Imagine Cup Grants

Imagine Cup Grants Winners Announced!

Today we announced the four winning teams of the inaugural year of the Imagine Cup Grants! The winners include Team Apptenders from Croatia, Team Falcon Dev from Ecuador, Team OaSys from Jordan and Team Lifelens from the United States. The teams rose to the top of more than 50 applicants with their technology inventions that address global issues including accessibility, health and education. Each of the teams will receive $75,000 as well as access to resources and support to help them create a business or nonprofit organization to bring the benefits of their technology to the world.

 

 

 

 

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At the Imagine Cup 2011 Worldwide Finals in New York City, Microsoft announced the Imagine Cup Grants program.  The purpose of the Imagine Cup Grants program is to support a select number of winning teams’ solutions to go to market and realize its potential to solve a critical global problem.  This is an opportunity to take your Imagine Cup 2011 project to the next level and be one of a select group of teams who receives a comprehensive grant of cash, software and invaluable connections.

Judging Criteria
Submissions for Imagine Cup Grants will be judged based on the following criteria and weighted as indicated. All applications must be submitted in English:

• Problem Definition (10%):  How well does the team convey their understanding of the complexities involved in addressing the problem and, how convincing is the argument that the issue they are addressing has broad appeal and relevance
• Impact and Viability of the Solution (40%): To what degree will the solution have an impact on the issue? Is the solution technically and economically viable?  Are the timing and conditions right for this solution?  Has the solution already been implemented in some way to demonstrate or test that it is viable?
• Solution Design and Innovation (20%):  Does the solution provide an innovative approach the problem?  How does it surpass previous or current solutions to this problem?
• Team Quality and Motivation (30%):  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?

Judging Process

Round 1:
All completed applications will be reviewed by an experienced internal team at Microsoft who are familiar with the Imagine Cup and grant programs.  The applications will be judged based on the defined criteria and finalists will advance to round 2.

• Judging will take place from 12 November 2011 through 15 January 2012.
• All applicants will be informed of the year’s grant recipients by 31 January 2012 .

• A Cash grant amount depending on the grantee team’s business plan and project scope. (Estimated between $75,000 U.S. Dollars and $100,000 U.S. Dollars)
• Software required to support the implementation of their solution. Software offerings  will be determined based on the needs of the grantee’s solution and go to market plan.
• Mentorship by a Microsoft representative in their country or region.
• Introductions to potential funders and partners.
• Support from Microsoft local partners.
• Access to Microsoft resources including Microsoft Innovation Centers, premium BizSpark benefits, time and support from Microsoft employees and product groups.