Microsoft's Imagine Cup is an innovative contest based on the premise that technology can help solve the world's toughest problems.
The contest calls for students around the globe to develop and submit software or applications dealing with world issues such as poverty, gender equality and environmental stability.
Currently in its eighth year, the Imagine Cup also provides a chance for student geniuses to flex their technological muscles.
The 2010 Imagine Cup finals were held this passed July in Warsaw, Poland. Winning titles were rewarded to students from Taiwan, the Philippines, Russia and Bolivia.
World Changing Competitions
Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2010 Helps Solve Social Problems
Trend Themes
1. Social Problem-solving Technology - The Imagine Cup demonstrates the trend of using technology to address global challenges and create social impact.
2. Student-led Innovation - The contest highlights the trend of empowering students to come up with creative solutions to real-world problems using their technological skills.
3. Global Collaboration - The Imagine Cup promotes the trend of international collaboration among students from different countries working together to tackle global issues.
Industry Implications
1. Technology Education - There is an opportunity for the education industry to support and provide resources for students interested in using technology to address social problems.
2. Software Development - The contest opens up opportunities for software development companies to partner with students or invest in innovative solutions that emerge from the Imagine Cup.
3. Social Impact Organizations - Social impact organizations can leverage the Imagine Cup to identify potential technological solutions that can address the social issues they are focused on.