Application Development: Microsoft Imagine Cup 2011 Showcases Next-Gen Tech Talent

Microsoft announced the winners of the ninth annual Microsoft Imagine Cup, the company's premier student technology competition, honoring student innovations that address global problems such as improving road and fire safety, eradicating poverty, and creating a more sustainable environment. A team from Ireland, known as Team Hermes, won the Software Design Competition for a project that combined embedded technology, mobile and cloud computing to help change driving habits and reduce accidents. Students from 183 countries started out participating in the early stages of the competition. This year's finals, which ended July 13, were held in New York. In addition to naming the winners of the competition, Microsoft also unveiled plans to launch a three-year, $3 million competitive grant program to help recipients realize their vision of solving the world's toughest problems. Imagine Cup teams will be eligible to apply for grants that include a combination of cash, software, training, consulting and other support. Microsoft will announce details about the grant program and application process later this summer.