Microsoft has announced that Zain has entered into an official agreement to support youth as they compete in the Bahrain round of the student technology competition, Imagine Cup 2012.

Now in its tenth year, the competition will provide the students an opportunity to ‘Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems’, a statement said.

The competition, which comes to the kingdom under the strategic partner eGovernment Authority (eGA), was officially launched in the beginning of this year, empowering students to utilise their creative and technical abilities – aiming to make a positive impact on society.

The winning team in the software design category will participate in the Imagine Cup worldwide finals – set to take place in July in Sydney, Australia.

Zain’s support is in line with its strong belief in the power of technology, innovation and the ability of Bahrain’s youth to create and compete on a global level, the statement said.

“Zain has always endorsed the capability of Bahrain’s youth to innovate and create new technological solutions. Our launch in 2003 was memorably fuelled by such a belief and we have since set many worldwide records in technology implementation because of our team representing Bahrain,” said Zain general manager Mohammed Zainalabedin.

“We believe that the sponsorship of the Imagine Cup 2012 Bahrain round will help to develop a fertile technological space for Bahraini talent and are sure they will shine in this global competition,” he said.

Tareq Hijazi, Microsoft Bahrain and Oman Country Manager, said: “The Microsoft Imagine Cup competition provides young talent in the country a platform to showcase their creativity, innovation and knowledge leveraging technology.”

“Microsoft believes that technology is a powerful force that can make a difference to our prosperity at a global level; having students compete for a good cause will not only motivate them to become business innovators and the next generation of technology adopters, but it will also empower them and further inspire many generations to come,” he added.

Students between the ages of 16 to 26 years are invited to apply online at http://www.imaginecupgulf.com/Bahrain.aspx by March 20 to secure a place in Bahrain’s round, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service