Microsoft launches 2023 Imagine Cup Southeast Asia New Markets edition to empower student innovators

Microsoft announced the launch of its 2023 Imagine Cup Southeast Asia New Markets (SEANM) regional competition at a virtual event recently. Addressing the participants were Microsoft’s senior regional representatives, who invited students to unleash their passion and purpose in developing inspiring leading-edge technology solutions.

Celebrating its 21st year as the premier global student technology competition, the Imagine Cup offers students the opportunity to tap into their entrepreneurial side and develop a technology solution to address some of today’s most pressing local and global issues. Students can gain new skills, connect with like-minded people, access exclusive training, unlock mentorship, have a chance to win great prizes and, make a difference in the world.

Launching the competition, General Manager, Microsoft SEANM, Sook Hoon Cheah said, “Imagine Cup is a perfect example of how we empower students to think big, explore possibilities, and come up with creative ideas to tackle some of the world’s biggest social, environmental, and health challenges, bringing their most imaginative and impactful ideas to life. The competition is also a great starting point for students to accelerate their careers, with access to a range of opportunities including training and mentorship from Microsoft, which opens new, exciting and successful pathways for their future.”

Since the spirited competition began more than two decades ago, over two million students from as many as 163 countries have participated, using Microsoft technologies to create valuable and dynamic projects. This year’s competition winners will also be eligible to apply for the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub program, allowing any student with an idea to become an entrepreneur.

The launch event also featured an insightful panel discussion with Team Nana Shilpa, who was adjudged runner-up at the Imagine Cup World Championship last year. Nana Shilpa was crowned for developing a mobile app that screens and refines dyscalculia and dysgraphia learning disabilities in primary school students using localized languages.

“The Microsoft Imagine Cup is an incredible opportunity for students across Southeast Asia New Markets to participate in a global competition,” noted Country Manager, Microsoft Sri Lanka & Maldives, Harsha Randeny. “The Nana Shilpa team’s milestone achievement has benchmarked Sri Lanka as a hub for innovation, while highlighting the presence of world class students, equipped and ready to compete with peers around the world. I believe this win also offers a great source of inspiration for the younger generation to tap into their entrepreneurial side and innovate for impact, making their mark this year too.”

The four winning teams from the Southeast Asia New Markets regional competition will have a guaranteed spot at the World Finals competition, which will open an opportunity for the finalists to demonstrate their talent at the World Championship taking place in 2023. The winners of the World Championship will stand a chance to win USD100,000 and a mentorship session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella.Students can now register for the 2023 Imagine Cup Southeast Asia New Markets regional competition by 20 January 2023 at imaginecup.microsoft.com/SEANM.