Microsoft launches 6th annual Imagine Cup contest

Microsoft has announced the launch of its 6th annual worldwide Imagine Cup competition with a total prize fund of USD 200,000.

This year's theme is "Imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment".

The Imagine Cup now incorporates nine categories, consisting of Software Design, Embedded Development, Game Development, Project Hoshimi: Programming Battle, IT Challenge, Algorithm, Photography, Short Film and Interface Design.

The competition is open to all college or university students in part-time or full-time education. Last year, more then 100,000 students from over 100 countries participated in the event.

Each registered UK student will also be entered in a drawing to win an Xbox 360 Elite each month up to the end of February. The UK winner in each category will be announced in May 2008, and these winners will be entered into the global competition.

The UK competition also offers two week placement at Microsoft Game Studios, among other prizes.

According to Microsoft, the aim of the Imagine Cup is to call upon young technologists, programmers and artists to apply their skills and imagination to developing real life solutions to problems which affect the lives of millions of people around the world.