Microsoft
and Higher Education Commission (HEC) collaborated to bring Microsoft’s Imagine
Cup to Pakistan. It is the world’s most renowned technology competition for
students. Started in 2003, Microsoft’s Imagine Cup is the ideal opportunity for
the youthful innovators, from around the world, to give express their
imagination, bring ideas to life and win $100,000.
Imagine
Cup is
held annually by Microsoft Corp., bringing together the
young technologists to play their part in resolving some of the
world's toughest challenges. Not only a competition, imagine cup serves as a
platform for teams to present their solutions to the world. All technology
projects are welcome in this competition; it is no longer bound by categories.
HEC’s
commitment to the academia and students is reflected as Microsoft drives the
Imagine Cup to highlighted Pakistan’s position on the leaderboards – Pakistan
ranks as the TOP country in the Middle East and Africa cluster, with the
highest number of project submissions and competitors in Imagine Cup. Pakistan
also ranks 5th worldwide, in the same category.
In
Pakistan, students from various universities participated enthusiastically, as
the competition received an overwhelming response. A lot of remote and underprivileged
areas were targeted in the drive for Imagine Cup, particularly Sahiwal,
Mianwali, Khuzdar and Jamshoro. Students were initially evaluated in Regional
finals, held in different cities and the best teams competed to win the
National Finals. The evaluations for both Regional and
National Finals were done according to the rules, regulations and criteria
listed in 2017 Imagine Cup Competition.
The winning
team of the Imagine Cup National Final from Pakistan was ‘Positive Zero’ from
Bahria University, Karachi. The victory was announced during a grand ceremony.
The team has built a Microsoft Azure cognitive service-based engine that helps
in writing code through voice commands. The team will represent Pakistan
in the advanced stages of the competition on a global scale.
The Director
of Microsoft’s Enterprise & Partner Group Segment - Mr. Abid Zaidi
commented on the occasion; “The link between education, attainment and economic
growth has never been clearer. Around the world, the communities where
educational excellence is a high priority, create the most economic
opportunities. The foundation for sustainable economic growth for the future is
being laid, through this initiative.”
The
Country Head of Microsoft - Mr. Shahzad Aslam Khan stated: “Talent has no
boundaries! Any student can derive great benefits from the Imagine Cup, as it
provides world-class opportunities and support for the youth, nurturing their
true potential and giving them a chance to do something extraordinary and
accelerate growth”.
Director General IT - Mr. Anwar Amjad
appreciated the event and commented that; “The platform provided by HEC to the
students is truly unique in as it promises valuable exposure that they need to
take the next steps in Academic life, helping them with a successful transition
into their professional careers.”
Executive Director at HEC – Dr. Arshad Ali
stated that: “HEC-Microsoft Strategic Education Alliance has contributed
greatly in producing graduates, who are well-equipped and qualified, not only
to handle the pressures of the practical world, but have the vision to carve
their own avenues with a scientific approach, to tackle complex issues.”
The Chairman HEC – Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed
expressed his happiness and said; “We appreciate the valuable support of
Microsoft in this initiative, as Higher Education Commission strives to nurture
the students’ talents through this annual competition. This is a great way to
evolve a rich and modern academic culture in Pakistan, as we integrate global
advancements and cutting-edge tools to bring the domestic curriculum and
learning at par with the leading universities of the world. Thus, we are empowering
our students to contribute and compete in the global workforce”.
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