Microsoft Imagine Cup

Slide 1: Charles Bihis charles@whoischarles.com www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup

Slide 2: The North America Software Design Invitational Let the do you save the the tools How doSDI you changethe world. provide you Innovation make it real? youPassionDreams world? How YOU make difference? Dream. Build. Changea the How dodo How and resources you need to be an environment? entrepreneur. We provide the resources. YOU provide the dream. www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup

Slide 3: What is the SDI?  Team Based competition to create an innovation to “Enable a sustainable Environment for all”  Conceive, test, and build your idea into a real application that can change the world!  Work with proven innovators and entrepreneurs that will help you launch your idea to the world!

Slide 4: The details…  Qualifying Round: Begins September 17th 2007 all Submissions must be received between October 20th, 2007 and January 20th, 2008  Establish your idea, lay the foundation and start planning.  Everyone must submit their documentation in the qualifying round to be able to move onto the Semi-Finals  Submit as early you can to maximize the amount of time you can spend on your Semi- Finals submission!  North America Semi-Finals Begins January 30th 2008 all Submissions must be received by February 20th . Top 10 teams will move onto the North America Finals  Submit a basic working prototype, full functionality is not required.  Current development schedule  Business plan, executive summary style which includes potential impact, problem definition, and future features  3-5 minute video introducing the team, innovation and plans  North American Finals: April 22nd 2008. Top team moves on to represent North America at the World Wide Finals in Paris, July 1st 2008 !  Submit your innovation that is at least 80% of full functionality and present to a panel of judges  Updated and complete Business plan/presentation  Prizes that you can use to grow and launch your innovation ○ 1st $12,000 ○ 2nd $8,000 ○ 3rd $4,000

Slide 5: What does Microsoft Provide?  Cash Prizes of over $50,000 in cash prizes that teams can use to take their innovation to the next level.  Access to some of the nations top innovators and entrepreneurs  All the software you need to create your innovation  Technical and business mentors to guide you in your journey  Space for 10 teams to chance to take part in the Microsoft Innovation Accelerator  Special bonuses for Clubs that participate

Slide 6: SDI Timeline Sept. Oct. 20th Jan. 25th Feb. 20th Feb. 27th April 22nd July 2008 17th www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup

Slide 7: How can YOUR club get involved?  Microsoft will provide the following to each club that creates and sponsors a team : (The club must be recognized by your university)  A Complimentary 3-year MSDNAA Subscription  $500 cash donation for each team that reaches the US National Finals.  There is no limit to the number of teams you can sponsor!  You win…..we all win! www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup

Slide 8: How to get involved  Head to www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup to learn more and to register  Create your team (or sign-up to an existing team)  Compete  Submit your qualifying round entry by January 20th www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup

Slide 9: What happens to my Idea’s after the Imagine Cup is over?  You keep all of your intellectual property!  Microsoft and it’s partners do not claim any rights to the patents or copyrights associated with your project.  You are free (and encouraged) to continue working on your project.  Make sure to ask if you have any questions or concerns with IP. www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup

Slide 10: Questions??  Head to www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup to learn more about the SDI, and the 8 other Imagine Cup Competitions! www.microsoft4me.com/imaginecup