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IT authority, Microsoft to hold regional events of Imagine Cup

MUSCAT — The Information Technology Authority of Oman (ITA) and Microsoft Corp have tied up to sponsor the Oman leg of the Gulf’s premier student technology competition — Gulf Imagine Cup 2009.

Officials said ITA would facilitate mentoring of registered teams and on-campus elimination rounds and support Omani contingents in regional final rounds that will be held in Dubai early next year.

Dr Salim Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA, said: “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s citizens. This is why encouraging young minds to constantly challenge themselves, and equipping them with resources have been integral to us.”

“Omani youth now have the opportunity to ignite their imagination and make a difference in the real world. ITA Oman is pleased to be associated with Microsoft to help students harness the power of technology to develop innovative projects to contribute to solving serious global issues,” he said. The Cup calls on students in the Gulf to rise to the challenge to “imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems of today.”

The winners of regional finals will move to the finals in Egypt in July 2009. The incentive? Students have a chance to win over $180,000 across nine categories in the finals.

Abdullah Lootah, country manager, Microsoft Oman, said, “The potential of our youth is unlimited and the ideas they develop could significantly improve lives of millions. In Oman, there’s tremendous response from education and private sectors to enter this year’s contest. The cup is a launch pad for their ideas and access to key resources that can set them on the path to career success.”

The Imagine Cup is Microsoft’s initiative to encourage youth to apply their imagination and creativity to innovate using technology to make a difference and address real-world issues. Microsoft officials said the Cup compliments the firm’s commitment to creating social and economic opportunity through products that transform education, foster innovation and enable jobs and opportunities worldwide.