Microsoft Imagine Cup invites the UAE’s students to solve world’s problems using technology

Microsoft, in partnership with du, today announced the launch of UAE Imagine Cup. Now in its tenth year, Imagine Cup 2012 will give students in the UAE an opportunity to "Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems." Microsoft's partnership with du introduces a special Mobile Development Award for students competing in the UAE.

Supported by du, the competition is open to students between the age of 16 years and 26 years, empowering them to use their creative and technical abilities to make a positive impact on society. Students can compete in various categories including software design and game design. The first place winning team in the Software Design category in the UAE Country Finals will participate in the Imagine Cup worldwide finals which will be held in Sydney, Australia in July 2012. Additional supporters to the Imagine Cup UAE are Asus and Wamda.

"As a global company Microsoft firmly believes in the ability of technology to make a difference to our world. Combining technology with the innovation and creativity of young people around the globe is a powerful force for change that we aim to tap into with the Imagine Cup," said Samer Abu Ltaif, General Manager Microsoft Gulf. "The UAE round of this competition will give students a chance to take their ideas to a global forum and an audience of the best young programmers, technologists and designers in the world. We also hope that the Imagine Cup will continue to inspire the next generation of technology and business innovators in the UAE and region."

"Imagine Cup is one of the most recognisable platforms in the UAE for scientifically inclined students who thrive on the spirit of innovation. We are once again very excited to collaborate with Microsoft to bring the tenth edition of Imagine Cup which we believe will continue its tradition of drawing top scientific talent and enable contribution to resolve some of the toughest challenges we face today." said Hala Badri – Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications at du.

A number of students from the UAE have participated at previous editions of the Microsoft Imagine Cup. Teams have created applications that address some of the toughest problems including maternal health, access to education, environmental solutions and much more. In 2011, the Hex Pistols team from the University of Wollongong in Dubai was selected to represent the UAE at the global finals. Their innovative mobile application 'momEcare' allows pregnant women in remote areas and in developing countries to access health care.