Microsoft announced the launch of the Bahrain round of the world's premier student technology competition, Imagine Cup 2012. Now in its tenth year, Imagine Cup 2012 will give students in Bahrain an opportunity to "Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems."

The competition, which is supported by the strategic partner Bahrain eGovernment Authority, is open to students between the age of 16 years and 26 years, empowering them to use their creative and technical abilities to make a positive impact on society. The first place winning team in the Software Design category in the Bahrain finals will participate in the Imagine Cup worldwide finals which will be held in Sydney, Australia in July 2012. 

"We are very proud to be bringing Imagine Cup to Bahrain and to provide young talent with a platform to showcase their creativity and knowledge in the technology space," said Mr. Tareq Hijazi, Country Manager for Microsoft in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Sultanate of Oman. "Microsoft believes that technology is a powerful force that can make a difference to our world and by having students compete for a good cause, not only will they be motivated to be the next generation of technology and business innovators but it will also empower them and inspire many generations to come."

Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, CEO of the eGovernment Authority said "We believe that this is a great initiative that will inspire Bahraini young talents and future ICT industry leaders to showcase their technology innovations and present their ideas to the best in the ICT industry." He also added: "It is always important to stay in touch with what's happening in ICT, especially when it comes to innovation and creativity." 

He confirmed the keenness of the eGovernment Authority in enhancing its Social Corporate Responsibility role towards the youths in Bahrain, through the basic ICT training. He added that participating students will be able to transform the theoretical part of what they've learned to a practical one, especially when they start their career path in different fields. 

A number of students from Bahrain have participated at previous editions of the Microsoft Imagine Cup. In 2009, a three member team from the University of Bahrain (UOB) had won the first place in the regional finals and represented Bahrain at the global Imagine Cup finals with their "Cash Trash" project. By simply using Bluetooth and sensor technologies, the team was able to develop a bin that calculates how much energy can be saved with points given away to be redeemed for gifts and vouchers as an incentive. In 2010, the team entered the competition with an improved edition of the project and also made it to the global finals.

Additional supporters to the Imagine Cup Bahrain are Asus and Wamda.