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Imagine Cup is an annual competition sponsored and hosted by Microsoft which brings together young technologists globally to help resolve some of the world's toughest challenges, through technological innovation. Competitions include such themes as: Software Design, Game Design, Embedded Development, Digital Media and Windows Phone 7. In addition, participants may also compete in four challenges, including: Orchard, IT, and Interoperability and Windows 7 Touch. Since 2003, over 350,000 competitors from over 138 countries have participated in the Imagine Cup competition with great success. This topic will help you learn more about Imagine Cup.

Big Ideas Summary

As of 2011, Imagine Cup has begun a $3 million grant over the span of 3 years for competition winners, with all the perks. These perks have included US$75,000 for each team, as well as software, cloud computing services, solution provider support, premium Microsoft BizSpark account benefits and access to local resources such as the Microsoft Innovation Centers. Microsoft will also connect grant recipients with its network of investors, non-governmental organization partners and business partners. The best part about Imagine Cup is that the competition themes and global accessibility are so diverse that almost anyone with a social innovation idea can apply. There are lots of ways to participate in Imagine Cup. Find the competition that's right for you and your team here. Fans of gaming? Check out the Games Competition. Want to change the world? Take a look at the World Citizenship Competition. Click on any competition's name to learn more about it, read up on the rules, and learn how to sign your team up here.

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The latest news on Imagine Cup

The official website for Imagine Cup

The Imagine Cup Winners of 2014

The Most Notable Imagine Cup Winning Projects

Imagine Cup Alumni: One Team’s Success Story

How To Land Your First Job: An Infographic

Stuff you can use to build your projects ... and it's free!

The Microsoft YouthSpark Hub provides a database for free information, tools, and software that can aid in the creation and development of your project!

Over at Kodu you can create video games for your PC and XBox without having formal training in visual programming language.

Get free access to technical information and Microsoft software at DreamSpark to enhance your educational and professional pursuits.

BizSpark gives you access to free developer tools, support and training, and app building to get your social enterprise up and running.

At Microsoft Learning you can train for free and earn certificates to show your skills to future employers!

Twitter Accounts to Follow

@ImagineCup

@msftcitizenship

@MSYouthSpark

@BizSpark

@SproutEcourse

Good Videos to Watch

An Imagine Cup Introduction by Jane Meseck.

Imagine Cup Winners StethoCloud, on their groundbreaking stethoscope phone app for the early detection of Pneumonia.

Imagine Cup Winners RUOK, on their interactive homecare technology for the aging population.

Imagine Cup Winners ADORA, on their interactive physician’s assistant app to aid in surgery.

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