- Team to represent country on global scale
Karachi’s Bahria University students have won the Imagine Cup National Final—a technology competition held by the Microsoft in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and winners can earn up to $100,000 for their project.
The team ‘Positive Zero’ has built a Microsoft Azure cognitive service-based engine that helps in writing code through voice commands. The team will represent Pakistan in the advanced stages of the competition on a global scale.
In Pakistan, students from various universities participated, remote areas were targeted for the competition, particularly Sahiwal, Mianwali, Khuzdar and Jamshoro. Students were initially evaluated in regional finals, held in different cities and the best teams competed to win the national finals.
Microsoft’s Enterprise and Partner Group Segment Director Abid Zaidi said that the link between education, attainment and economic growth has never been clearer. The foundation for sustainable economic growth for the future is being laid, through this initiative, he added.
Microsoft’s Country Head Shahzad Aslam Khan said talent has no boundaries! Any student can benefit the competition, as it provides world-class opportunities and support for the youth, nurturing their true potential and giving them a chance to do something extraordinary and accelerate growth.
IT Director General Anwar Amjad, while appreciating the event, said that the platform provided by the HEC to the students is truly unique as it could help them in their professional careers.
HEC Executive Director Dr Arshad Ali said that the HEC-Microsoft Strategic Education Alliance has contributed greatly in producing graduates, who are well-equipped and qualified, not only to handle the pressures of the practical world, but have the vision to carve their own avenues with a scientific approach, to tackle complex issues.
HEC Chairman Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said, “We appreciate the valuable support of Microsoft in this initiative, as Higher Education Commission strives to nurture the students’ talents through this annual competition.
This is a great way to evolve a rich and modern academic culture in Pakistan, as we integrate global advancements and cutting-edge tools to bring the domestic curriculum and learning at par with the leading universities of the world. Thus, we are empowering our students to contribute and compete in the global workforce,” the HEC chairman concluded.
Imagine Cup, Started in 2003, is held annually by the Microsoft Corporation serves as a platform for teams to present their solutions to the world. All technology projects can apply in the competition.
Pakistan ranks as the top country in the Middle East and Africa cluster, with the highest number of project submissions and competitors in the competition. Pakistan also ranks 5th worldwide, in the same category.