I want to form a team. What do I do?
It's easy to form a team. And the simplest way to tell you how to do it is to bring you right to the Competition page. You'll get step-by-step instructions and have your team formed in no time!
I registered but I never received any communications from Imagine Cup via e-mail. What should I do?
After registering, there is no further action to process with your account. However, check your spam filter, as the registration e-mail may have been filtered as spam. If you currently use an anti-spam program or service, we ask that you take just a minute or two to add our publication to your "safe" or permitted email sender list. This usually involves simply adding our sending address (From:) to your whitelist, safelist, or list of privileged senders. This is commonly known as whitelisting a publication.
Please refer to these whitelisting instructions so you can whitelist Imagine Cup, depending on the filtering solution you use.
How do I remove myself from the competition?
If you don’t want to participate, you can remove yourself from the competitions you signed up for. To do so, you need to update your profile. Once you have logged in, you can use the “My Profile” link in the top right corner of the screen. Uncheck the Competition boxes you have previously selected and select Update Profile.
Can I have a sponsor for my Team?
Yes. Your team can be sponsored and you may show the sponsor’s messaging/branding/naming in your team’s materials. However, it is crucial the sponsor information must be SECONDARY to the team’s name and solution. The sponsors messaging, branding and /or naming cannot be part of your team’s solution. Also, absolutely no intellectual property can be incorporated in the team’s solution from the sponsor, unless this intellectual property is of general availability to all teams participating in Imagine Cup (that is, any other team in the world could freely and directly obtain it). In addition, the judging of each Competition and Challenge will not take any sponsorship into consideration when scoring team’s entries. The Imagine Cup judges are instructed to focus on the intellectual property, the innovation and creativity of the students, and to disregard the additional means (e.g. devices, equipment, etc.) coming from sponsors. Sponsors are allowed to fund the team’s travel in conjunction with a Microsoft office, coach the team on soft skills and to raise visibility of the Imagine Cup.
How do I participate in a local competition in my country/region?
Local/regional Software Design competitions are run by local Microsoft subsidiaries. Got more questions? Contact your local Microsoft representative or local Microsoft Student Partner. If you don't know who that is,
contact us and we'll help you find them!
Important: registering on Imaginecup.com does not automatically register you or your team with your local Imagine Cup events, please be certain to contact your local Microsoft subsidiary.
Why did you remove Game Design: Web from the Imagine Cup?
The changes to the competition lineup were based on feedback from current and former Imagine Cup participants, and are designed to focus resources and energy in the competitions that hold the greatest interest for students. Teams are encouraged to participate in the other Game Design Competitions: Game Design: Xbox/Windows and Game Design: Phone.
Why was Digital Media removed from Imagine Cup?
In shaping this year’s competition, we prioritized competitions that will challenge students to create innovative technology solutions using core Microsoft technologies to address widespread global problems. The Digital Media competition was not in line with these goals.
Why does Software Design have an additional Round?
New for Imagine Cup 2012 is the Round 1 requirement for Software Design – The Software Design Preliminary Summary. This Summary is a document that briefly describes your Team’s planned Software Design submission and the basic intent of your application, and summarizes the solution’s unique features and how it aligns with the
Imagine Cup 2012 Theme. This document will inform the Software Design judges about your project and allow your Team to identify and attribute any Third Party content that you might be using in your entry as per the technical requirements. Successful acceptance by the Software Design Judges of your Preliminary Summary will automatically advance you to Round 2 of the competition. Note: It is expected that the nature of your Team’s project could evolve over time and your Team will not be held to the original intention of your submission. A Preliminary Summary will help your project evolve over time as it will increase your opportunity for feedback and interaction with Imagine Cup Mentors, Faculty and Captains.
How does the addition of Software Design Round 1 affect local or regional Competitions?
The Software Design local and regional Competitions will proceed as they always have. Please contact your local Microsoft Representative or visit the
Software Design local finals page to find more information. Important: ALL Software Design competitors, regardless if they are competing locally or in the Online Finals, must submit a Software Design Round 1 entry to qualify to compete further in the Software Design Competition.
Where did the Embedded Development Competition go?
Good news! We have rolled the Embedded Development requirements into the Software Design Competition. This expands the Software Design Competition into a more robust, challenging Competition to have these two categories combined. Please review the
Software Design Entry Requirement for more information.
For Embedded Development entries submitted under the Software Design Competition, will there be eBoxes provided by Microsoft?
No, Microsoft will not be providing eBoxes. Teams submitting Embedded entries will be required to procure eBoxes on their own. Please discuss any issues with your local Microsoft representative regarding this topic.
Is this a sign Microsoft is de-investing in Embedded technology?
Microsoft is highly invested in development around embedded technology and invites all students interested in using embedded technology to submit a project into the Software Design category. We have found that many of the most exciting student projects from past years use embedded technology while still creating the end-to-end solution required by Software Design, so we’re excited to bring this increased focus on embedded technology to Software Design competition.
Why are you rolling out the Competitions and Challenges later than usual in the year?
In past years, Challenges have typically launched in the October and November timeframe, so this is not a change from previous years. Software Design and Game Design have launched later than past years as a result of updates to the competition structure.
Is it true that my Team will receive a free Kinect for Windows sensor?
Yes! The Kinect Fun Labs Challenge judging panel will advance up to 100 teams to Round 2. Each of those teams will receive a free Kinect for Windows sensor (one sensor per team) on which to build their gadget using the GAK. It is very important that all Round 2 Team Captains have updated their personal information in their profile to ensure Imagine Cup has the correct address and contact information for successful and timely shipment of the Kinect for Windows sensors. Your team will not need to return the Kinect sensor or the GAK -- they will be yours to keep!
What is the “GAK”?
The GAK is a Kinect Gadget Accelerator Kit. The GAK is a set of code samples designed to help you build effective gadgets, faster. The GAK will be sent to your Team if your Team advances to Round 2 of the Kinect Fun Labs Challenge. Your Team will be asked to build a solution based on the GAK which will be provided to you.
How does my Team access the GAK?
Once Round 2 of the Kinect Fun Labs Challenge is complete, the Kinect Fun Labs Challenge judging panel will determine up to 100 teams that will advance to Round 2. The GAK will be shipped to those Round 2 teams. It is very important that all Round 2 Team Captains have updated their personal information in their profile to ensure Imagine Cup has the correct address and contact information for successful and timely shipment of the GAK.
How does my Team use the GAK?
To use the GAK, you must first install the Kinect for Windows SDK and official drivers from
www.kinectforwindows.org. Submissions using any unauthorized open source or unofficial Kinect drivers will not be considered for this Challenge. Your Team may also use the Unity game engine with the GAK for your solution. Instructions for using the Unity engine will be provided with the GAK.
In the Kinect Fun Labs Challenge, will my team need to submit the actual gadget that we build?
You do not need to submit your actual gadget. However, one of the Kinect Fun Labs Challenge Round 2 entry requirements is to submit an executable file. This executable is a file that can be executed on a Windows PC (.exe), packaged along with any runtime dependencies in a .ZIP file. This .ZIP file must be added to the final .ZIP file your team submits with the other entry materials required for Round 2 (Video, Project Plan and Set Up and Play Instructions). Package your team’s submission such that it does not require a setup program. Judges should be able to simply unzip your .ZIP file and run your executable (.exe).
What are some incentives for my team to compete in this Challenge the Kinect Fun Labs Challenge?
For the Kinect Fun Labs Challenge, we will provide you with state-of-the-art tools to develop Kinect Fun Labs style gadgets on your PC. And… each Team that advances to Round 2 will receive a free Kinect for Windows sensor with which you can develop your gadgets! Your team will not need to return the Kinect sensor or the GAK -- they will be yours to keep!
In the Windows Metro Style App Challenge, how do we take a Round 1 quiz as a team?
Each team member will need to register at imaginecup.com, sign up for the Windows Metro App Style Challenge, and join the team you’re creating together. Each team member should attempt to take the Windows Metro Style App Challenge quiz during the specified time on behalf of the team. Your team can take the quiz together and collaborate to provide answers to the questions, or you can take the quizzes individually. If you chose to take the quiz individually, only the highest score will be reflected in the leaderboard.
In the Windows Metro Style App Challenge, how does my Team advance to Round 2?
The Windows Metro Style App Challenge Round 1 Quiz is a team effort. Teams will be able to register and take the online quizzes at any time during any of the six (6) quiz dates. To advance to Round 2, one (1) of your team members must answer at least 15 questions correctly (or 50% correctly answered questions) in order to advance the entire team to Round 2.
In the Windows Metro Style App Challenge, does my team need to build an actual app?
Yes. In Round 2 of the Windows Metro Style App Challenge, your Team will be challenged to design and build a working Metro style app. You will deliver the concept for your app by submitting an App Design Summary Template for your app.
What version of Windows should my team use to build our Metro Style app?
We reimagined Windows and unveiled a preview for the world for the first time in September 2011: “Windows 8”! If your team advances to Round 2, you’ll receive direct access to a Windows 8 resource pack, which will point to information and materials that will help you build your Metro style app.
In the Windows Metro Style App Challenge, if we advance to Round 2, does my team need to submit our actual app?
No. The entry requirements for Round 2 will give you an opportunity to tell your app’s story! The Metro Style App Demo Video provides an opportunity for your team to present your app to the judges. Your team should show the app in action, demonstrate key scenarios used by the target audience and explain the architecture of your app. Since this is the Imagine Cup Windows Metro Style App Challenge, please be sure to include the Windows 8 platform features which were utilized and why
How can I sign up for a Competition newsletter?
Each Competition sends out email announcements to competing students. They include things like tips from Microsoft experts, reminders about rules or competition deadlines, advice from former competitors and winners, information on new resources available, and more. Go ahead and sign up through your My Profile page. You should also sign up to be part of the
Imagine Cup on Facebook and
Imagine Cup on Twitter.
Does Microsoft gain at students' expense with the Imagine Cup?
We fully respect the students' IP ownership. Microsoft's interests in conducting the Imagine Cup are very simple: we want to help students realize their potential. We believe that, by providing the theme to inspire them, the venue to showcase them and the technology with which to equip them, students have the opportunity to learn a lot, make new friends and, at the same time, truly contribute to improving the world in which they live by solving the world's toughest problems. All students participating in the Imagine Cup are encouraged to read all of the language in the rules and to protect their IP. If they do so, we believe that the students will find their ideas and projects well-protected.
Is Microsoft using Imagine Cup as a way to recruit the students?
No, although a few students have indeed gone on to work at Microsoft. This competition is about encouraging students to apply their imaginations and creativity to technology innovations with real world applicability. It also provides a tremendous networking opportunity for students with each other and with other people in the Imagine Cup community. We also have a program called Students to Business in which many past Imagine Cup competitors have participated. Through Students to Business, we help students find positions with Microsoft's partner ecosystem.
What does the following mean? In the Official Imagine Cup rules it states that a participant grants Microsoft "an irrevocable, worldwide right and license to: (i) use, review, assess, test and otherwise analyze your entry and all its content in connection with this Competition; and (ii) feature your entry and all its content in connection with the promotion of this Competition in all media (now known or later developed)."
It means that we are able to use and analyze competition submissions and then tell the world about them for the purposes of the competition only. This is critical for judging and for shining a spotlight on students' work. That language is very deliberate so that participants know that their submissions are not being used in another capacity by Microsoft.
Does Microsoft own the IP for the solutions each student team creates?
No. The applications belong to the teams that created them. In fact, many teams go on to pursue commercial endeavors with their applications. There are several examples from past competitions.
I'm a U.S. competitor. Why am I being asked to fill out an "Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability, and Publicity Release (substitute W9)"?
This form has multiple purposes. It collects tax information Microsoft is required to report to the IRS, it verifies your eligibility, it allows you to give Microsoft permission to use your name, photo, and likeness in connection with the promotion, and it contains a standard liability clause that releases Microsoft from harm should there be any accidents or personal injuries, etc. Microsoft is required to collect this form from you (or your legal guardian if you are a minor) if you receive prizes, including travel, from Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, WA) valued at U.S.$600 or greater during the course of Imagine Cup 2012. Based on your tax status (such as individual, corporation, university), the prize(s) you receive may be considered "taxable income" by the IRS. If so, you will receive a Form 1099 tax form from Microsoft in January 2013 for the actual value of all prizes you received during Imagine Cup 2012. If you have further questions, you should consult a local tax professional to understand the tax implications of accepting a prize.
I am a non-U.S. competitor. Why am I being asked to fill out a W8-BEN U.S. tax form?
Microsoft is required by the IRS to collect a W8-BEN tax form from you (or your legal guardian if you are a minor) to establish residency during your participation in Imagine Cup 2012. Consult a local tax professional to determine whether or not taxes will be withheld or charged to you in your own country. For further information on IRS rules, please visit the IRS website FAQ.
What about Press Resources for Imagine Cup?
Press resources and downloads are available on the Microsoft Imagine Cup Virtual Pressroom.
Where can I find more Learning Resources?
The Forums are a great place to start. We also have a Learning Resources page and Career Center on the Imagine Cup website. Contact us if you need access to something specific.
How can I sign up for a Competition newsletter?
Each Competition sends out email announcements to competing students. They include things like tips from Microsoft experts, reminders about rules or competition deadlines, advice from former competitors and winners, information on new resources available, and more. Go ahead and sign up through your My Profile page. You should also sign up to be part of the Imagine Cup on Facebook and Imagine Cup on Twitter.
The best place to start for information and inspiration on being a Mentor for Imagine Cup 2012, is the
Mentor/Faculty page.
Can I mentor more than one team?
Yes. You sure can.
Can someone be a mentor for more than one team for the same Competition or Challenge?
Yes. You may mentor more than one team for the same Competition or Challenge.
How much of a time commitment is mentoring?
It depends on your skills and the needs of the team. But in general, you should expect to spend between half a day and one day per week with your team as competition deadlines approach.
What about remote mentoring?
You're not required to be in the same geographic area as your team, but it makes day-to-day coaching easier.
Can anyone be a mentor?
Anyone can do it—an industry professional, faculty member, Microsoft student intern, a not-for-profit organization member or a private sector company employee - or even a former competitor. The only folks who can't be mentors are judges.
OK, so what's my role as a mentor?
Do what you can to help your team. That could mean helping to brainstorm project ideas, talking about progress, or even moderating discussions and clarifying answers. You'll also want to help your team organize tasks and timelines and figure out roles and responsibilities. What you don't want to do is lead discussions, control the group in any way, or contribute to any of the work related to the team's competition entry.
Does every team need a mentor?
No, but it's a good idea for things like advice, information, and support.
It is recommended, but not required, that each team have one (1) mentor in addition to your Team members. Limit one (1) mentor per Team. A mentor can be from an educational institution, a not-for-profit organization or a private sector company. Please note: IT Challenge does not have mentors. IT Challenge is an individual Competition.
How do I become a mentor?
Start by registering as a mentor. Or, check out the Mentor Forum to learn more and meet other mentors.
Are there any resources for mentors?
Yes! When you sign up to become a mentor, can always go to the
Faculty and Mentor page to learn more.
Why do Software Design and Game Design have Mentors whereas IT Challenge or other Challenges don't have one?
Software Design and Game Design are part of Imagine Cup’s Core Competitions. The Core Competitions have live, on site Competitions at the Worldwide Finals, whereas the Challenges do not. Since the mentor is a key player for the on-site Competitions, we extend Mentorship to those Core Competitions only. However, we encourage Challenge competitors to utilize your Challenge Captains and
Imagine Cup Forums for any assistance you may need.
What is copyright?
Copyright law protects original works, such as websites, books, music, paintings, photos and video. A work is "original" if it contains some elements you created and did not borrow from others. Typically, when you create an original work, you own the copyright. As the copyright owner, you can control how others use your work. For example, if you write a movie script, you have the right to, and can prevent others from, copying your script, sharing it with others ("distributing it"), making a movie or book from your script (a "derivative work"), or publicly performing your script as a play or movie. You also have the ability to sell or give away these rights. In other words, you could sell the right to make a movie based on your script to a movie studio.
If you use someone else's copyrighted materials without permission, that use generally violates the copyright owner's exclusive rights, and is copyright infringement. So if you create a new work and include parts of other people's works in it (such as an existing photo, lengthy quotes from a book or a loop from a song), you must own or have permission to use the elements you borrow. For example, if your script is based on an existing popular series, you should obtain permission to use the elements you borrow from the series.
Copyright law is different from the law of personal property. If you buy a physical object, such as a movie on DVD, you own the physical object. You do not, however, obtain ownership of the "copyrights" (the rights to make copies, distribute, make derivatives and publicly perform or display) in the content of the movie. The fact that you have obtained physical possession of a DVD does not automatically grant you the right to copy or share it.
If you make your own movie, it may include many copyrighted works in it. So, if you decide to make a movie based on your script, you must either create all elements of it on your own, or have permission to use the elements you borrow. Especially keep in mind that photos or artwork hanging on the walls of your sets and music on the soundtrack (even if you own the CD or MP3) may be copyrighted. You should not include copyrighted works such as these in your movie without authorization.
A few other things to keep in mind are:
- Just because a work does not include a copyright notice (e.g., 2006 Microsoft Corporation) does not mean the work is in the public domain. Copyright notices are generally not required for works to be protected by copyright.
- Just because a work is easily available on the internet or elsewhere does not mean you may use the work freely. Look for terms of use, such as Creative Commons, that explain how works you find on the Internet may be used.
Isn't copyright in the public domain?
Just because a work is freely available, does not mean it is in the "public domain." Copyright is for a limited term; it does not last forever. In the copyright context, "public domain" means the copyright term has expired. Once a work is in the public domain, it may be freely used without permission from the copyright owner.
Determining the term of copyright can be complex, particularly because copyright laws vary from country to country. Also, even if the copyright on a work has expired, you should be careful about how you use a public domain work. For example, a book may be in the public domain, but it might not be ok to scan the book cover to cover and post it on the internet. This is because the particular version of the book may contain new copyrightable material that is not in the public domain, such as cover art or footnotes. The above is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, contact a lawyer.
What are Imagine Cup Grants?
In July of 2012 Microsoft announced a 3 million dollar grant program for the next 3 years to help Imagine Cup teams solve the world's toughest problems. Microsoft’s goal is to help Imagine Cup Competitors take their projects to the next level with the financial, technical and business support they need to change the world.
How can my Team become eligible to receive Imagine Cup Grants?
For the next three years, Microsoft will award two to four Imagine Cup Grants. This year, Imagine Cup 2011 worldwide finalists will be eligible for grants and teams that apply are judged based on four criteria:
- 40% - Project impact and viability – To what degree will the solution have an impact on the issue? Will the solution have social/commercial impact? Both? Is the application technically and economically viable? Are the timing and conditions right for this solution?
- 30% - Team quality and motivation - What is the quality of leadership in the team? How solid is the business planning for the solution? What are the obstacles for the team to take the solution to market? How does the team intend to organize itself to accomplish its plan?
- 20% - Solution design and innovation - Does the application approach a new problem, or look at an old problem in a new way?
- 10% - Problem definition - Is the issue one that has broad appeal and relevance? What are the complexities involved in addressing the problem?
Will Microsoft own any part of the project?
No.
Is there a specified duration of the Grant?
1 - 3 years depending on engagement.
Can the team apply with a different project than the one with which they competed in 2011 Imagine Cup?
No. It must be with their Imagine Cup 2011 project.
How will the cash grant be distributed?
Grant distribution will vary by team depending on their country’s unique local laws and tax considerations.
