A Reflection on Microsoft's Imagine Cup

Caroline Dettman, Chicago

A few days ago, I had the good fortune to attend the Imagine Cup, Microsoft's annual culmination event that features student finalists from around the globe in a competition that showcases how to use technology to solve big problems.

I was so inspired by the students, their ideas and most of all, the actions they took to bring their projects to life.   And despite that Edelman does not work on the campaign to my knowledge, the Imagine Cup was like a perfect mashup of 8095, action consumer and good purpose.   People ask me all the time about programs that stand out - this is one of them.

To learn all about it, you can go to imaginecup.com.   Here is a look at what just some university students were able to accomplish when Microsoft helped them to be a catalyst for action:

Team Hermes from Ireland, a first prize winner, wrote software that reduces driving accidents, literally saving people’s lives.  A team from Taiwan was a winner with Project Right! This Way, which computes the safest fire escape routes in real time and lights the way so that people in smoke filled situations can get out safely.  The People's Choice award went to Team Rapture from Bangladesh who created Third Eye, a smart phone device for the visually impaired that provides an assistance camera and user face with vibration, speech feedback and voice command. 

And those examples are just three from more than 400 finalists that competed in last week’s event.  In total, Microsoft received more than 300,000 submissions from around the world.  When you think about the families, friends, communities and universities that each supported a team, you begin to understand that through this program Microsoft is creating true engagement with a target that matters dearly to them - what they call "Motivated Youth."  And when you factor in the people who will benefit so deeply from the ideas of these students come to life, this is a campaign with real impact for years to come.

And while I'm likely not the target, Microsoft has made an action consumer out of me.  I'm onboard to ensure my 7 and two 5 yr olds are on their way to become the type of students who dream big and take action to realize their vision and help change the world.