsoft builds software that the winners can use when they apply for jobs and go into industry

Game Development: 2 weeks work experience at a Microsoft Games Studio in the UK

Embedded Development: 2 weeks work experience at a Microsoft embedded partner

IT Challenge: A Tranquil PC Windows Home Server

Project Hoshimi: 2 weeks work experience at a Microsoft Games Studio in the UK

Algorithm: A top specced desktop PC with Visual Studio 2008

Interface Design: A top specced desktop PC with Expression Studio

Short Film: An HD video camera with tripod and accessories

Photography: A Digital SLR camera, tripod, extra lens and accessories

If you are competing in the Software Design challenge and want to develop your competitive edge we have exclusive info for you. Innerworkings have created a developer training interface which integrates directly with Visual Studio. They are lending a supportive hand by offering 60 FREE test accounts on their training environment. This is a brilliant opportunity to get more experience in improving your .NET skills and your competition entry, so make the most of this offer. Read more on Innerworkings.

Are you at the stage of developing your winning Imagine Cup competition entry or need extra tools and resources to use? If yes, then visit Windows Live Services where you can discover useful web services for creating rich applications, websites and loads more cool stuff to use.

Just to remind you on all the invitationals, for the Imagine Cup download the handy Imagine Cup Guide here.

We wish you all, the best of luck in your entry.  Keep up the great work in representing your skills, talents and ideas.