Imaginative ideas

MORE than 760 students, aged between 16 to 23 from different schools and universities around Bahrain, have already registered to take part in the world’s premier student technology competition.

The winning national team will represent Bahrain in the Imagine Cup 2013 Worldwide Finals, which will take place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg between July 8 and 13.

Microsoft, Tamkeen and eGovernment Authority collaboratively hosted the first Imagine Cup coaching night at Shaikh Ebrahim Centre in Muharraq to introduce students to the competition, its rules and regulations as well as the different capacities and resources each partner brings along.

Tareq Hijazi, regional country manager for Microsoft in Bahrain and Oman said the aim was to inspire more students from all academic backgrounds to ‘collaborate on applications and seize opportunities to impact the Bahraini community as well as the world’.

Tamkeen chief executive Mahmood Hashem Al-Kooheji added: “We are firm believers in the tremendous potential of Bahraini youth.”  

Over the past 10 years, 1.65 million students from more than 190 countries have participated in the Imagine Cup.

The doors are still open for those who are interested in participating. The last date to register and submit a project idea is Friday.

The Imagine Cup 2013 consists of three core competitions:

• World Citizenship – Honours the software application developed on Microsoft platforms with the greatest potential to make a positive impact on humanity.
• Games – Honours the most engaging and entertaining games targetting teens and youth, built on Microsoft platforms.
• Innovation – Honours apps that give consumers inspiration and innovation at their fingertips with Microsoft tools and technology.

The first place prizes in the Worldwide Finals for World Citizenship, Games and Innovation will each be $50,000 (BD18,850). Students can register by visiting www.imaginecup.com