New Delhi, December 3,
2020.
Microsoft India and
the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) are joining hands for the
India edition of the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2021, an annual innovation challenge
for students and technology enthusiasts. Imagine Cup is a global competition designed to empower students to apply artificial
intelligence and other technologies to solve some of the world’s most critical
social and sustainability issues.
This year’s Imagine Cup will be
held virtually with students competing to solve global challenges across four
categories: Earth, Education, Health, and Lifestyle.
As knowledge partner,
NSDC will enable nation-wide reach of the competition across states, districts,
and skill development centers. Together, Microsoft and NSDC will conduct
virtual Imagine Camps across the country to drive awareness and educate
students about the use of advanced technologies in their projects. Students will
get a chance to hear from past winners of the Imagine Cup about their
experience and advice on tips and tricks.
Speaking about this,
Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, National Technology Officer, Microsoft, said, “As economies focus on building resilience, we
are witnessing the power of technology and innovation to solve some of the
world’s toughest challenges at scale. The Imagine Cup serves as a platform for
the youth of India to couple technology with innovative ideas and build
something that matters to them, makes a difference in their communities and
creates societal impact. Our partnership with NSDC is aimed at empowering young
people across the country to collaborate, innovate and build for a sustainable
future.”
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Manish Kumar, MD
& CEO, NSDC, said, “The country’s economic development depends on
innovations, high-tech jobs and new-age skills. Imagine Cup underscores the
importance of skills and learning in achieving inclusive and sustainable
development of the youth. It is our endeavour to provide opportunities and
platforms to harness their talent and prepare them for a globally competitive
world. NSDC is pleased to join hands
with Microsoft and exchange knowledge related to digital skills demand and
future requirements.”