Imagine Cup WW Finals was truly a memorable experience. I was awed and humbled by the talent, creativity, intelligence, passion and diversity of ideas from all the contestants during the finals in India. That is what engaging with the academic community so satisfying for me.

This trip to India also afforded me an opportunity to catch up with many of my “old” friends around the world. A special hello goes out to Diane, Millo, Justin, Jenp (US and Redmond), Jan-Kristian and his wife – Ingunn (Norway), Matthias (Netherland), Caroline (UK), LJ (Taiwan), Andrey, Stan and Nick (Russia) and Yuto (Japan). I also got to know many new Microsoft-ies – Mohammed (Jordan), Na Zeng and Tao Yang (China), Nu (Thailand), Leandro (LATAM RHQ), Vidya, Sidharn (MSR Labs – India) and Charles Torre to mention some.

I can blog on and on about this trip and how much I have enjoyed and learnt from this trip. It had been truly a privilege and an experience to last a lifetime. Thanks to my great manager – Ben English for this opportunity! I have new plans to make the AU Imagine Cup an event better experience for the company and of course - students.

Team Australia in Agra
    

Algorithm Challenge (All 3 positions won by Poland)

Project Hoshimi (Team Japan - Yuto and Partner, Team France - Winner)

IT

Interface Design (Team China)

Short Film (Team Taiwan and Team Turkey - offsite to make their film, Team Canada - Winner)

Software Design (Final 12, Stan and Nick - RU, Soma, Grand Finals, Team Norway, Team Brazil, Team Italy)

After-party