Jamaica Places 3rd in Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2007

Four students (Imran Allie, Conroy Smith, Ayson Baxter and Damion Mitchell) from Northern Caribbean University, based in Mandeville, Jamaica, came 3rd in Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2007 Worldwide Finals, today.

The competition, which is in its 5th year, encourages youth to apply their imagination, passion and creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference in the world – today.

According to the Microsoft Press Release, "Microsoft Announces Imagine Cup 2007 Winners":

The Imagine Cup 2007 brought together 100,00 university students from over 100 countries.

Of these, a total of 344 students from 112 teams representing 59 countries and regions were ultimately selected to participate in worldwide Imagine Cup finals in the following nine categories: Software Design, Embedded Development, Web Development, Project Hoshimi (Programming Battle), IT Challenge, Algorithm, Photography, Short Film and Interface Design. The student teams were asked to undertake a series of challenges relating to multimedia or technology depending on the invitational.

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The four-member Jamaican team called itself ICAD (based on the first letter of each member's first/Christian name - Imran Allie, Conroy Smith, Ayson Baxter and Damion Mitchell.)

They entered in the Software Design Category with an entry called CADI  - an innovative e-Learning solution which enhances the delivery of education and extend the learning experience beyond the confines of a physical classroom.

This is done by creating a centralized learning environment that connects teachers, students, and resources. Imagine a class with multiple students from various geographic locations who speak different languages, all conversing together effortlessly.

CADI facilitates collaboration and distance education that transcends language barriers by allowing individuals to seamlessly communicate and share messages, course notes, and other text based material regardless of the language of origin.

CADI also provides educators and students with a plethora of practical tools which will have significant impact on distance education and academia in general. This feature rich solution is poised to equip today’s generation for tomorrow’s possibilities.

The Jamaican team came 3rd behind first-place winners Thailand and 2nd-place Korea and gained a prize of USD $10,000.00!!!

I just want to give a huge, Jamaican, Big Up!!! (congratulations) to team ICAD for placing 3rd in the Software Design Categry, you have really done us proud!

(The team returns to Jamaica on Sunday.)

Please click here to view the team's page on the Imagine Cup web site.

Sources include:

1) Press Release, "Microsoft Announces Imagine Cup 2007 Winners", Microsoft website

2) Power 106 Midday News Report

3) Jamaica Team Photo Slides from the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2007 Website

Gillian