Microsoft launches Microsoft Imagine Cup 2014 competition

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the launch of Imagine Cup 2014, inviting applications from student developers.

Currently in its twelth year, Imagine Cup is a global student technology program and competition that provides opportunities for students across all disciplines to team up and use their creativity, passion and knowledge of technology to create applications, games and integrated solutions that can change the way we live, work, and play.

Microsoft Imagine Cup is often referred to as the 'Olympics of Technology', and is the largest student technological competition in the world, said a press release.

Indian student developers have vastly contributed to the illustrious list of global Imagine Cup champions in the past by showcasing exciting innovations on the global platform.

Pratima Amonkar, director - strategic audience marketing, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd., said: "Over the years, Imagine Cup has helped cultivate a spirit of innovation in technical students. Imagine Cup has created opportunities for students to learn how to launch their business and bring their ideas to market.

"This year, the competition has been re-imagined into a more exciting and engaging program that brings together the best ideas from around the world. India has traditionally been a frontrunner at the competition and I would want to encourage student developers from across the country to make the most of this incredible opportunity," added Amonkar.

According to Microsoft , this year, in addition to the core World Citizenship, Innovation and Gaming competitions, the Imagine Cup 2014 will offer three new and exciting non-technology challenges, in which participants will stand a chance to win a US $3,000 cash prize each.

Registration for the Imagine Cup is now open on www.imaginecup.com with a chance for outstanding ideas to compete at Seattle, USA, where the worldwide finals will be held next year, and win a grand prize of US $ 50,000.

The recently concluded Imagine Cup 2013 Worldwide Finals, held in St. Petersburg, Russia, in July 2013, featured the Indian team Y-Nots, who won the First Prize in the Windows Azure Challenge and the Mail.Ru Group Connected Planet Award for Zoik It, a social networking app that allows users to connect at a location in real time.