The fourth annual Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior (ICJ) global student competition is an exciting opportunity for students to learn about technology and how it can be used to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. This year’s competition focuses on Microsoft‘s theme “AI for Good” and encourages students to create projects that use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity to make a positive impact on the world.

To participate in the competition, students must first register by visiting Microsoft’s official ICJ website. The registration process is simple and straightforward and only takes a few minutes to complete. Once registered, students will have access to a variety of resources and learning materials to help them develop their projects. These resources include tutorials:

• Beginners Kit: includes six 45-minute lessons, student guides, submission template, judging criteria, and rubric.
• Deep Learning Modules: an in-depth overview of the six technology modules that supplement the Beginners Kit, for more advanced learning. Modules include Intro to AI, Machine Learning, AI Applications in Real Life, Deep Learning and Neural Networks, AI for Good, and Cybersecurity.
• Team Leader Toolkit: includes student certificates, social templates, posters, and more to leverage throughout the challenge.
• Judging Criteria and Rubric: to understand what will be used by judges to determine the winners.

In addition to the resources available on the ICJ website, students will also have the opportunity to participate in webinars to further understand best practices for running an Imagine Cup Junior project and facilitating additional learning for students. This is a great opportunity for students to learn from their peers and gain inspiration for their projects.

The competition is open to all students ages 13-18, regardless of their technical proficiency. This means that students of all skill levels can participate and learn from the experience. According to Microsoft, last year, thousands of students participated in the challenge and the judges recognized 10 global winners who created incredible concepts to address Microsoft’s AI for Good initiatives.

This year, ICJ is excited to see even more students participate in the challenge and learn the impact that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cybersecurity can have on the world. By participating in the ICJ competition, students will not only learn about these technologies, but will also gain valuable skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. These skills will be valuable not only in the technology field but in any field they choose to pursue.

So, if you’re a student, don’t miss out on this opportunity and register for this year’s Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior (ICJ) global student competition (added full information on where to register and how to submit projects). You will not only learn about technology and how it can be used to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges but also gain skills that will be valuable for your future career. Don’t wait, register today and start working on your project.

How are Imagine Cup Junior projects submitted?

Students illustrate their concepts in the Imagine Cup Junior PowerPoint template. Team Leaders submit a completed PowerPoint template and link to a video illustrating the students’ concept at: www.imaginecup.com/junior. 

Submissions for the 2023 competition must be uploaded to the Imagine Cup website by May 10, 2023. A panel of judges evaluates each team’s project based on Judging Criteria and Rubric.

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

How to get started with Imagine Cup Junior

1. Register at www.imaginecup.com/junior.
2. Download the Imagine Cup Junior Resource Pack.
3. Incorporate the resources into the class curriculum and lesson plans.
4. Form student teams sized one to six, and collaborate with them to develop their idea and build their concept in the PowerPoint submission template. Have student teams create a video illustrating their idea.
5. Submit projects by May 10, 2023, via www.imaginecup.com/junior.
6. Celebrate teams who are crowned global challenge winners, to be announced June 7, 2023, on the Microsoft Education Blog.