Microsoft launches the Imagine Cup Junior 2023 competition to empower the best innovations

Students want to change the world? Do business mentors and mentors want to unlock opportunities for amazing talent growth? The Imagine Cup Junior (ICJ) 2023 program is open for enrollment, creating distinct pathways for students to learn about technology that solves the world’s biggest challenges. Participants experience the impact that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity can have on the world. All for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s ecosystems.

The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior Competition is a global student competition for ages 13-18 where entry takes place in ICJ, with the support of educators, via a team leader (eg teacher, tutor, parent or guardian – over the age of 18). ICJ covers a range of skills and is open to all students regardless of their technical aptitude. Through ICJ, teachers use lessons to teach their students AI techniques, students form teams, and apply those lessons to come up with a concept or idea to make a difference in their local community or the world around them. Students explain their concept in a PowerPoint template and record a video to demonstrate their concept. No coding required.

New this year! Microsoft received feedback from last year that some teams wanted to build a prototype of their concept, so this year Microsoft is giving away information to get there I visit for students Where team leaders can add students to collaborate and prototype their concept. Also new this year Minecraft: Education Edition Ethical AI lessons for teachers to use to add additional AI activities to support student learning.

Last year, thousands of students took part in the challenge. The judges recognized 10 global winners (see My Forbes article) who created incredible concepts to deal with Microsoft AI initiatives for good.

Imagine the Junior Cup resource pack

Once registered, team leaders can access all the resources needed to teach students and run the Imagine Cup Junior Challenge. These resources include:

· Starter group: Includes six 45-minute lessons, guides for students, application form, judging criteria, and rubric.

· Deep learning modules: An in-depth overview of the six technology modules that complement the Starter Pack, for more advanced learning. Modules include Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Real-Life Applications of AI, Deep Learning and Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence for Good, and Cybersecurity.

· Team Leader Toolkit: Includes student testimonials, social templates, stickers, and more to take advantage of during the challenge.

· Judging criteria and evaluation rules: to understand what the judges will use to determine the winners.

After the team leader delivers lessons in the classroom – based on the deep learning modules – they form teams of one to six students. Each team leader should encourage student teams to apply lessons and then exchange ideas to help make a positive difference in the world. Concepts must align with Microsoft AI for good initiatives focused on health, cultural heritage, land, accessibility, and humanitarian action.

How are Imagine Cup Junior projects delivered?

Students demonstrate their concept on the Imagine Cup Junior PowerPoint Template. Team leaders submit a completed PowerPoint template and a link to a video demonstrating the students’ concept in The same link where registration is now open.

Entries for the 2023 competition must be uploaded to the Imagine Cup website by May 10, 2023. A panel of arbitrators evaluates each team’s project based on the judging criteria and evaluation rules.

The top ten teams will be announced on June 7, 2023, and will receive awards and prizes.

Imagine Cup Be inspired!

Imagine Cup, the original program for ages 16 and up, has had more than two million students compete since its inception. And the winners highlight this Forbes story. The Imagine Cup Junior Program in its fourth annual edition in 2023 allows the youngest students to participate in this most successful and creative program.

2017 Imagine Cup contestant Sharo Thomas founded her own company Ox whose clients include Fortune 500 retailers and is now an investor. Charu has been named to Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list, AMP’s 2020 Future 50 list and more. Get inspired by the video interview with Charu featured in this one Forbes story: Top 11 Purposeful Leaders – Women Positively Inspiring and Influencing the World.

[This article is driven by my global insights from working daily pro bono with more than one million CEOs, investors, scientists, and experts across 100+ projects.]