Three teams that will represent Qatar in the regional finals of Imagine Cup - Microsoft’s annual global technology innovation competition - had a special audience on Tuesday when they pitched their ideas to US Ambassador Dana Shell Smith, who paid a visit to Microsoft Qatar’s Doha headquarters at Qatar Science & Technology Park.
Each year in Qatar and across the globe, Imagine Cup challenges young innovators to develop solutions that seize market opportunities and address key social issues using the latest Microsoft devices and services.
Late last month, three teams from universities in Qatar took home top prizes at Imagine Cup’s Qatar finals in the competition’s Innovation, Citizenship and Gaming categories.
QU-Mechatronics, The Tartans and Al Zubarah, the winning teams from Qatar University, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and Texas A&M University at Qatar, respectively, pitched their ideas to the US ambassador.
In addition to congratulating the national winners, the envoy talked about the projects at length with the students. She was joined for the special session by Microsoft Qatar general manager Naim Yazbeck.
“We are grateful to Ambassador Smith for taking the time to hear the teams pitch and together, we wish them luck as they head to the regional semi-finals in Bahrain,” said Yazbeck.
“This event embodies the best of an American-Qatari partnership to promote innovation and build tomorrow’s leaders. Leadership is all about exploring new ideas and opportunities, and that is exactly what this competition encourages. What these three teams have accomplished is amazing and I wish them luck in Bahrain,” said the ambassador.
Bahrain will play host to the second Pan Arab semi-finals from May 31 to June 2, where Qatar’s tech stars will join the brightest young minds from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.