People are starving. Diseases ravage communities. Basic education is out of reach for too many people. Dangerous shifts in the environment affect millions as countries struggle to develop in sustainable ways. It seems overwhelming - but we can't throw up our hands and give up. The answers are all around us in thousands of ideas that happen every day. Solutions might be in the next few lines of code, a compelling photo or even a simple game that can teach the world a lesson.
These small sparks set the world's imagination on fire and lead to change that really matters. Technology can be the force multiplier that transforms these great ideas into real world solutions. And that's the point of the Imagine Cup every year - to use technology to make a difference.
We need everyone - software programmers, hardware developers, artists and dreamers - to imagine a better world, then make it happen. The Imagine Cup brings together more than 200,000 students from over 100 countries around the world where they compete to help find the answers. And no matter who comes up with the best solutions - everybody wins.
The 2009 World Finals: Cairo!
Each year the World Finals are held in a different city of the world. Past World Finals include Paris, France (2008); Seoul, South Korea (2007); Delhi, India (2006); Yokohama, Japan (2005); Sao Paulo, Brazil (2004); and Barcelona, Spain (2003). The 2009 World Finals will be held in Cairo, Egypt in July 2009.
The world can't wait! Register now.
The 2009 Theme: Solve the World's Toughest Problems
In 2009, the Imagine Cup challenges the world's most talented students to "Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems facing us today." Some might use technology to help a brother or sister get an education. Or find entirely new approaches for medicine. Or discover ways to counter the inequalities that exist between genders around the world. These students might ensure the sustainability of our planet or help deliver universal primary education. Yeah, it's that important.
The United Nations has identified some of the hardest challenges in the world today in its Millennium Goals. This year the Imagine Cup uses these ambitious challenges as a guiding light to inspire change all over the world. Learn more about the eight Millennium Goals.
Competition Categories
Software Design
Students are asked to create real world software and services applications that use Microsoft tools and technology. It's not just about the PC - students must think of ways to take advantage of mobile devices as well. Students need to think big. The judging requires students to use their creativity and drive if they want to compete on the world stage. This is where legends are born and lives are changed - where an application starts off as an idea and ends up being used all over the world.
Visit the Software Design competition page to learn more.
Embedded Development
As devices become smaller and more portable they are having a greater impact on our everyday lives. Desktop computing has made way for the handheld revolution, and it's happening fast. This competition challenges students to build a complete hardware and software solution using Windows CE and a library of different hardware devices. They have to assemble a working prototype that tackles a tough social challenge. It's the ultimate challenge to take solutions to the streets.
More details including a competition calendar, requirements, and judging criteria will be available when this competition launches on August 15, 2008.
Game Development
Video games are a fun part of everyday life but also represent a powerful way to create change. This competition is a supreme test of students' creative and technical skills as they make games that are not only entertaining but take on social change. Using XNA Game Studio, students from around the world will have an opportunity to gain international exposure for their games and might even win the chance to become an apprentice at Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business.
More details including a competition calendar, requirements, and judging criteria will be available when this competition launches on August 15, 2008.
Robotics & Algorithms
Robots need more than gears and wires - they require highly sophisticated algorithms to interpret and interact with the world around them. This competition is a mathematical obstacle course where students must navigate a series of brain teasers, code challenges and algorithmic puzzles to demonstrate their ability to understand the potential of robots in our world. This exciting event takes place in a virtual world as students progress through increasingly difficult rounds.
More details including a competition calendar, requirements, and judging criteria will be available when this competition launches on August 15, 2008.
IT Challenge
Students are challenged to develop, deploy, and maintain IT systems that are elegant, functional, robust and secure. This demanding competition requires students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the science of networks, databases, and servers. They also need to show their analytical abilities and make tough decisions in IT environments.
More details including a competition calendar, requirements, and judging criteria will be available when this competition launches on August 15, 2008.
Mashup
New ideas come from looking at the world in different ways. This competition challenges students to mash together elements - music, data, visuals, services and anything else they can think of - and rearrange them into something that dramatically changes how people look at a tough issue. By making unexpected connections, students can make the world stand up and take notice.
More details including a competition calendar, requirements, and judging criteria will be available when this competition launches on August 15, 2008.
Photo Story
Great photographers know a single image can change the world. In this competition, students communicate a story that explores a critical issue through a photo essay of inspiring still images. The photos must grab the audience and illustrate the students' personal insight into these global issues.
More details including a competition calendar, requirements, and judging criteria will be available when this competition launches on August 15, 2008.
Short Film
Filmmaking is both a technical craft and storytelling art. In this competition, students must use all their skills to create a moving, meaningful short film. From concept and storyboard to shooting digital footage and editing, students must find their unique voice and capture the audience's imagination.
More details including a competition calendar, requirements, and judging criteria will be available when this competition launches on August 15, 2008.