Microsoft is urging Australian university students to promptly submit entries to its Imagine Cup competition for a chance to showcase their talents globally and win a share of the US$170 000 in prizes.

In its fifth year, the competition has so far attracted more than 150 Australian registrations plus 100,000 students worldwide, all competing for a place in the South Korean finals.

Ben English, technical audience manager at Microsoft Australia said for the first time Microsoft will be providing additional local mentoring to help develop student projects.

“Finalists get to work with the local Australian industry about taking their ideas commercial. We also want to encourage students to develop the networks and motivation to enter the business world,” said English.

According to English, over the past three years the competition has received a growth in enthusiasm and involvement from Australian partners and universities.

“The momentum has grown year on year, University’s like Canberra, QUT and Monash are even starting to roll it into their curriculums.”

Dr Simon Cuce, lecturer at Monash University, Victoria said: “Firstly, students have a chance to apply their knowledge in a competitive environment. Secondly, they are able to exercise their creative side, which is all too forgotten in the commercial world.”

Last year, a team from Canberra University designed a system to enable paramedics and doctors to communicate better. They won the local competition and went onto compete in the grand final in Delhi, India,” said English.
Finalists will be announced in June and flown to Seoul, Korea in August.