The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior Global Challenge is an international competition designed to inspire students aged 13 to 18 to use technology to tackle real-world challenges and create positive social impact. It provides a platform for young innovators to develop their problem-solving skills, creativity, and teamwork abilities while addressing pressing global issues.
Participants in the Imagine Cup Junior Global Challenge are tasked with identifying a problem in their community or the world and designing a solution using technology. Projects can range from addressing environmental sustainability and health issues to improving access to education and promoting social inclusion.
Teams of students work collaboratively to develop their projects, leveraging tools and resources provided by Microsoft to bring their ideas to life. They are encouraged to think critically, innovate, and apply their knowledge of technology to create impactful solutions that address the challenge they have chosen to tackle.
The competition culminates in a global showcase where teams present their projects to a panel of judges, industry experts, and fellow participants. Winners are selected based on the creativity, feasibility, and potential impact of their solutions, as well as their ability to effectively communicate their ideas.
Through the Imagine Cup Junior Global Challenge, Microsoft aims to empower young people to become agents of change in their communities and the world, fostering a new generation of innovators and problem solvers who are equipped to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.
In its fifth year, the Imagine Cup Junior offers an engaging opportunity for students aged 5-18 to delve into the world of technology and its potential for addressing global challenges through a student-led competition. It serves as a valuable introduction to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity, catering to learners of all levels, particularly beginners.
This year, Microsoft is introducing a new category tailored for students aged 5-12, focusing on “Technology for Good.” Specially designed teaching resources will aid educators in guiding young learners through this exciting journey. Additionally, a new lesson on Generative AI has been incorporated into the AI for Good competition for students aged 13-18, further enriching their learning experience.
Microsoft is enthusiastic about empowering students to explore the possibilities of technology while fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving from an early age. Through Imagine Cup Junior, students have the opportunity to develop essential skills, unleash their creativity, and contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.
Selection Criteria For The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior Global Challenge
- Students work in teams sized two (2) to six (6) students for the AI for Good category and teams of two (2) to forty (40) for the Tech for Good category to develop an original concept addressing Microsoft AI for Good and Tech for Good initiatives and complete the Imagine Cup Junior PowerPoint submission template.
- Team Leaders can also access hackathon materials to run a hackathon in their classroom to help further understand best practices for running Imagine Cup Junior and facilitate additional learning for students.
- Winners Announcement: The top 10 global submission winners will be announced June 13, 2024 via the Microsoft Education blog.
Registration Procedure
- Registration for Imagine Cup Junior opened on January 10, 2024. Team Leaders must submit projects on behalf of their student teams by May 8, 2024 23:59 (GMT+0).
- Participation in Imagine Cup Junior for students is via a Team Leader (such as an educator, instructor, staff member, parent, guardian) over the age of 18. Team Leaders register on behalf of students and gain access to the Imagine Cup Junior Resource Pack outlined below to facilitate learning and the challenge.
- Once registered, Team Leaders can access all the resources needed to educate students and run a great Imagine Cup Junior challenge. These resources include:
Method of Application
Application Deadline: May 8, 2024.
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