The competition, which comes to Bahrain under the strategic partner eGovernment Authority (eGA), was officially launched beginning of this year to students between 16-26 years-of-age; empowering them to utilize their creative and technical abilities – aiming to make a positive impact on society. Bahrain finals’ first place winning team in the Software Design category will participate in the Imagine Cup worldwide finals – which will take place July this year in Sydney, Australia.
Zain’s support to the competition is based on the organization’s strong believe in the power of technology, innovation and the ability of Bahrain’s youth to create and compete on a global level.
“Zain Bahrain has always endorsed the capability of Bahrain’s youth to innovate and create new technological solutions. Our launch in 2003 was memorably fuelled by such a belief and we have since set many worldwide records in technology implementation because of our team representing Bahrain,” said General Manager Mohammed Zainalabedin.
“We believe that the sponsorship of the Imagine Cup 2012 Bahrain round will help to develop a fertile technological space for Bahraini talent and are sure they will shine in this global competition.”
“We are very happy to see Zain Bahrain support the launch of the Microsoft’s premier technology competition in Bahrain. The Microsoft Imagine Cup competition provides young talent in the country a platform to showcase their creativity, innovation and knowledge leveraging technology,” Microsoft Bahrain and Oman Country Manager Tareq Hijazi, said.
“Microsoft believes that technology is a powerful force that can make a difference to our prosperity at a global level; having students compete for a good cause will not only motivate them to become business innovators and the next generation of technology adopters but it will also empower them and further inspire many generations to come.”
A number of participants from Bahrain took part in previous editions of the Microsoft Imagine Cup. In 2009, a three-member-team from the University of Bahrain (UoB) won the first place in the regional finals and represented Bahrain at the global Imagine Cup finals with their ‘Cash Trash’ project. By simply using Bluetooth and sensor technologies, the team was able to develop a bin that calculates the amount of energy that can be saved – with points given away to be redeemed for gifts and vouchers as an incentive. In 2010, the team entered the competition with an improved edition of the project and also made it to the global finals.