2009 Egypt Imagine Cup Finalists – 16 from MENA Region

More than 300,000 students from 100 countries are registered for Imagine Cup 2009, a Microsoft Corp. competition that challenges them to use their technology skills and imagination to address the world’s toughest problems. Winning students from local, national, regional and online competitions will compete at the Imagine Cup finals in Cairo, Egypt from July 3–7, 2009.

The Finalists

What can the finalists expect in Cairo? Most of all, the competition will be intense. Multimedia competitors will be challenged to create new art under tough deadlines. Software Design teams will present their ideas to a panel of judges and answer detailed technical questions on their software solutions. Game Development and Embedded Development teams will create user interfaces using both software and paper-based media.  And yes,  there will also be time to unwind—celebrate achievements, collaborate on ideas, make new friends from around the world, and experience the history and awe that is Cairo, Egypt.

Meet the Finalists from MENA region

2009 Software Design Finalists (13)

2009 Embedded Development Finalists (2/11)

2009 IT Challenge Finalists (1/12)

2009 Game Development Finalists (0/6)

2009 Robotics & Algorithm Finalists (0/12)

2009 MashUp Finalists (0/6)

2009 Photography Finalists (0/6)

2009 Short Film Finalists (0/6)

2009 Design Finalists (0/6)


The nine Imagine Cup competitions had unique requirements, tasks, and missions. In brief:

  • In the Software Design competition, 69 local Microsoft subsidiaries held their own regional semi-finals, inviting students to compete to represent their country/region at the Worldwide Finals.
  • Game Development student teams harnessed the power of XNA’s ground-breaking Game Studio 3.0 to create inspirational and educational video games that teach what’s at stake—and of course… entertain us.
  • Embedded Development teams went beyond the desktop, unleashing their creativity by developing their own embedded device that had an impact on solving some of the world’s toughest problems.
  • MashUp competitors created new and useful PopFly MashUp and PopFly block solutions addressing the crucial theme of the Imagine Cup.
  • In the Robotics & Algorithm competition and in the IT Challenge individuals had to complete rigorous tests, take part in online matches, and design solutions to complex and tough world issues.
  • For the Short FilmPhotography and Design competitions, digital artists created works that investigate these world issues and present solutions we see to understand.

All my eyes are now on finding out if any Middle East initiative wins this event, if you are excited like-wise,  you can stay tuned by subscribing to my RSS Feed or follow me on twitter @tarekkassar

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Tarek is the founder and chief researcher at Youngberry, a youth research and marketing firm dedicated to the region. Tarek founded interactiveME.com and previously worked as Manager at Flip Media (Interactive Agency), Bayt.com (Job Site) and Consulting House Qatar (Consulting firm). He is researcher and writer on internet & disruptive innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth culture.