GLOBAL competition invites students to apply technology and
artistic talents to tackle sustainable environmental issues.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and
Microsoft Philippines formally presented Imagine Cup 2008 and encouraged
students and non-government organizations (NGOs) to unite in tapping technology
to address local and global environmental issues.
Now in its sixth year, Imagine Cup continues to challenge
students around the globe to imagine a better world empowered by technology and
created by their talent and innovation. Microsoft recently opened registration
for Imagine Cup 2008, extending an invitation to the most talented students from
all over the world to embark on the challenge to "Imagine a world where
technology enables a sustainable environment."
"We recognize the immense potential of students and their
ability to bring about positive change. Each year, we come across hundreds of
projects, all showing how technology can help people," said Tim Vergel de Dios,
Academic Developer Evangelist, Microsoft Philippines. "The Imagine Cup allows
students to expand their world and shape the future. Through this competition,
Microsoft is driving innovation that is responsive to the needs of the planet."
Students will compete in nine categories spanning software
design and games development to challenges involving algorithms and programming.
Students’ work will reflect valuable solutions that give a helping hand to the
world’s sustainable environmental issues while giving them the opportunity to
compete for generous cash prizes.
Microsoft is calling on young programmers, artists and
technologists around the world to bring their ideas to life in nine categories,
each catering to a different talent. The Technology Solutions categories such as
Software Design, Embedded Development, and Game Development categories challenge
students to utilize their creativity to develop practical solutions.
Project Hoshimi, IT Challenge, and Algorithm, under Skills
Challenges, highlight the speed and proficiency of teams in creating programs.
The ability of teams to communicate ideas in original ways is tested in the
Photography, Short Film, and Interface Design categories.
In the Philippines, each team will be paired with an
environmental NGO, who will guide the team as it works on the project, by
identifying the organization’s needs and the kind of program that could help
them perform their tasks more efficiently.
With the assistance of the DENR, Microsoft has tapped
environmental NGOs interested in banking on technology for empowerment, to
collaborate with the teams in designing and conceptualizing their entry.
"We are inspired to see the youth become interested and
involved with caring for the environment because they are our hope for the
future," said Usec. Demetrio Ignacio Jr.
According to Vergel de Dios, regardless of how the teams place in the
competition, their partner NGOs will be able to utilize the programs developed
for them. "The Imagine Cup is not just an opportunity for the students to
present their talents. It is also a chance for them to contribute to the efforts
being taken to preserve our environment."
