advertisement
Microsoft’s Imagine Cup 2018 to focus on innovations around AI, Big Data and Mixed Reality
Microsoft has announced this year’s Imagine Cup, the students’ developer technology and innovation competition that will see winners walk with…
Microsoft has announced this year’s Imagine Cup, the students’ developer technology and innovation competition that will see winners walk with $100, 000 in prizes.
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, Imagine Cup is all about innovation, transformation and what comes next.
This year’s Imagine Cup will focus on three special awards that represent current state of digital transformation which include Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Mixed Reality.
advertisement
On Artificial Intelligence Microsoft will look into the best use of Azure Intelligence tools and APIs with the following technology: Azure Cognitive Services and Bot Services while on Big Data Microsoft will look into the best use of Azure Analytics tools and APIs with the following technology: Azure Machine Learning, Stream Analytics, and IoT.
The third award would focus on Mixed Reality which would look into the best use of Windows Mixed Reality with the following technology: HoloLens, AR, and VR.
“The world is eager to address two powerful issues: education and jobs for the younger generation and technology. At Microsoft, we are focused on enabling every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. The Imagine Cup Competition is anchored on this mantra and we hope that through this initaive, we will empower more young people by enabling them to showcase what they have to offer to the world,” says Lilian Nganda, Communications Manager, Microsoft Sub-Sahara Africa.
advertisement
Through Imagine Cup, Microsoft provides student developers with the opportunity to mould the world of tomorrow in their eyes by combining their ideas with the power of technology.
Imagine Cup participants create or join a team of up to three eligible students. Together, they make an original technology project from start to finish: come up with a great idea, make a plan, build a project, and submit.
Ms Nganda also added, “Through the Imagine Cup, these issues can be addressed in a fun, positive and inspiring way for students to acquire new and critical technical, business, and team-building skills.”
advertisement
Founded in 2003, Microsoft’s Imagine Cup has to date inspired nearly two million student technologists from all academic backgrounds to collaborate, innovate, and showcase their technology.
Based on the principle of education through competition, the Imagine Cup Competition also offers one-of-a-kind mentorship opportunity with global experts, helping student developers build job-critical skills like pitching, demoing and integrating feedback in real-time.
The solutions that best represent these scenarios will have an opportunity to win $15,000 cash plus an Azure grant. First and second place teams are also eligible to receive one $15,000 Imagine Cup Award, with the overall grand prize winner walking away with $85, 000 USD, an Azure grant and a mentoring session with Satya Nadella, the Microsoft CEO.
Entries for the Kenya competition started in March and the regional winners will be announced on 26-27th April. Regional Finals on 23rd May and world finalist announcement on 1st June 2018.