The Microsoft Imagine Cup 2007 Australian Software Design Finals wrapped up last week, with a team called APA (Audio Programming Assistant) from the University of Canberra winning with an entry that allowed blind people to program and navigate the internet. There was also an 'Intelligent Gorillas' team from QUT who designed a powerpoint plugin that permits off-campus students to view the slides in sync with the lecturer and ask questions too - effectively, a uni-oriented version of the various online conferencing tools out there. The other entry to make the top 3 was 'Smart Education' team from University of Canberra as well, with a web-based service that assists students with their study by helping them schedule and note-take.
If you haven't guessed it already, the theme was "imagine a world where technology enables a better education for all".
Ed Hooper, the University of Melbourne Microsoft Student Partner, has a great summary on his blog. I know I'm in absolutely no position to comment seeing as I didn't participate, but the entries seemed a bit lacklustre. I guess I didn't see the presentations in person either, but there didn't seem to be any part that was particularly outstanding, and all seemed to be focused on uni life which while is where the students are at, isn't where the majority of the world is. Then again, there were clearly needs in these niches and the entrants have addressed them well. Nevertheless, best of luck to the APA team!
What really interested me from that blog post was the IC2008 announcement:
The theme for the 6th Imagine Cup is “imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment” and the world finals are located in Paris, France. So start thinking how you can make something great that fits into this theme and go for it. Also remember that the competition is open to all students not just those who study information technology so get others with different knowledge and abilities onboard.
I reckon there'll be more interest in 2008 given how relevant and passionate people are about this theme. There's a lot of unexploited avenues when it comes to technology and the environment, from websites that turn household energy savings into a game (like an expanded version of localcooling.com), to mobile apps that can route and alert you to greener transport alternatives based on your location, to embedded devices that watches and learns when appliances are used and switches them off when it is unlikely to be used.
Personally, I'm most passionate about mobile apps and embedded devices because they are such widespread (mobiles at least, for now), cheap, universal and powerful platforms with heaps of untapped potential.
Who knows, maybe this will be enough to keep me at uni, round up a team and enter next year 